How to access PHP with the Command Line on Windows? How to access PHP with the Command Line on Windows? php php

How to access PHP with the Command Line on Windows?


You need to add your PHP installation directory to the %PATH% environment variable, or work from the PHP installation directory.

To add it to path (The best approach - Edited for Windows 7):

  • Right-click on a My Computer icon
  • Click Properties
  • Click Advanced system settings from the left nav
  • Click Advanced tab
  • Click Environment Variables button
  • In the System Variables section, select Path (case-insensitive) and click Edit button
  • Add a semi-colon (;) to the end of the string, then add the full file system path of your PHP installation (e.g. C:\Program Files\PHP)
  • Keep clicking OK etc until all dialog boxes have disappeared
  • Close your command prompt and open it again
  • Sorted

Alternatively, you can run cd <PHP installation path> before you try and run you command, or call your script like <FULL file system path of php.exe> <path to script>


For temporary use, try this: (benefit for use npm or composer)

> SET PATH=c:\wamp\bin\php\php5.3.29\;%PATH%

For test use this:

> echo %PATH%c:\wamp\bin\php\php5.3.29\;c:\anothers\;

Now you can access to PHP command:

> php -vPHP 5.3.29 (cli)


Easy Way: Run CMD then type

C:\wamp\bin\php\php5.4.3\php.exe -f "C:\wamp\www\timenow.php"

Change the last part for a different script, and make sure you have the same version php folder as I do. (php5.4.3)