Displays the name of or changes the current directory.

CHDIR [/D] [drive:][path]
CHDIR [..]
CD [/D] [drive:][path]
CD [..]

.. Specifies that you want to change to the parent directory.

Type CD drive: to display the current directory in the specified drive.
Type CD without parameters to display the current drive and directory.

Use the /D switch to change current drive in addition to changing current directory for a drive.

If Command Extensions are enabled CHDIR changes as follows:

The current directory string is converted to use the same case as the on disk names. So CD C:\TEMP would actually set the current directory to C:\Temp if that is the case on disk.

CHDIR command does not treat spaces as delimiters, so it is possible to CD into a subdirectory name that contains a space without surrounding the name with quotes. For example:

cd \winnt\profiles\username\programs\start menu

is the same as:

cd "\winnt\profiles\username\programs\start menu"

which is what you would have to type if extensions were disabled.

Additional Notes

If you type CD C:\Windows but the active drive is D: then the directory doesn't change. If you then type D: to change the active drive, you will already be in C:\Windows.

CD \     goes to the root of the drive

CD..     goes up one level

Examples

CD Windows

CD Windows\System32

Associated Commands

DIR

 

Top of the Page - Command Prompt Reference Home Page
Last Page Update: 08/03/2012

© Sembee Ltd. 1998 - 2024.

Reproduction of any content on this web site is prohibited without express written consent. Use of this web site is subject to our terms and conditions.

All trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners. This site is not endorsed or recommended by any company or organisation mentioned within and is to provide guidance only and as such we cannot be held responsible for any consequences of following the advice given.

Sembee Ltd. is registered in England and Wales at 1 Carnegie Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5DJ.
Registered company number: 4704428. VAT Number GB 904 5603 43.

Server 1