Chdir command

Updated: 11/12/2023 by Computer Hope

Chdir (change directory) is a command used to switch directories in MS-DOS.

Availability

Chdir is an internal command and is available in the following Microsoft operating systems.

All Versions of MS-DOS
Windows 95
Windows 98
Windows Me
Windows NT
Windows 2000
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Windows 8
Windows 10
Windows 11

Chdir syntax

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

Chdir examples

chdir

Typing chdir by itself displays the current directory.

chdir\

Goes to the highest level, the root of the drive.

chdir..

Goes back one directory. For example, if you are in the C:\Windows\COMMAND> directory, this would take you to C:\Windows> directory.

Windows 95, Windows 98 and later versions of Windows allow you to go back more than one directory if you specify three or more dots. For example, typing "chdir..." with three dots after the cd would take you back two directories.

chdir Windows

If present, would take you to the Windows directory. Windows can be substituted with any other name.