One batch file uses start command to open another. Just like the description in "start /?" sais: If it is an internal command or a batch file then the command processor is run with /K switch to cmd.exe. This means that window will remain after the command has been run. Adding the exit command at the end of batch file will close the window. The thing is I need that second batch to delete itself, and then exit. del %0 exit But, of course, after file deletes itself exit command won't be run and window will remain open. I had in mind using call to open the second batch, and then using taskkill to close the first one. This way the second batch would close automatically after it deletes itself. But both batches are cmd.exe processes and therefore I can't specify which one to kill. Does anyone has an idea how to do this?

Try: Start cmd /c "<batch>"

Works like a charm. :D