How to Open a Folder in Command Prompt [CMD guide]

Using the right command you can open any folder in CMD

3 min. read

Updated onAugust 16, 2024

updated onAugust 16, 2024

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Key notes

Microsoft DOS (Disk Operating System) is a command-line platform that was the world’s foremost operating system during the 1980s.

However, DOS declined into irrelevance during the 1990s after Microsoft released Windows 95, which introduced the Start menu.

Nevertheless, Windows has retained a windowed replica of DOS in the form of the Command Prompt. That’s not entirely the same as the 1980s DOS platforms, but it has a similar command set.

You can open folders and files with theCommand Promptinstead of File Explorer. This is how you can open folders and files within the Command Prompt.

How can I open files and folders with the Command Prompt?

1. Open the Command Prompt

2. Opening a folder

You’ll need to include the root folder and all its subfolders within the path to open a required folder within the Command Prompt.

3. Opening a file

Alternatively, you can open files in the Command Prompt without moving to their folders first. To do that, you’ll need to enter a command that includes the file’s full folder path and the file title itself.

For example, let’s suppose you need to open a file titled youcam_9.png from the path Users\mav_u\pictures. To do so, you would enter this command:

That file-opening command must always include quotation marks.

So, who needs File Explorer when you can open folders and files with the Command Prompt instead?

The Command Prompt may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but some users might still prefer its command-line flexibility.

If interested, read this blog to understand how toboot up your computer straight to Command Prompton Windows 11.

We also have a great guide onhow to clear CMD, so be sure to check it out for more useful information. Now that you know how to use the command line, you might be interested in learningwhat is the root directoryon your PC.

How to Open a Folder in Command Prompt [CMD guide]#

How can I open files and folders with the Command Prompt?#

1. Open the Command Prompt#

2. Opening a folder#

3. Opening a file#

How to Open a Folder in Command Prompt [CMD guide]

How can I open files and folders with the Command Prompt?

1. Open the Command Prompt

2. Opening a folder

3. Opening a file