
Do you know how to execute .exe
files in a batch file using the start
and call
commands? Although these two commands seem similar, there are significant differences in their execution timing and behavior. In this article, we’ll explain how to use these commands and what sets them apart.
Commands to Execute .exe Files
In a batch file, .exe
files can be executed using two primary commands:
- Start Command
- Call Command
Each of these commands has distinct characteristics, so you need to choose the appropriate one depending on your purpose.
How to Use the Start Command
The start
command opens a new command prompt window to execute the specified program.
Basic syntax:
start "" "path to the program"
Key points:
- The first pair of
""
specifies the window title, but leaving it empty is fine. - When specifying a full path, enclose it in double quotes.
Example:
start "" "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\excel.exe"
start "" "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\winword.exe"
Official documentation:
How to Use the Call Command
The call
command is used to call another batch file or program within the current batch file.
Basic syntax:
call "path to the program"
Key points:
- The next command will not execute until the program called by
call
finishes. - Some built-in Windows programs (e.g.,
notepad.exe
) can be executed without specifying the full path.
Example:
call "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\excel.exe"
call "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\winword.exe"
Official documentation:
Differences Between Start and Call
Feature | Start Command | Call Command |
---|---|---|
Execution timing | Asynchronous (next command runs immediately) | Synchronous (next command waits until the current one finishes) |
Simultaneous execution | Possible | Not possible (runs commands one at a time) |
Error handling | Proceeds even if an error occurs in the current command | Stops execution on error |
Main use case | For launching multiple programs simultaneously | For ensuring sequential execution |
Example Batch File Creations
1. Creating start.bat

File content:
start "" "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\excel.exe"
start "" "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\winword.exe"
Result:
- Both Excel and Word will launch at the same time.
2. Creating call.bat

File content:
call "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\excel.exe"
call "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\winword.exe"
Result:
- Excel will launch, and Word will only open after Excel is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I run a program invisibly using the start command?
A1: Yes, by adding the /B
option, you can run a program without opening a new window.
start /B "" "path to the program"
Q2: Is it possible to run multiple programs simultaneously with the call command?
A2: No, the call
command executes programs one at a time. For simultaneous execution, use the start
command.
Q3: How do I handle spaces in file paths?
A3: Enclose the entire file path in double quotes.
start "" "C:\Program Files\Example\program.exe"
Q4: Are there other ways to execute .exe files besides start and call?
A4: You can directly specify the .exe
file in the batch script, but for better control and error handling, using start
or call
is recommended.
Conclusion
When executing .exe
files in a batch file, you should choose between the start
and call
commands based on your needs:
- For running multiple programs simultaneously: Use the
start
command. - For ensuring sequential execution: Use the
call
command.
Both commands are valuable tools for automating processes in Windows, and understanding their differences will help you create more efficient batch files.

Thank you for reading!
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