
The mkdir
command, also known as md
, is used in Windows to create new directories (folders). This command allows users to create one or multiple directories at specified paths efficiently. Whether for organizing files or automating directory creation in scripts, mkdir
is an essential tool for managing your file system.
What is the mkdir Command?
The mkdir
command (also called md
) is a Windows command used to create new directories or folders. With this command, you can specify paths to create directories. It is commonly used for quickly generating folder structures and is frequently utilized in batch scripts for automation.
Primary Uses
- Create New Directories: Quickly create new directories at a specified path.
- Create Multiple Directories: Generate multiple nested directories in one command.
- Automate Folder Creation: Use in batch scripts to automate directory generation.
How to Use the mkdir Command
The mkdir
command is simple to use—just specify the path where you want to create the directory. If the directory does not exist, it will be created. Both mkdir
and md
commands function the same, producing identical results.
Basic Syntax
mkdir [drive:][path]
Parameter | Description |
---|---|
[drive:][path] | The path of the directory to be created (e.g., C:\example ). |
Usage Examples
- Create a New Directory
To create a new folder at a specific path, use the following command:
mkdir C:\Users\Tamaglo\Documents\NewFolder
Explanation: This creates a folder named “NewFolder” in the Documents directory on the C: drive.
- Create Nested Directories
You can create directories with multiple nested levels in one command:
mkdir C:\Users\Tamaglo\Documents\Projects\2024
Explanation: This command creates the “Projects” folder and the “2024” subfolder inside it, even if they don’t already exist.
- Create a Folder in the Current Directory
You can use a relative path to create a folder in the current working directory:
mkdir NewFolder
Explanation: This creates a folder named “NewFolder” in the current directory.
- Create Multiple Directories at Once
To create several directories simultaneously, use space to separate the directory names:
mkdir Folder1 Folder2 Folder3
Explanation: This creates three directories—”Folder1,” “Folder2,” and “Folder3″—in the current directory.
Practical Applications of the mkdir Command
Automating Directory Creation with Scripts
Batch files can be used to automate the creation of directory structures for projects. For example, you can create a batch file that generates folders for organizing project files:
@echo off
mkdir C:\Projects\ProjectB\Documents
mkdir C:\Projects\ProjectB\Images
mkdir C:\Projects\ProjectB\Source
echo Folders created successfully.
Explanation: This batch script creates “Documents,” “Images,” and “Source” directories inside the “ProjectB” folder, making it easier to set up new project environments.
Conditional Directory Creation
You can write scripts to create a directory only if it doesn’t already exist:
@echo off
if not exist C:\Backup mkdir C:\Backup
Explanation: This script checks if the “Backup” directory exists on the C: drive. If it doesn’t, the folder is created. If the folder already exists, no action is taken.
Key Considerations When Using the mkdir Command
- Existing Directories: If the directory already exists, no error is generated, and no changes are made.
- Spaces in Folder Names: If your folder name contains spaces, you must enclose the path in double quotation marks, e.g.,
"C:\My Documents\New Folder"
. - Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary write permissions for the directory path. If creating directories in restricted areas, run the command prompt as an administrator.
When to Recommend the mkdir Command
The mkdir
command is ideal when you need to quickly create directories or automate folder creation through scripts. It’s especially useful for building nested folder structures or organizing project files efficiently. Whether used in file management or project setup, mkdir
is a must-have tool for streamlining directory creation tasks.
Conclusion
The mkdir
command is a fundamental and powerful tool for creating directories in Windows. From single-folder creation to building complex folder structures, it offers flexibility and efficiency. Combined with batch files, the mkdir
command can automate folder creation and boost productivity.

Thank you for reading!
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