How to run multiple DOS commands in parallel?

Question

How to run multiple dos commands?

I have a for loop, which runs detection of server to detect which server works and is fast. And because there is more servers, I wish not to run all server detections in sequence, but in parallel.

Look here: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/672719/parallel-execution-of-shell-processes — Anton Skovorodko, Jun 13 '12 at 08:30
possible duplicate of [How do I run a bat file in the background from another bat file?](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/649634/how-do-i-run-a-bat-file-in-the-background-from-another-bat-file) — John Conde, Jun 13 '12 at 18:11
This one is a complete script using only windows batch features: http://stackoverflow.com/a/11715437/2026975 — imriss, Aug 16 '13 at 19:38
[Windows cmd is **not** DOS](https://superuser.com/q/451432/241386). There are no such things like for loop or parallel in DOS — phuclv, Jul 20 '17 at 02:47

score 239 · Accepted Answer · edited Dec 23 '22 at 06:22

239

You can execute commands in parallel with start like this:

start "" ping myserver
start "" nslookup myserver
start "" morecommands

They will each start in their own command prompt and allow you to run multiple commands at the same time from one batch file.

edited Dec 23 '22 at 06:22

starball

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answered Jun 13 '12 at 08:44

Bali C

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Moreover, the [`/b`](https://www.computerhope.com/starthlp.htm) option allows to execute the `start` command without creating a new window. Try this with cmd: `start /b ping google.com & start /b ping example.com` – Nino Filiu Nov 15 '18 at 20:23
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@NinoFiliu you should gain the nobel – Leonardo Rick Mar 19 '21 at 05:47
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How to wait for last parallel process to complete? – Andrus Dec 24 '22 at 08:54

score 7 · Answer 2 · edited May 23 '17 at 12:18

7

I suggest you to see "How do I run a bat file in the background from another bat file?"

Also, good answer (of using start command) was given in "Parallel execution of shell processes" question page here;

But my recommendation is to use PowerShell. I believe it will perfectly suit your needs.

edited May 23 '17 at 12:18

Community

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answered Jun 13 '12 at 08:29

Sergei Danielian

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Top-Master · Answer 3 · 2022-11-21T04:22:36.980

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You can execute commands in parallel with start command, like:

start "" ping google.com

But to execute WITHOUT new window, use the /b option, like:

start /b ping google.com -t
start /b ping example.com -t

Moreover, the -t option makes ping repeat infinite times.

Also, try Ctrl + Break if Ctrl + C does not work (but Ctrl+C works for above example).

edited Nov 21 '22 at 04:22

answered Jan 07 '22 at 11:52

Top-Master

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score 4 · Answer 4 · edited May 06 '20 at 18:21

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if you have multiple parameters use the syntax as below. I have a bat file with script as below:

start "dummyTitle" [/options] D:\path\ProgramName.exe Param1 Param2 Param3 
start "dummyTitle" [/options] D:\path\ProgramName.exe Param4 Param5 Param6

This will open multiple consoles.

edited May 06 '20 at 18:21

nstenz

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answered Apr 04 '19 at 14:59

Mohit Kanojia

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How to run multiple DOS commands in parallel?

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