How to Change Directories in CMD (Command Prompt)
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Changing directories in the Command Prompt (CMD) is a necessary skill for anyone who works with computers, especially for those who frequently use command lines. CMD is an application in the Windows operating system, which provides a text-based interface to execute commands.
The following are steps on how to change directories in CMD:
1. Open the Command Prompt
To open the Command Prompt, press the Windows key + R, type cmd in the Run dialog box, and press Enter. Alternatively, search for cmd in the Start menu search bar.
2. Navigate to the Desired Directory
Once you open the Command Prompt, you’ll see the current directory, which displays the location of the command prompt file. The default directory is typically C:\Users\[your user name]. To navigate to the desired directory, use the cd (change directory) command.
For example, if you want to navigate to the Desktop directory, type cd desktop, and press Enter. If the desired directory has a space in the name, use quotes, for example, cd “My Documents.”
3. Change the Drive
If you want to change the drive, you should use the specified drive letter followed by a colon. For example, type D: and press Enter to change from C drive to D drive.
4. Navigate to the Parent Directory
To navigate back to the parent directory, type cd.., and press enter. This command will move the command prompt up one directory in the folder hierarchy.
5. View the Current Directory
You can check if you are in the correct directory by using the dir command. This command displays a list of all files and directories in the current directory.
In conclusion, changing directories in CMD is essential for running various commands and executing applications from the command line. By following the above steps, you’ll be able to navigate between directories efficiently and save time when working with CMD.