Command-line auditing is a logging control that records the full arguments used when a process starts. Instead of only seeing that a program ran, defenders can see how it was launched, including switches, file paths, URLs, scripts, and encoded payloads. On Windows, this often comes from process-creation auditing or tools such as Sysmon.
This matters because command lines reveal execution intent. Attackers frequently abuse legitimate tools such as PowerShell, rundll32, or mshta with suspicious arguments to download payloads, run scripts, or hide activity. Auditing those arguments helps analysts reconstruct a timeline, spot living-off-the-land tradecraft, and write stronger detections. It also supports threat hunting and incident response, but it must be protected: command lines can expose secrets, paths, and operational details, so access control and retention policies should be tight.