Change drive windows cmd

how to change drive in cmd

In the Windows command prompt (CMD), we use the cd command to change from one directory to another. However, it only changes the path inside the current drive by default.

If you want to change to a different drive in CMD, you need to use the /d switch.

cd /d D:

For example, I am working on the command prompt, inside the C:\Users\user1 folder. Now I want to move into a folder called data which is in the D: drive.

command prompt change drive

In the above screenshot, you can see that the command didn’t work. The solution is to use the /d switch.

how to change drive in command prompt

Alternatively, simply enter the drive letter followed by a colon, as follows:

D:

However, this method only changes to the root of the drive. If you want to go to a folder, you have to use the CD command.

As you use Windows, there are times you will need to execute commands in the Command Prompt (CMD) to perform certain tasks. There are commands that will only work when they are executed in the right directory. This short guide will show you how to change the directory or drive in CMD on Windows 11.

The commands to change directory or drive can also be used in the Windows Terminal (a new command-line tools and shells similar to CMD) in Windows 11.

Change directory or drive in Command Prompt

In Command Prompt, you can use the CD command to change the current directory to any other directory you want. This is provided if you have access to the directory and if the directory you want to change to does exist.

For example, the command below will change the current directory to “C:\test” in CMD.

cd C:\test

How to change directory in CMD Windows 11

If the directory or path name contains spaces, it’s recommended to use quotes around the directory. For example, the command below will change the directory to “C:\New folder” in CMD.

cd "C:\New Folder"

Use quotes for path name in CMD

To change the current directory to a different drive in CMD, simply enter the drive letter. For example, the command below will change to D: drive.

d:

Change directory to another drive in CMD

Tip: To view a list of all folders (sub-directories) in the current directory in CMD, enter “dir” in Command Prompt.

dir

How to view folders in current directory in CMD

Can’t change directory in CMD

If the CD command does not work to change directory or drive in CMD, it is because CD is usually used for changing directory in the same drive. If you want to change the directory to a different drive, for example, from C: to D: drive, just type D: in the command prompt.

D:

Change directory to another drive in CMD

After changing the drive, you can then continue using the CD command to change the directory in that drive in CMD.

Alternatively, you can force use CD with a switch “/d” to tell the command prompt you are switching to another drive using the CD command. For example, the command below will change from any directory or drive to “D:\folder\sample” using CD command.

cd /d d:\folder\sample

How to change drive in CMD Windows 11

The system cannot find the path specified error in CMD

Note that if the directory you are changing to does not exist, command prompt will return an error that says “The system cannot find the path specified“. Check the path name and try again.

The system cannot find the path specified CMD Windows 11

Unable to change directory in CMD because “Access is denied”

If you receive the “Access is denied” error when you try to CD to a directory, it means that you do not have the privileges required to access the folder or directory. If you are an administrator in the system and you do own the folder, take ownership of the folder and try again. Read: How to Take Ownership of a File, Folder or Drive in Windows 11.

Access is denied CMD

Change default directory in CMD on Windows 11

By default, if you open Command Prompt from the Start menu or Run window, it will usually open in your Windows profile directory which is something like C:\users\alvin. Or, if you run CMD as administrator, it will always start in C:\Windows\system32.

There is no setting that allows you to change the default directory if you start CMD from Start or Run. However, there is a workaround to force CMD to start in any directory you want it to. You can create a shortcut pointing to cmd.exe and configure the Start in field to any directory you want the command prompt to start in. Here’s how to do it.

First, right-click anywhere on the desktop and select New > Shortcut to create a shortcut.

Create desktop shortcut Windows 11

In the Create Shortcut wizard, enter the path to cmd.exe, in most cases, it should be in “C:\WINDOWS\system32\cmd.exe“. Change the C: drive if your Windows is installed on a different drive. Click Next to continue. Give your shortcut any name you like and click Finish to complete the wizard.

Create shortcut for CMD Windows 11

Next, right-click the newly created shortcut and select Properties. Then, go to the Shortcut tab. In the Start in field, enter the default directory where you want CMD to start in when you open this shortcut. Click OK to save the changes.

Change default directory in CMD Windows 11

Whenever you open CMD through this shortcut, Command Prompt will automatically start in the directory you’ve entered in the “Start in” field earlier.

Start CMD in another drive or directory Windows 11

Geeks and experts love the Command Prompt because of the advanced commands it can run. Fortunately, Command Prompt is not built only on advanced commands, but also on simple ones, designed to perform basic operations. In this article, we show you how to change the directory in CMD, change the drive, see the contents of a directory, how to rename, copy, and delete files and folders, and also how to launch an application from the Command Prompt. We’ll also cover how to get help in CMD. Let’s get started:

NOTE: The information shared in this tutorial applies to Windows 11, Windows 10, and even older Microsoft operating systems such as Windows 7.

1. How to change the directory in CMD (CD in Command Prompt)

The first command from the list is CD (Change Directory). This command enables you to change the current directory or, in other words, to navigate to another folder from your PC.

How to go to the root of the drive, in CMD (CD\)

The first iteration of the CD command you should know is CD\. It takes you to the top of the directory tree. To see how it works, after you open the Command Prompt, type:

cd\

… and press Enter on your keyboard. You should see how the CD\ command takes you to the top of the directory tree. In this case, to the C: drive.

Running the CD\ command to change the directory to root

Running the CD\ command to change the directory to root

The Command Prompt is not case sensitive, meaning that you can type commands using capital letters, lowercase, or any combination of them. The commands CD, cd, or Cd, all work the same way.

NOTE: Did you notice in the screenshot above that Command Prompt looks slightly different than what you’re used to? That’s because we’re using it inside the Windows Terminal. For more information, read: What is the Windows Terminal?

How to navigate to a specific folder in CMD (CD path)

Going back to the CD command, now you are working on the root of the C: drive. If you need to go to a specific folder from this drive, run the command CD Folder. The subfolders must be separated by a backslash character: \. For instance, when you need to access the System32 folder located in C:\Windows, type:

cd windows\system32\

… as shown below, and then press Enter on your keyboard.

How to navigate to a folder in CMD

How to navigate to a folder in CMD

How to change the parent directory in CMD (CD..)

When you need to go one folder up, use the cd.. command. Let’s assume that you’re inside the system32 folder and want to go back to the Windows folder. Type

cd..

… and press Enter on your keyboard.

Running the CD.. command to go up one level in the directory tree

Running the CD.. command to go up one level in the directory tree

The effect is that your current directory changes to C:\Windows.

How to change directory in CMD to desktop (or other user folders)

What about changing the directory in CMD to a personal folder, like your Desktop or Documents? It’s done the same way, using the CD command, but you need to know the locations of your personal folders. In both Windows 10 and Windows 11, all user folders are found in:

C:\Users\[username]\

For example, to change the directory in CMD to your Desktop, the command you’ll have to run is this:

cd C:\Users\[your_user_name]\Desktop

Change path to the Desktop folder in CMD

Change path to the Desktop folder in CMD

Similarly, if you want to navigate to another user folder in CMD, run the same command but replace Desktop with the directory you need to get to. For example, if you want to change the path to your Documents folder, run:

C:\Users\[your_user_name]\Documents

Change directory to a user's Documents folder in CMD

Change directory to a user’s Documents folder in CMD

TIP: Alternatively, instead of entering the name of your user folder manually, you can replace the path to a directory in CMD with the %userprofile% environment variable. Here’s an example of how to change the directory in CMD to Desktop:

cd /d %userprofile%\Desktop

How to change directory in CMD to desktop

How to change directory in CMD to desktop

2. How to change the drive in CMD (Command Prompt)

To access another drive, type the drive’s letter, followed by :. For instance, if you wanted to change the drive from C: to D:, you should type:

d:

… and then press Enter on your keyboard.

How to change the drive in Command Prompt

How to change the drive in Command Prompt

To change the drive and the directory at the same time, use the cd command, followed by the /d switch. The /d parameter is used to change the current drive to a specific folder from another disk volume.

For instance, if you are now on the D: drive and you want to go back to the Windows folder from the C: drive, you should type:

cd /d C:\Windows

… and press Enter on your keyboard, like in the following screenshot.

Changing the drive and directory in Command Prompt

Changing the drive and directory in Command Prompt

NOTE: By typing only the drive letter you automatically move to your most recent location on that drive. For instance, if you are on the D: drive and type cd C:\Windows nothing seems to happen. However, if you type C: afterward, then the working folder changes to C:\Windows.

3. How to view the contents of a directory in Command Prompt (DIR in CMD)

You can view the contents of a folder by using a command called DIR. To test it, we have created a folder named Digital_Citizen on the D: drive, with several files and subfolders. You can see them all in the screenshot below.

The contents of a folder found in the root of the D drive

The contents of a folder found in the root of the D drive

The last time, our working folder was C:\Windows. To navigate to the folder mentioned above, we have to use the command cd /d D:\Digital_Citizen. To view the contents of the folder, type:

DIR

… and press Enter. This displays a list of the files and folders contained in it, together with some details about each of them (the size and the date and time when they were last modified).

Using the DIR command to see the contents of a directory

Using the DIR command to see the contents of a directory

4. How to create a new directory with Command Prompt (MD in CMD)

You can make a new folder using the MKDIR (Make Directory) or the MD command. The syntax of these commands is

MKDIR Folder

or

MD Folder

Let’s say we need to create a new folder called Digital_Citizen_Life that is going to be placed in the D:\Digital_Citizen folder. To do that, we need to type:

mkdir Digital_Citizen_Life

… and then press Enter, as shown below.

The MKDIR command in Command Prompt

The MKDIR command in Command Prompt

TIP: If you want to create a folder that contains spaces in its name, make sure to wrap its name between quotes or apostrophes. For example, if you want to create a folder called Digital Citizen, run the MD command like this:

md “Digital Citizen”

How to create a directory in CMD with spaces in its name

How to create a directory in CMD with spaces in its name

To test if it worked, use the DIR command again. The newly created folder appears in the list.

Using DIR to see the contents of the directory in Command Prompt

Using DIR to see the contents of the directory in Command Prompt

IMPORTANT: Do not forget that all these commands depend on your current location in the Command Prompt. For instance, if you are on the C: drive and type MKDIR test, the new folder is created in the root of the C: drive.

Another way to create a folder without having to go to the desired location for it is to type the complete path of the new folder. For example, if you are working on the D: drive and you want to create a new folder in C:, called other_stuff, type:

mkdir c:\other_stuff

… and then press Enter.

Using MKDIR to create a new directory, with a full path

Using MKDIR to create a new directory, with a full path

When you need to create a folder with subfolders at the same time, you can use this command:

MKDIR Folder\Subfolder

.

For instance, if we type:

mkdir Digital_Citizen_Tests\Beta\Test1

… three folders are created: Digital_Citizen_Tests, Beta, and Test1, in a tree-like structure.

Creating a folder with subfolders using MKDIR in Command Prompt

Creating a folder with subfolders using MKDIR in Command Prompt

5. How to rename files and folders with Command Prompt (REN in CMD)

To rename files and folders, you need to use the REN (Rename) command. To rename folders, type:

ren Folder NewFolderName

For example, if we wanted to rename the Digital_Citizen_Tests folder to Digital_Citizen_Final_Tests, we should run:

ren Digital_Citizen_Tests Digital_Citizen_Final_Tests

… and press Enter.

Renaming folders with the REN command in Command Prompt

Renaming folders with the REN command in Command Prompt

To rename a file, use the same command, like this:

ren filename.extension newname.extension

For instance, to rename the Digital_Citizen_Picture1.bmp file to Image0.bmp, we have to run the command:

ren Digital_Citizen_Image1.bmp Image0.bmp

Renaming files with the REN command in Command Prompt

Renaming files with the REN command in Command Prompt

6. How to copy files in CMD (COPY in Command Prompt)

The COPY command allows you to copy files from one location to another. To use this command, type:

copy location\filename.extension newlocation\newname.extension

For example, let’s use this command to copy the Image0.bmp file from the Digital_Citizen folder located on the D: drive to the D:\Digital_Citizen\Digital_Citizen_Tests\ folder. To make things more interesting, we want the file to be named Testing_Picture1.gif. To do all that, we must type the command:

copy D:\Digital_Citizen\image0.bmp D:\Digital_Citizen\Digital_Citizen_Tests\testing_picture1.gif

… followed by Enter. You should also receive a confirmation of the operation, as you can see below.

Using COPY to copy files with Command Prompt

Using COPY to copy files with Command Prompt

If you are copying within the same directory, you do not have to include the path in the command. As an example, let’s copy Digital_Citizen_Notes.txt from D:\Digital_Citizen in the same folder, only with a different extension: let’s say Digital_Citizen_Notes.docx. To do that, we have to run the command:

copy Digital_Citizen_Notes.txt Digital_Citizen_Notes.docx

Using the COPY command to copy files in the same directory

Using the COPY command to copy files in the same directory

7. How to copy folders in CMD, including their contents (XCOPY in CMD)

To copy a folder and its content from one location to another, use the XCOPY command:

XCOPY /s /i

Let’s assume that we need to copy a folder from D:\Digital_Citizen to C:\Backup_Digital_Citizen. To do that, we have to run the command:

xcopy /s /i d:\Digital_Citizen c:\Backup_Digital_Citizen

The /s parameter ensures that all the directories and subdirectories are going to be copied, except the ones that are empty. The /i parameter creates a new directory if the destination folder does not exist and copies all the files in it.

Using XCOPY to copy folders and their contents in Command Prompt

Using XCOPY to copy folders and their contents in Command Prompt

8. How to delete files with Command Prompt (DEL in CMD)

The DEL (Delete) is used to delete files from the folders you have created. To delete all the files from a folder, you can run the command

del folder

For instance, let’s say we want to delete all the files from the Digital_Citizen_Tests folder found in the D:\Digital_Citizen directory. For that, you first open the Digital_Citizen folder in Command Prompt and then you run this command:

del Digital_Citizen_Tests

You must confirm the delete process by typing the letter y for Yes, and then pressing Enter.

NOTE: To also delete hidden files from the folder, you must add the /h parameter. Also, note that the DEL command does not work for deleting folders — for that, you have to use the RD command, covered in the next section of this tutorial.

Using the DEL command to delete all the files in a directory in Command Prompt

Using the DEL command to delete all the files in a directory in Command Prompt

If you need to delete a single file, use the DEL command followed by that file’s name. For instance, to delete the file Digital_Citizen_Notes.txt from D:\Digital_Citizen, we should run the command:

del Digital_Citizen_Notes.txt

Using the DEL command to delete a single file in Command Prompt

Using the DEL command to delete a single file in Command Prompt

Here is a list of useful DEL combinations that are worth mentioning:

DEL *.DOCX

… deletes all the files in the current folder that have the DOCX extension (you can use any file extension necessary, DOCX is just an example).

DEL Test*.*

… deletes all the files in the working folder whose names begin with Test.

DEL *.*

… deletes ALL the files in the current folder.

9. How to delete a folder from CMD (RD in Command Prompt)

The DEL command cannot be used to delete folders. Therefore we must use another command to remove any empty folder, which is RD:

RD [Folder]

We have previously deleted all the files from the Digital_Citizen_Tests folder. It is now time to delete the directory too, by typing:

RD Digital_Citizen_Tests

Using the RD command to delete folders in Command Prompt

Using the RD command to delete folders in Command Prompt

10. How to launch an app from CMD (Command Prompt)

To run a program from the Command Prompt, you can navigate to the folder that contains the executable and type the program’s name. For example, if you want to launch Control Panel using Command Prompt, go to C:\Windows\System32, where its executable is: control.exe. Let’s see how this operation is done if you were in your user directory. First of all, change the working directory to the application’s folder by typing:

cd /d c:\windows\System32\

Then, type the name of the app’s executable file:

control.exe

… and press Enter.

Launching an app from Command Prompt

Launching an app from Command Prompt

Alternatively, you can also run an app from CMD directly, no matter what folder you’re currently browsing, by specifying the app’s executable file and its full path in Command Prompt. Opening Control Panel from the previous example would look like this, regardless of your current directory in CMD:

C:\Windows\System32\control.exe

11. How to get help in the Command Prompt (HELP in CMD)

To access help in the Command Prompt, you can use the HELP command:

help

… and then press Enter. This displays a list of all the available commands, as you can see below.

The HELP command from Command Prompt

The HELP command from Command Prompt

If a particular command interests you, type help followed by the name of that command. Another way to do the same thing is to type the command’s name followed by the /? parameter. To test it, use

help cd

or

cd/?

… to display information about the cd command. In the picture below you can see the result:

Using the HELP command or the /? parameter to find help in Command Prompt

Using the HELP command or the /? parameter to find help in Command Prompt

NOTE: This tutorial covers only a couple of commands for Command Prompt. If you want to delve deeper, you can also read:

  • View system information and manage processes from CMD or PowerShell
  • Command Prompt (CMD) — 8 network commands you should know

Do you use Command Prompt in Windows 10 or Windows 11?

The Command Prompt is a powerful tool for Windows computer users who are willing to get their hands dirty and learn new things. We hope that this article was useful in helping you learn the basics of running commands in the Command Prompt. If you have any questions about it, do not hesitate to leave us a comment below.

To change the current drive in Windows Command Prompt, simply type the drive letter followed by a colon and press Enter.

D:

Understanding CMD Commands

What is CMD?

CMD, or Command Prompt, is a command-line interpreter in Windows operating systems that allows users to execute commands for various tasks, such as file manipulation, system configuration, network management, and program execution. It serves as a powerful tool for users seeking to perform advanced processes without relying on the graphical user interface (GUI).

Basic Structure of CMD Commands

Understanding the basic structure of CMD commands is crucial for efficient usage. Commands typically consist of the command itself, options (if any), and parameters. The syntax is sensitive to spacing and formatting, making it essential to adhere strictly to the rules. For instance, if you forget a space or misplace a directory path, you may encounter errors when trying to run your commands.

Windows Change Drive Cmd: A Simple Guide

Windows Change Drive Cmd: A Simple Guide

How to Change Drive in CMD

Switching Between Drives

One of the primary functions in CMD is the ability to switch between different drives. This feature is especially useful in systems with multiple drives or partitions, allowing you to easily navigate your file structure.

To switch to a different drive, simply type the drive letter followed by a colon and then hit Enter. For example, if you wish to switch from drive C: to drive D:, you would enter:

D:

This command will take you directly to the root of drive D:, allowing you to continue executing further commands.

Displaying Current Drive

Knowing which drive you are currently in is just as important as being able to switch drives. You can easily check your current drive and directory by executing the following command:

cd

This command will display the current working directory, which includes the drive letter and path.

Navigate Your Windows Cmd Home Directory Effortlessly

Navigate Your Windows Cmd Home Directory Effortlessly

CMD Change Directory: The Essentials

What is Changing Directory?

Changing directories is essential for managing files effectively within CMD. When you change directories, you’re navigating to a different folder on your current drive, enabling you to access files and execute commands in that directory.

How to Change Directory in CMD

Using the `cd` Command

To change to a specific directory within the current drive, you’ll use the `cd` command (short for «change directory»). This command requires the path of the folder you wish to access.

Basic Syntax:

cd [directory_path]

Example Usage: If you want to change to a folder named ‘Documents’ located at the root of the current drive, you would write:

cd \Documents

This command effectively navigates you into the Documents folder.

Going Back One Directory Level

If you need to move back one level in the directory structure, use the following command:

cd ..

This command will take you up to the parent directory, allowing you to navigate back through your folder hierarchy. Understanding this concept is particularly useful when you’re nested deeply within a directory.

Changing Directory with Full Path

When dealing with more complex file structures, you may need to specify the full path to change directories. This approach is useful if the directory is on the same drive or even on a different one.

For example, to navigate directly to a folder named ‘Projects’ located in ‘D:\MyFiles’, you would execute:

cd D:\MyFiles\Projects

Here, each part of the command is significant; it specifies exactly where in the file system you want to navigate.

Mastering Windows Cmd Copy Directory in No Time

Mastering Windows Cmd Copy Directory in No Time

CMD Change Drives: Advanced Techniques

Combining Drive and Directory Change

CMD allows you to change both the drive and the directory in one command, making navigation even quicker. The `/d` switch enables you to switch to a different drive while also specifying a directory.

Example Command:

cd /d D:\NewFolder

In this case, the command not only switches to the D: drive but also navigates directly into the ‘NewFolder’ directory. Using this technique can save time, especially when working on extensive projects.

Utilizing Environment Variables

Environment variables are a powerful way to create flexible commands in CMD. These variables can dynamically point to specific directories or settings, adapting to different user profiles or configurations.

For instance, if you want to navigate to your Documents folder, you can use the following command:

cd %USERPROFILE%\Documents

This command automatically directs you to the Documents folder of the currently logged-in user, regardless of the specific username or system setup. This versatility is invaluable for scripting and automation.

Windows Cmd Clear: Refresh Your Command Line Effortlessly

Windows Cmd Clear: Refresh Your Command Line Effortlessly

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Error Messages

As you work with CMD, you may encounter various error messages when changing drives or directories. Common errors include «The system cannot find the path specified» or «Access is denied.»

Understand that paths must be exact, and any discrepancies will result in these errors. Double-check the spelling and directory structure if you face such issues.

Permissions Issues

Sometimes, you may encounter permissions issues, especially when attempting to navigate to system directories or other users’ files. When running into such errors, consider:

  • Running CMD as Administrator: Right-click on Command Prompt and select «Run as administrator.»
  • File Permissions: Ensure you have the necessary permissions to access the directory in question.

Windows Cmd Grep: Your Essential Guide to Text Searching

Windows Cmd Grep: Your Essential Guide to Text Searching

Conclusion

Mastering how to change drives and directories via CMD is essential for efficient file management in Windows. With the commands and techniques discussed in this guide, you will be able to navigate your file system more effectively, enhancing your overall productivity. Practice these commands regularly to build your confidence and improve your skills. Consider joining our community for more tips and further insights into CMD usage.

Mastering Windows Cmd Attrib: A Quick Guide

Mastering Windows Cmd Attrib: A Quick Guide

Additional Resources

For further reading and hands-on practices, explore tutorials and video resources aimed at CMD proficiency. Understanding these basic commands can pave the way to more advanced command-line skills in the future.

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A comprehensive Guide to Changing Directories in the Windows Command Prompt

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  • Opening Command Prompt
  • |

  • Changing the Directory
  • |

  • Other Directory Commands
  • |

  • Troubleshooting
  • |

  • Q&A
  • |

  • Tips
  • |

  • Warnings

Do you want to know how to change directories in the Windows Command Prompt (CMD)? The Windows Command Prompt allows you to use a variety of advanced commands that give you more control over your computer. However, when learning to use the Command Prompt, you will need to learn some basic commands, including how to navigate by changing directories. A directory is just another name for a folder. This wikiHow teaches you how to change directories in the Windows Command Prompt. To make changes in Command Prompt, you must be using an administrator account.

How to Change Directory in CMD: Quick Steps

In Command Prompt (CMD), type «cd» with a space after it, followed by the name of the directory (or drag and drop the directory into CMD from File Explorer). Then press «Enter.»

  1. Step 1 Open the Windows Start menu icon.

    To do so, click the icon with the Windows logo in the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key.

    • For Windows 8, place your mouse cursor in the top-right corner of the screen, then click the magnifying glass icon when it appears.
  2. Step 2 Type in cmd.

    This will bring up the Command Prompt icon at the top of the Start window.

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  3. Step 3 Right-click Command Prompt icon.

    It resembles a black box with a white cursor. This displays a drop-down menu.

  4. Step 4 Click Run as administrator.

    It’s near the top of the drop-down menu. Doing so will open the Command Prompt with administrator privileges.

    • Confirm this choice by clicking Yes when prompted.
    • You won’t be able to run Command Prompt in administrator mode if you are not signed into an Administrative account, or if you’re on a restricted, public, or networked computer (e.g., a library or school computer).
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  1. Step 1 Type in cd  followed by a space.

    This command, which stands for «change directory», is the root of any directory change.

    • Don’t press the «Enter» key just yet.
    • Alternatively, you can type chdir. This command does the exact same thing as «cd.»[1]
  2. Step 2 Determine your directory's path.

    A directory path is like a map to a specific folder. For example, if the directory to which you want to change is the «System32» folder that’s, in the «Windows» folder on the hard drive, the path would be «C:\Windows\System32\.»

    • You can find a folder by navigating to it in File Explorer. Click the address bar at the top to display the path to the folder you are currently in.
    • You can display a list of all directories in your current directory in the Command Prompt by typing dir and pressing «Enter
  3. Step 3 Type in your directory's path.

    Your command or address goes after the «cd» command; make sure there is a space between «cd» and your command.

    • For example, your whole command might look like cd Windows\System32.
    • Alternatively, you can drag and drop a folder from File Explorer into the Command Prompt.
    • If the directory is in the current drive you are in, you do not need to type the drive letter at the beginning of the path.
  4. Step 4 Press ↵ Enter.

    Doing so will change the Command Prompt directory to your selected one. The current directory you are in is listed next to the text cursor (i.e. «C:\Windows\System32>».)

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  1. Step 1 Type cd..

    and press Enter to go back a directory. If you want to go back one directory (i.e. change from «C:\Windows\System32» to «C:\Windows»), simply type «cd..» with two periods and press «Enter

  2. Step 2 Type cd\ and press ↵ Enter to return to the root of your drive.

    If you want to go back to the root of your drive (i.e. go from «C:\Windows\System32» to «C:\»), simply type «cd\» with a back slash and press «Enter

  3. Step 3 Type a drive letter and press ↵ Enter to change drives.

    If you try using the «cd» command to change directories to a directory that is on another drive, you will notice it does not work. You need to change drives before changing to a directory on that drive. To do so, type the drive letter (i.e. «D:») with a colon and press «Enter» to change drives.

    • Alternatively, you can type cd /d followed by the complete path (including the drive letter) of a directory on another drive to change directly to that drive (i.e. «cd /d D:\Documents».)
  4. Step 4 Type dir and press ↵ Enter to list directories in your current directory.

    If you are not sure what directories are in your current directory, you can display a list of all the directories by typing «dir» and pressing «Enter

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  1. Step 1 Check that you are spelling the directory name correctly.

    If you receive an error message that says «The system cannot find the path specified,» check to make sure you are spelling the name of the directory correctly. You can see a list of all directories in your current directory by typing dir and pressing «Enter

  2. Step 2 Check to make sure the directory exists.

    If you are spelling is correct and you are still getting the same error, open File Explorer and check to make sure the directory you are navigating to actually exists and that it’s located where you think it’s located.

    • If the directory does not exist, you can create a new directory by typing mkdir followed by a space, followed by the name of the directory you want to create. Then press «Enter
  3. Step 3 Make sure the directory is located on the drive that you are currently in.

    The «cd» command will not allow you to change to a directory on another drive. If you are currently in the «C:» drive, but the directory you want to change to is on the «D:» drive, you will need to change drive letters before changing to a new directly. You can do so by typing the drive letter and pressing «Enter

  4. Step 4 Make sure you are running the Command Prompt as an administrator.

    If you are not running the Command Prompt as an administrator, you will be limited in what you can do with the Command Prompt. Make sure you are logged into Windows as an Administrator, then right-click the CMD icon in the Start menu and click Run as Administrator.

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  • Question

    How do I go to C:\ from C:\users\username?

    You can either type «cd ..» to take you up a directory level (to C:\users) and once again to take you to the root level, or you can always type «cd \» from any directory to take you to the root level.

  • Question

    How do I change the name of a drive, like from Drive H: to drive A:?

    In start, type Computer Management. Open Computer Management and click the arrow next to Storage, then Disk Management. Right-click the drive you want to rename and click Change Drive Letter.

  • Question

    What is the difference between cd\ and cd?

    In order to use cd you have to put a file path after it; cd\ just goes straight to C:\.

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  • Changing the directory is useful when attempting to modify or delete a file in a specific location.

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  • Attempting to run a command that is contingent on a specific file or folder while in a different directory will result in errors.

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