Which type of file is typically used to automate commands in Windows?

A batch file is typically used to automate commands in Windows. This is a text file that contains a sequence of commands that the Windows command-line interpreter can execute. When executed, the batch file runs all the commands listed within it in the order they appear, allowing users to automate repetitive tasks or configure settings efficiently.

Batch files utilize specific command syntax recognized by the Command Prompt, including commands such as echo, copy, and del, along with control flow commands like if, for, and goto. This feature makes them particularly useful for administrative tasks, software setup, and system maintenance.

While executable files can also run commands, they do not necessarily involve user-defined scripts; they are compiled programs. Script files, although they may be similar, can refer to various scripting languages and environments that are not specifically tied to the batch process in Windows. Configuration files store settings and options but do not directly execute commands. Thus, the functionality and the purpose of a batch file align perfectly with the task of automating commands in the Windows environment.