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I'm working on an InfoSec exercise, specifically sending emails in cmd that makes use of telnet. Unfortunately, I can't start it. I'm receiving the "'telnet' is not recognized as an internal or external command,operable program or batch file." from cmd when I type telnet. Can someone please tell me on what to install and its procedures for me to access telnet command in CMD. Thanks!

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3 Answers 3

Reset to default
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I hope you are using Windows 7.

Telnet is disabled by default, so to enable it follow these steps:

  1. Open the Control Panel
  2. Go to Programs & Features
  3. In left bar select "Turn Windows features on or off"
  4. Find "Telnet Client" and tick it
  5. Click "OK"

Telnet should be working now.

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Telnet is a Windows feature that needs to be enabled.

Control Panel > Programs & Features > Turn Windows features on or off > check the box at Telnet Client

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You can install telnet client by using DISM command-line tool, e.g.:

dism /online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:TelnetClient

or using pkgmgr (deprecated in favor of above):

pkgmgr /iu:"TelnetClient"

Usage

The syntax is:

telnet example.com 80

where example.com is your destination host (can be localhost for local PC) and 80 is the port number.

When you connect, to disconnect, hit Control+], then type quit command to exit.

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  • This is what worked for me. I'm on an Amazon Workspace Windows 10 machine, and the other answers that talk about control panel didn't apply. When I clicked "Turn Windows features on or off", it took me to something called "Server Manager". If there's a telnet checkbox in there, it must be many layers deep. This command-line based solution worked great! Just be sure you start Command Prompt as an administrator.
    – Eric Seastrand
    Jun 5, 2020 at 18:24

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