Share this article

Improve this guide

CMD Tab Autocomplete is Not Working: 2 Ways to Fix it

Modify the Registry to re-enable TAB autocomplete

2 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

The Command Prompt has a handy little autocomplete feature allowing users to change directory paths using theTabkey. However, several users have reportedTabautocomplete is not working in CMD on Windows.

This issue can occur if theCompletion Functionis disabled in the registry. This can happen after installing new Windows updates, which may have disabled the feature. Keep reading to find out how to enableTabautocomplete in Command Prompt and Terminal.

How do I turn on Tab autocomplete in CMD?

How do I turn on Tab autocomplete in CMD?

1. Enable autocomplete through Registry Editor

When CMD Tab autocomplete is not working, modifying the Registry, i.e., theCompletionCharandPathCompletionCharDWORDs, should get things up and running.

2. Enable tab autocomplete using Command Prompt

Having to type the complete folder path manually is a time-consuming task, which becomes annoying if the pathname has long numbers in it. This is where the autocomplete feature comes in handy.

And with these two methods, you should be able to fix things when the CMD tab autocomplete is not working.

Before you leave, find out how topersonalize the Command Promptand choose the desired color.

If you know of any other method to fix thisCommand Promptissue, share it with the other users in the comments section below.

More about the topics:command prompt

Tashreef Shareef

Tashreef Shareef is a software developer turned tech writer. He discovered his interest in technology after reading a tech magazine accidentally. Now he writes about everything tech from Windows to iOS and streaming services to IoT at WindowsReport.

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Δ

Tashreef Shareef