How to Change Directories in Windows 10 Using Command Line (CMD)

For those who are new to Windows Command prompt, you may looking for the ways or basic commands to become familiar with CMD.

In fact, before the Windows graphical user interface expanded all operation were executed on Windows DOS were executed via Commands Line (CMD) such as changing the name of a folder, viewing content, search files and folders, files deleting, switching or changing directory and more.

Here in this page, we are going to show you how to change directory in Windows 10 by using Command Line (CMD).

• More Info: DismHost.exe DISM Host Servicing Process – What is It & How to Fix

CHANGING DIRECTORIES IN WINDOWS 10 USING COMMAND LINE (CMD)

Apparently, there are some easy steps that you can do to change directory using Command Line (CMD) on Windows 10.

• At the first step, you have to open the Command prompt (CMD)in Windows.
• Then, you need to type command dir to get a list of all directories.
• In this step, you need to type CD along with the name of directory you want to navigate. For example: If you want to select XYZ folder then the command is going to CD XYZ. For more reference, you are able to see the screenshot. In the screenshot,  you are going to see that we need to select your picture directory, so the command is going to be CD picture
• After switching the directory, you are able to type dir to view the files and folder inside that directory. Also, you are going to see in the given screenshot that after choosing the pictures directory you use the dir command to view other directories present inside the picture directory. Afterwards, you have to type CD followed by the name of another directory you want to submit.
• If you have a question on how to go back to the previous directory in command prompt of windows, simply just type CD..
• For closing all directories and directly move towards the root or top of the root directory, you are able to type CD/
• Lastly, if you want to change the drive like form C drive to D drive, you have to type D:

Windows Command Prompt is a pretty built-in tool that allows us to run programs by using Command Line (CMD) option. Using the command, you will be able to perform lots of things instantly on your Windows computer like troubleshooting and fixing certain kinds of the problems, switching or changing directory, and more.

As a Windows user, you have to be well familiar with the basic commands and usage of the Command Prompt. In addition, we also are going to share another way to change directories in Command Prompt on Windows 10. Just look at the text below to find out another way in changing directories in the operating system’s file system.

There are some steps you must do. First, you are able to type “cmd” in the Windows Search bar to open Command Prompt. Please choose Command Prompt from the search results. With Command Prompt opened, you are ready for changing directories.

CHANGE DIRECTORY USING DRAG AND DROP METHOD

If the folder you wish to open in Command Prompt is on your desktop or already open in File Explorer, so you are able to change that directory quickly. Now, you have to type cd followed by a space. Please drag and drop the folder into the window. Then, simply press Enter. The directory you switch to will be visible on the command line

CHANGE DIRECTORY WITHIN COMMAND PROMPT

Apparently, it is not constantly simple to open File Explorer and drag and drop. Therefore, that is why it is good that you are able to type a command to change directories right in Command Prompt. For instance, you are in your user folder, and there is a Documents directory in the next file path. For this case, you will be able to type the following command in Command Prompt to switch to that directory:

cd Documents

You have to keep in mind that this only will work if you are in the immediate file. In this case, that will be (user folder) > Documents. In our current directory, we will not be able to utilize this method to jump to a directory nested two levels down. Therefore, let us say you are currently in the user folder and want to go to the how to geek folder, that is nested in Document.

If you try jumping straight to how to geek without first going to Document, you have the error shown in the screen. For this time, let us take things one directory at a time. As we said before, you are currently in our user folder. You will be able to type cd Document in Command Prompt to visit Documents. Right now, you are in the document folder. To move down another level, you need to type cd on the command line followed by the name of that directory.

At this time, let us say that you are back in your folder and wish to skip that extra step and jump two directories down. In this step, this will be how to geek folder. You are able to type the following command:

cd Documents\How-To Geek

• Don’t miss: How to Download Windows Update 1903 Manually from Microsoft

This allows you to move two directory levels with one command. If you ever go to the wrong directory and wish to turn back, simply you are able to type the following command:

cd . .

This offers you to move up a level.

CHANGE DIRECTORY USING TAB KEY

When you want to be a bit more efficient with your directory changes, now you are able to type cd on the command line, followed by the first few letters of the directory you wish. Afterwards, simply you are able to press Tab to auto-complete the directory name. Also, you are able to type cd followed by the first letter of directory (For alternative). Next, you only need to press Tab multiple times until the correct directory appears.