4 command-line tools I always install on Windows PCs

2025 November 2 • AI Tools

4 Command-Line Tools I Always Install on Windows PCs

SEO Meta Description

Discover four essential command-line tools for Windows that boost productivity, automate tasks, and enhance data management. Perfect for professionals and power users.

Keyword-Rich Headings

Dust: Visualize Disk Usage Like a Pro
FFmpeg: The Ultimate Media Conversion Powerhouse
Speedtest CLI: Monitor Internet Speed Without a Browser
Rclone: Seamless Cloud Storage Management from the Terminal

Introduction

The command line is often overlooked by casual Windows users, but it’s a powerful tool for automating tasks, analyzing data, and even generating income. Whether you’re a developer, data analyst, or business professional, these four command-line tools can streamline your workflow, save time, and improve efficiency.

1. Dust: Visualize Disk Usage Like a Pro

Overview

Dust is a modern, Rust-based command-line tool that provides a clear, color-coded visualization of disk usage. Unlike traditional tools like du or Windows’ built-in disk analyzer, Dust offers an intuitive, hierarchical view of file and folder sizes.

Main Features and Benefits

Color-coded tree view: Easily identify large files and folders.
Fast scanning: Runs quickly without requiring admin rights.
Customizable output: Use flags like -d to limit directory depth or -r to reverse sort order.
Open-source and lightweight: No bloat, just efficient disk analysis.

Use Cases (Financial & Business)

IT Management: Quickly identify unnecessary files consuming storage on company servers.
Cost Savings: Reduce cloud storage costs by deleting unused files.
Data Cleanup: Automate monthly disk audits to maintain system performance.

Setup Process and Cost

Dust is free and open-source. Install it via WinGet:

winget install --id=bootandy.dust -e

Comparison with Alternatives

WinDirStat: GUI-based, slower but offers a visual map.
WizTree: Faster than WinDirStat but lacks Dust’s simplicity.

2. FFmpeg: The Ultimate Media Conversion Powerhouse

Overview

FFmpeg is a command-line tool for handling multimedia files, including video, audio, and images. It supports a wide range of formats and codecs, making it indispensable for media professionals.

Main Features and Benefits

Format conversion: Convert between formats like MP4, MKV, AVI, etc.
Batch processing: Automate tasks like trimming, resizing, or extracting audio.
Open-source and actively developed: Backed by a strong community.
Integration with other tools: Used by VLC, HandBrake, and more.

Use Cases (Financial & Business)

Content Creation: Automate video editing for YouTube or social media.
E-learning: Convert lecture recordings into optimized formats for online courses.
Marketing: Batch-process promotional videos for different platforms.

Setup Process and Cost

FFmpeg is free and open-source. Install it via WinGet:

winget install ffmpeg

Comparison with Alternatives

HandBrake: GUI-based, easier for beginners but less flexible.
Adobe Media Encoder: Paid, but offers a more polished interface.

3. Speedtest CLI: Monitor Internet Speed Without a Browser

Overview

Speedtest CLI is a command-line version of Ookla’s Speedtest.net, allowing you to measure internet speed without opening a browser. It’s ideal for network troubleshooting and automation.

Main Features and Benefits

Accurate speed testing: Uses the same backend as Speedtest.net.
JSON output: Export results for analysis or logging.
Server selection: Test against specific servers for precise results.
Ad-free: No distractions, just raw data.

Use Cases (Financial & Business)

ISP Negotiations: Gather evidence for bandwidth upgrades.
Remote Work: Ensure stable connections for video conferencing.
Automated Monitoring: Schedule regular speed tests to track performance.

Setup Process and Cost

Speedtest CLI is free. Install it via WinGet:

winget install --id Ookla.Speedtest.CLI -e

Comparison with Alternatives

Browser-based Speedtest: Slower and ad-supported.
Third-party apps: Often lack the same accuracy or automation options.

4. Rclone: Seamless Cloud Storage Management from the Terminal

Overview

Rclone is a command-line tool for managing files across multiple cloud storage services, including Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and S3-compatible storage.

Main Features and Benefits

Multi-cloud support: Manage files across different providers.
Encryption: Secure sensitive data before uploading.
Scheduled syncs: Automate backups and file transfers.
Bandwidth control: Limit data usage during transfers.

Use Cases (Financial & Business)

Data Backup: Automate backups for critical business files.
Collaboration: Sync project files across teams.
Cost Optimization: Compare cloud storage costs and optimize usage.

Setup Process and Cost

Rclone is free and open-source. Install it via WinGet:

winget install rclone

Comparison with Alternatives

Cyberduck: GUI-based, but lacks Rclone’s scripting capabilities.
CloudBerry Backup: Paid, but offers similar features for enterprise users.

Conclusion

These four command-line tools—Dust, FFmpeg, Speedtest CLI, and Rclone—are game-changers for Windows users who want to automate tasks, analyze data, and manage resources efficiently. Whether you’re a developer, business professional, or content creator, these tools can save you time, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.

By integrating them into your workflow, you’ll unlock new levels of efficiency and control over your digital environment.

Tags: AI Automation Tools