What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The Windows Command Prompt command for creating a folder is:
mkdir FolderNameYou can also use md, which Microsoft documents as the equivalent command:
md FolderNameThe folder is created in the current directory unless you provide a different path.
Open Command Prompt
These instructions apply to Windows Command Prompt, commonly opened by searching for cmd in the Start menu. They are not instructions for a Linux or macOS terminal.
#1 Best Overall
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
Create a folder in the current directory
First, look at the path shown before the > prompt. For example:
C:UsersAlex>Run:
mkdir DocumentsThis creates the folder at C:UsersAlexDocuments. The username in this example is illustrative and will differ on other computers.
To check the current location before creating a folder, use:
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →cd
mkdir TestFolderMicrosoft documents cd without parameters as a way to display the current drive and directory.
Create a folder at a specific location
Use an absolute path when you want the destination to be explicit:
mkdir C:TempReports
md D:Backups2026A relative path, such as Reports, is interpreted from the current directory. An absolute path, such as C:Reports, includes the drive and complete location. A path beginning with a backslash, such as Reports, refers to the root of the current drive.
mkdir Reports
mkdir C:Reports
mkdir ReportsCheck the drive letter and spelling carefully before running a command.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCreate a folder with spaces in its name
Put the complete folder name or path in double quotation marks:
Rank #2
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
- Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
- Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
- Sleek, durable metal casing
- Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
mkdir "Project Files"
mkdir "C:UsersAlexDocumentsClient Reports"Without quotes, a command such as mkdir Project Files can be parsed as multiple arguments rather than one folder name. Quote the entire path, not just one component.
Change location before creating the folder
Use cd to move to the target directory:
cd Documents
mkdir WorkFor a complete path:
cd C:UsersAlexDocuments
mkdir WorkWhen changing both the drive and directory, use /d:
cd /d D:Projects
mkdir ArchiveThe /d option is important when moving from one drive to another. Other useful navigation commands include:
cd ..This moves up one directory. To return to the root of the current drive, use:
cdCreate nested folders in one command
With normal Command Prompt command extensions enabled, mkdir can create intermediate directories:
mkdir C:ProjectsWebsiteAssetsImagesIf the parent directories do not exist, CMD normally creates the directory tree. Microsoft says command extensions are enabled by default, but they can be disabled in some environments.
If extensions are disabled, create each level separately:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →md C:Projects
md C:ProjectsWebsite
md C:ProjectsWebsiteAssets
md C:ProjectsWebsiteAssetsImagesCreate several folders in one command line
Use && to run each following command only if the previous command succeeds:
Rank #3
- What You Get - 2 pack 64GB genuine USB 2.0 flash drives, 12-month warranty and lifetime friendly customer service
- Great for All Ages and Purposes – the thumb drives are suitable for storing digital data for school, business or daily usage. Apply to data storage of music, photos, movies and other files
- Easy to Use - Plug and play USB memory stick, no need to install any software. Support Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports
- Convenient Design - 360°metal swivel cap with matt surface and ring designed zip drive can protect USB connector, avoid to leave your fingerprint and easily attach to your key chain to avoid from losing and for easy carrying
- Brand Yourself - Brand the flash drive with your company's name and provide company's overview, policies, etc. to the newly joined employees or your customers
mkdir January && mkdir February && mkdir MarchFor different destinations:
mkdir C:Work && mkdir D:BackupThis is useful in scripts and batch files, but it is not necessary when creating one ordinary folder.
Verify that the folder was created
Do not rely only on CMD returning to the prompt. List the destination with:
dirTo inspect a particular directory:
dir C:UsersAlexDocumentsYou can also try changing into the new folder:
cd C:UsersAlexDocumentsProjectsIf the command succeeds, the prompt changes to that directory.
Common problems and fixes
The folder already exists
Running mkdir for an existing folder typically displays a message saying that the directory or file already exists. It does not create a second folder with the same name. Exact wording can vary by Windows version, language, and context.
A file with the same name also prevents a folder from being created at that path. Names that differ in spacing or punctuation may be separate paths.
Access is denied
You normally do not need administrator privileges when creating folders in locations where your account has write permission, such as your Documents folder. Protected locations, including parts of C:Windows and C:Program Files, may require elevation.
- Try the command normally first.
- If access is denied, choose a user-writable location or open Command Prompt as administrator only when the task genuinely requires it.
- Do not disable security controls simply to create a folder.
Account rights, folder permissions, organization policy, security software, and drive state can all affect the result.
Path not found or invalid syntax
Check for:
- Missing quotation marks around paths containing spaces.
- An incorrect drive letter or spelling.
- Unbalanced quotation marks.
- Incorrect slash direction.
- Forbidden or shell-sensitive characters.
- Invisible or nonstandard characters copied into the command.
Start with a simple test:
mkdir TestFolderThen add the drive, parent folders, and folder name one part at a time.
Rank #4
- GOOD VALUE PACKAGE - 1 Pack 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives with great cost performance and high quality.
- BIG CAPACITY - The available capacity: 29.10GB-29.8GB, You can save the data of movies, music, photos, designs, programs, manuals, handouts in a high speed.Good performance in digital data storing, transferring and sharing with families, friends, workmates, clients and machines.
- EASY TO USE & PLUG AND WORK - Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, Compatible with USB2.0 and below.
- TWISTTURN DESIGN & EASY CARRY - The metal clip rotates 360° round the ABS plastic body which with rubber oil skin feeling finish. The capless design can avoid lossing of cap, and providing efficient protection to the USB port.
- WARRANTY & SUPPORT - SIMMAX logo is laser printed on the USB connector surface, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy.
Special characters in folder names
CMD treats characters such as &, <, >, |, ^, and ! as syntax or operators in different contexts. Prefer letters, numbers, spaces, hyphens, and underscores:
mkdir "Project_2026-08"Quoting does not make every special-character combination safe in every CMD context; complicated names may require escaping. Avoid names such as A&B in beginner commands.
Mapped or network drives are unavailable
A mapped drive such as Z: may not appear in every Command Prompt, particularly in an elevated prompt or under another account. Availability depends on the user session, credentials, mapping, and network connection. Test with a known local path if a network path fails.
Long paths
Do not assume one universal path-length limit. Microsoft notes that the maximum path length is determined by the file system, while Windows configuration, application support, APIs, and policy can also affect behavior.
Create a folder from a batch file
The same command works in a .bat or .cmd file:
@echo off
mkdir "%USERPROFILE%DocumentsReports"For a variable path, quote the variable so spaces are handled correctly:
set "Target=C:WorkReports"
mkdir "%Target%"A batch file can check whether the command reported a failure:
@echo off
mkdir "C:WorkReports"
if errorlevel 1 (
echo Folder creation failed.
exit /b 1
)
echo Folder created or already present.The exact result and error code can depend on the environment, so scripts that need strict validation should also verify the resulting directory.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsCMD quick reference
| Purpose | Command |
|---|---|
| Create a folder | mkdir FolderName |
| Use the shorter equivalent | md FolderName |
| Create a folder with spaces | mkdir "Project Files" |
| Show the current directory | cd |
| Change directory | cd Path |
| Change drive and directory | cd /d D:Path |
| Move up one level | cd .. |
| List folder contents | dir |
| Show mkdir help | mkdir /? |
| Chain successful commands | mkdir A && mkdir B |
CMD versus PowerShell
This guide is specifically for Windows Command Prompt. PowerShell also accepts mkdir as an alias, but its syntax, quoting behavior, objects, and scripting conventions differ. Do not assume every CMD example behaves identically in PowerShell, Git Bash, WSL, or a macOS/Linux shell.
Best Value
- 【16GB Flash Drive】USB flash drives with 16GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer. IMEASON thumb drives can be used to store different files, easy to data backup.
- 【Metal Swivel Cap Design】USB thumb drive is metal swivel cover provides extra protection for the usb thumbdrive connector, no usb drive cap to lose; keychain design makes it easier to carry without worrying lose it.
- 【Wide Compatibility】USB drive supports Windows 7/8/10/11 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also Supports USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. USB Stick support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device. The USB Memory Stick is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working.
- 【Easy to use】usb memory stick is plug and play without any software installation. Just simply plug the Flashdrive into the port of your USB-compatible devices such as computer, laptop to start data storage or transmission.
- 【What You Get】16 GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, The default format of the usb storage flash drive is FAT32.
Get help inside CMD
To display the command’s built-in syntax and options, run:
mkdir /?You can also use:
md /?
cd /?Microsoft’s documentation covers md/mkdir, cd, and cmd for Windows 10, Windows 11, supported Windows Server releases including Windows Server 2025, and other listed Windows environments. Syntax is broadly stable, but permissions and exact error messages can vary.
Microsoft Learn: md and mkdir
Microsoft Learn: cd
Microsoft Learn: cmd
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CMD command to create a folder?
Use mkdir FolderName. The equivalent shorter form is md FolderName.
How do I create a folder on another drive?
Use cd /d D:Path to switch drives and directories, then run mkdir FolderName, or provide the full destination path directly.
Do I need administrator privileges?
Usually not for locations where your account can write, such as your Documents folder. Protected locations may require an elevated Command Prompt.
Does mkdir create files too?
No. mkdir creates directories only; creating a text file requires a separate CMD command.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
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.
