CAD tip # 9451:

The command version of 3ds Max - 3dsmaxcmd.exe - can be run with various parameters and with the scene name (see tip 6825). You can add the call of this program to this context menu for .max files - either directly in the Windows Explorer or in another file manager (e.g. Total Commander). Use the following command for context-aware calls:

"C:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max Design 2014\3dsmaxcmd.exe" "%1"

You can add this context function to your Explorer for .MAX file by opening (running) the following .REG file:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\3dsmax\Shell\Render]
@="Render with 3ds Max"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\3dsmax\Shell\Render\Command]
@="\"C:\\Program Files\\Autodesk\\3ds Max Design 2014\\3dsmaxcmd.exe\" \"%1\""

The scene will be rendered with default settings. The output file can be redirected by adding the parameter -o:outputfile.png.