Open a Folder in Command Prompt on Windows 10 Easily

Navigating files and folders using Command Prompt can be extremely helpful, especially for tasks that require command-line operations. Here are detailed instructions to open files and folders in CMD on Windows 10.

How to Open a File or Folder in Command Prompt (CMD) on Windows 10​

1. Opening a File in Command Prompt (CMD) in 2 Steps​

1. Open Command Prompt

• Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog.
• Type cmd and press Enter or click OK. If you want to run Command Prompt as an Administrator, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
  • Alternatively, click the Start menu or the search box, type cmd or command prompt, right-click the app, and choose Run as administrator.
    

This will help you access Command Prompt to execute further commands.

2. Open Files from Command Prompt

• Method 1: Move to the Folder First
  • Use the cd command to navigate to the folder. For example, cd C:\Users\mini\Desktop.
  • After navigating to the correct folder, type the file name with its extension (e.g., travel.png) and press Enter to open it.
  • This method helps you quickly access files within a specific folder by navigating directly to it first.
    
• Method 2: Open Files Directly
  • Input the full path, file name, and its extension to open the file. For example, type C:\Users\mini\Desktop\travel.png and press Enter.
  • To specify an application to open the file, type the full path of the application followed by the file path. For instance, %windir%\system32\mspaint.exe "C:\Users\mini\Desktop\travel.png".
  • This method allows for faster file access without changing directories first.
    

2. Opening a Folder in Command Prompt (CMD) on Windows 10​

• Open Command Prompt using the method described above.
• Type the command start %windir%\explorer.exe "C:\Users\mini\Desktop" and press Enter.

Using this command, you can quickly open a folder in File Explorer directly from Command Prompt.

3. Quickly Open Current Directory in File Explorer from Command Prompt​

1. Using start .

• Open Command Prompt.
• Type start . and press Enter.

This command opens the current directory in File Explorer.

2. Using explorer .

• Open Command Prompt.
• Type explorer . and press Enter.

This command is another way to open the current directory in File Explorer.

4. Changing Directories in Command Prompt​

1. Drag and Drop

• Type cd followed by a space.
• Drag and drop the desired folder into the Command Prompt window.
• Press Enter.

2. Typing the Path

• Type cd followed by the folder path. For example, cd C:\Users\name\Downloads.
• Press Enter.

3. Using Backslash for Multiple Folders

• Type cd followed by the path, using backslashes to navigate multiple folders. For example, cd Users\Jake\Downloads.
• Press Enter.

4. Using cd..

• Type cd.. to move up one directory.
• Press Enter.

5. Going to the Root Directory

• Type *cd* to jump to the root of the drive.
• Press Enter.

Using these commands, you can easily navigate through the file system and manage your directories efficiently.

5. Opening Command Prompt in a Specific Folder​

1. Shift+Right-Click

• Navigate to the desired folder in File Explorer.
• Hold the Shift key and right-click an empty area in the folder.
• Select Open in Terminal (Windows 11) or Open PowerShell window here.

2. Using the Address Bar

• Navigate to the desired folder in File Explorer.
• Click the address bar at the top, erase the current path, type cmd, and press Enter.

These methods help you start Command Prompt directly in the desired folder, saving time and effort.

By following these instructions, you can efficiently open files and folders in Command Prompt and navigate directories with ease.