How to List Files in CMD Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

How to List Files in CMD Windows 10

Using the Command Prompt (CMD) in Windows 10 to list files in a specific directory is a handy trick. All you need to do is open CMD, navigate to the directory you’re interested in, and use the ‘dir’ command. This quick guide will show you the steps to accomplish this task and make it easy for anyone to follow.

How to List Files in CMD Windows 10

By following these steps, you’ll be able to use the Command Prompt to list all the files in any directory on your Windows 10 computer.

Step 1: Open the Command Prompt

First, click on the Start Menu, type "cmd" in the search bar, and press Enter.

This step opens up the Command Prompt, which is your gateway to performing various tasks using text commands instead of a mouse.

Step 2: Navigate to the Directory

Type cd followed by the path to the directory you want to navigate to, then press Enter.

The cd command stands for "change directory." By entering the path, you direct CMD to focus on that specific folder.

Step 3: List the Files

Type dir and press Enter.

The dir command stands for "directory," and it will display a list of all files and subdirectories in the specified folder.

Step 4: View Additional File Details

Add the /b switch to the dir command by typing dir /b and pressing Enter.

The /b switch will list only the filenames, providing a cleaner and more straightforward display without additional information.

Step 5: Store the List in a File

Type dir > filename.txt and press Enter to save the list to a text file.

This command directs the output of the dir command to be written into a text file named filename.txt. Replace filename with your desired file name.

Once you complete these steps, CMD will display or save the list of files in the specified directory.

Tips on How to List Files in CMD Windows 10

  • Use dir /p to list files one page at a time — handy for directories with many files.
  • Use dir /s to list files in the specified directory and all subdirectories.
  • Combine switches like dir /p /s to list files page by page, including subdirectories.
  • Use dir /a to list hidden files and directories.
  • Use cd .. to move up one directory level if you navigate to the wrong folder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if CMD says "Access Denied"?

This could happen if you don’t have permission to access the directory. Try running CMD as an administrator by right-clicking on it and selecting "Run as administrator."

How do I list only directories?

Use the dir /ad command to list only directories.

How do I list files with a specific extension?

Type dir *.extension (e.g., dir *.txt) to list files with a specific extension in the directory.

Can I see the file sizes in the list?

Yes, use dir without any switches. It will display file sizes along with filenames and other details.

Can I filter out specific files?

Yes, use wildcards like dir *pattern* to filter files that match a specific pattern (e.g., dir *report*).

Summary

  1. Open CMD.
  2. Navigate to the directory.
  3. List the files with dir.
  4. Use dir /b for a clean list.
  5. Save the list with dir > filename.txt.

Conclusion

Listing files using CMD in Windows 10 can significantly boost your productivity, especially if you frequently manage large directories. Whether you’re a power user or a beginner, knowing these commands can make navigating your file system much easier.

For more advanced tasks, consider exploring additional CMD commands. By mastering these basic steps, you’re well on your way to becoming more proficient with Windows 10’s Command Prompt. So, go ahead and try listing files in CMD—it’s a simple yet powerful tool to add to your tech arsenal.