PAUSE - CMD

Overview

The PAUSE command in Windows CMD is used to suspend a batch file’s execution until the user presses a key. It serves primarily to provide a break point during script execution, allowing users to interact or check the state of the operation before proceeding. This command is particularly effective in debugging, educational purposes, and sequential execution where manual intervention is necessary.

Syntax

The PAUSE command has a very straightforward syntax with no additional parameters:

PAUSE

Options/Flags

There are no options or flags available for the PAUSE command. Its sole functionality is to halt the process execution and wait for any keyboard input from the user to continue.

Examples

Here are several examples of how PAUSE can be used in different scenarios:

  1. Basic Usage:
    Simply suspend execution and display the default message:

    @ECHO OFF
ECHO This will pause the execution.
PAUSE
ECHO Execution resumed.

  2. Custom Prompt:
    Incorporate a custom message to clarify why the pause is happening:

    @ECHO OFF
ECHO Download complete. Press any key to continue with the installation.
PAUSE >nul
ECHO Installation starting...

Common Issues

Issue: Script proceeds without pausing.
Solution: Ensure PAUSE is not being bypassed by a piping or redirection issue. Avoid additional commands on the same line after PAUSE.

Issue: Unexpected output from PAUSE command.
Solution: Redirecting the default message to nul using PAUSE >nul can hide unwanted text if a clean interface is needed.

Integration

PAUSE can be effectively combined with other commands for more structured and interactive batch files. For example:

  • Combining with Conditional Statements:

    @ECHO OFF
COPY file.txt D:\Backup\
IF %ERRORLEVEL% EQU 0 (
    ECHO Copy successful.
) ELSE (
    ECHO Copy failed. Review the error above.
    PAUSE
)

  • Loop with Pause:

    @ECHO OFF
SET /P runAgain=Do you want to repeat the operation? (Y/N)
IF /I "%runAgain%" == "Y" (
    ECHO Repeating the operation...
    PAUSE
    GOTO :operationStart
)
:operationStart
ECHO Starting operation...
  • ECHO: Used for displaying messages or turning command echoing on or off.
  • SET: Defines or displays batch file variables or string substitutions.
  • GOTO: Directs batch file execution to a labeled line.

Further documentation and help for CMD commands can be accessed using the HELP command in the CMD or by visiting the official Microsoft documentation available online.