Some people might consider the Command Prompt (CMD) a relic of yesterday, just there are various scenarios when y'all may exist called up to employ the organisation, even on Windows 10. Yous might need to irresolute directories to scan disks or use open-source software without a GUI.

Read on to discover exactly how y'all tin can navigate around your computer using the Command Prompt.

How to Change Directory Using Command Prompt (CMD)

The first matter you need to do is open an elevated Command Prompt window. Click Showtime and blazon CMD into the search bar. Right-clickCommand Promptand selectRun as administrator.

This volition open an elevated Control Prompt window, allowing you to perform administrator actions using CMD.

There are two commands critical to using CMD effectively: alter directory, and list directory.

Alter directory:

          cd        

List Directory

          dir        

The list directory command will give y'all a list of available directories you tin enter, while the modify director command will accept you to the directory you want.

When y'all list the directories, you'll discover that ii special directories exist no matter what folder you're in, one labeled '..' and another labeled '.'. The offset refers to the parent directory, above the one yous're currently in, and is used to back out of the electric current directory.

An Example of Directory Changing in CMD

The following example should make it easier to navigate using CMD. It shows yous how to navigate from the starting point inSystem32to yourDownloads folder.

CMD example directory change
          CD..
CD..
CD Users
Dir
CD [Your User Name]
CD Downloads

That's How To Change Directories in CMD

You lot now know everything y'all need to change directories in the Windows 10 control prompt. It should exist no problem to navigate around your organisation, and the next time you lot're chosen on to perform some strange, archaic action in CMD yous'll discover it much easier.

You might desire to consider learning another commands to actually principal the control line interface.

xv Windows Command Prompt (CMD) Commands Y'all Must Know

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