TAB key for Auto-complete not working in Command Prompt

The Tab key in Command Prompt is used to complete the commands automatically. However, if the Tab key for auto-complete is not working in the Command Prompt of Windows 11/10, follow the solutions provided in this article to fix this problem.

What is the Tab key in CMD?

The Tab key in CMD in Windows computers is used to complete the partially written command. First, type some initial letters of your command, then press the Tab key on your keyboard. Windows automatically makes a guess to complete the partially written command and fills in the remaining characters. You can keep pressing the Tab key until you get the desired result. For example, if you want to change the directory, you can type the cd command and then keep pressing the Tab key. The Command Prompt will start filling the remaining command. When you get the desired result, stop pressing the Tab key.

TAB key for Auto-complete not working in Command Prompt

If the TAB key to Auto-complete is not working in Command Prompt on Windows 11/10, then you need to make changes in the Registry to fix the issue. You will need to make two changes:

Modify CompletionChar and PathCompletionChar registry values
Enable QuickEdit Mode

Let’s take a look at the description of the process involved concerning each of the listed solutions.

1] Modify CompletionChar and PathCompletionChar registry values

Since this is a registry operation, it is recommended that you back up the registry or create a system restore point as necessary precautionary measures. Once done, you can proceed as follows:

Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
In the Run dialog box, type regedit and hit Enter to open Registry Editor.
Navigate or jump to the registry key path below:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Command Processor

On the right pane, double-click on the CompletionChar entry to edit its Properties.
In the properties window, set the Value data to 9.
Click OK to save changes.

Next, on the right pane still, double-click on the PathCompletionChar entry to edit its properties.

In the Properties window, set the Value data to 9.
Click OK to save changes.
Exit Registry Editor and reboot your device.

On boot, open CMD prompt and check if the TAB key is now working normally.

2] Enable QuickEdit Mode

We also suggest you check if the QuickEdit Mode is enabled or not in the Command Prompt settings. The following instructions will guide you on this:

Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
In the Run dialog box, type cmd and then press CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER to open Command Prompt in elevated mode.
In the Command Prompt window, right-click on the Command Prompt title bar.
Now, click on Properties.
In the Edit Options section, check the option QuickEdit Mode.
Click on OK to save changes.

The TAB key should start working as expected and the issue should be now resolved.

Hope this helps!

How to fix tab key not working?

If the Tab key is not working on your Windows 11/10 computer, the issue may be associated with your keyboard. There might be dust accumulated inside the keyboard due to which the Tab key is not able to make contact with the keyboard PCB circuit. Additionally, the Tab key might be damaged. You can connect another keyboard to check if the issue is with your keyboard or not.