Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

In Windows Command Prompt, use cd to check or change folders. Use cd .. to move up one level, cd to go to the current drive’s root, and cd /d when you need to switch drives and folders in one command.

Understand the basic cd commands

These commands are for Windows Command Prompt (cmd.exe), not PowerShell or a Linux terminal. Microsoft describes cd as displaying the current directory or changing it. See Microsoft’s cd command reference.

What you want to do Command What happens
Check the current directory cd Displays the current drive and directory.
Enter a folder by path cd C:UsersJaneDocuments Changes to that directory on the current drive.
Move to the parent folder cd .. Moves up one folder level.
Go to the drive’s root cd Moves to the root of the current drive, such as C:.
Switch drive and folder together cd /d D:ProjectsDemo Changes both the active drive and directory.

Navigate to a folder step by step

  1. Open Command Prompt.

  2. Type cd and press Enter if you want to see where you are. The prompt also shows the current drive and directory.

  3. Enter a destination with cd followed by its path. For example: cd C:UsersJaneDocuments.

    Free tools Windows power users keep installed

    One-click scans. No signup required.

    Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
    #1 Best Overall
    Amazon Basics Wired QWERTY Keyboard, Works with Windows, Plug and Play, Easy to Use with Media Control, Full-Sized, Black
    • KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
    • EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
    • VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
    • SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
    • FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.
  4. If the destination is on a different drive, include /d, as in cd /d D:ProjectsDemo.

Handle spaces and drive changes correctly

Quote paths that contain spaces

For a path with spaces, use quotes as a clear and safe habit: cd "C:UsersJane DoeDocuments". Microsoft notes that quotes are required for paths with spaces when command extensions are disabled; with extensions enabled, spaces are not treated as delimiters.

Rank #2
Sale
Logitech MK270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo - Black
  • Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
  • Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
  • Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
  • Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
  • Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites

Use /d to switch drives

cd C: by itself displays the current directory associated with drive C:; it is not the documented way to make C: the active drive. To change to a directory on C: from another drive, use the combined form, such as cd /d C:UsersJaneDocuments.

Save a return point with pushd and popd

Use pushd when you want to visit a directory temporarily and then return to where you started. Microsoft says pushd stores the current directory for use by popd before changing to the specified directory. See Microsoft’s pushd command reference.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Logitech K120 Full Size Wired Keyboard USB Plug-and-Play Windows - Black
  • All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
  • Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
  • Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
  • Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
  • Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
  1. Save your current location and move to the destination: pushd D:ProjectsDemo.

  2. Do your work in that directory.

  3. Return to the saved location: popd.

Repeated pushd commands create a stack of saved locations, and each popd returns to the most recently stored one. With command extensions enabled, pushd can also accept a network path by temporarily assigning the highest unused drive letter; popd removes that temporary assignment.

Rank #4
Sale
Logitech MX Keys S Wireless Keyboard Low Profile Fluid Precise - Graphite
  • Fluid Typing Experience: Laptop-like profile with spherically-dished keys shaped for your fingertips delivers a fast, fluid, precise and quieter typing experience
  • Automate Repetitive Tasks: Easily create and share time-saving Smart Actions shortcuts to perform multiple actions with a single keystroke with the Logi Options+ app (1)
  • Smarter Illumination: Backlit keyboard keys light up as your hands approach and adapt to the environment; Now with more lighting customizations on Logi Options+ (1)
  • More Comfort, Deeper Focus: Work for longer with a solid build, low-profile design and an optimum keyboard angle that is better for your wrist posture
  • Multi-Device, Multi OS Bluetooth Keyboard: Pair with up to 3 devices on nearly any operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Googlebook OS) via Bluetooth Low Energy or included Logi Bolt USB receiver (2)
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Example: check, move up, and switch drives

This illustrative sequence shows how the prompt’s location changes. It is an example, not a transcript of a performed test.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
SaleBestseller No. 3
Logitech K120 Full Size Wired Keyboard USB Plug-and-Play Windows - Black
Logitech K120 Full Size Wired Keyboard USB Plug-and-Play Windows - Black
Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*; Product carbon footprint: 4.02 kg CO2e
$12.34
SaleBestseller No. 5
Logitech K270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard for Windows - Black
Logitech K270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard for Windows - Black
Plastic parts in K270 include 38% certified post-consumer recycled plastic; Eight hot keys: For instant access to the Internet, e-mail, music volume and more
$21.48
Best Value
Sale
Logitech K270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard for Windows - Black
  • All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
  • Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
  • Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
  • Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
  • Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
C:UsersJane>cd
C:UsersJane

C:UsersJane>cd ..
C:Users

C:Users>cd /d D:ProjectsDemo
D:ProjectsDemo

D:ProjectsDemo>cd ..
D:Projects

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.