Windows cmd list all files

Last Updated :
06 Mar, 2025

Struggling to find or organize files buried in folders on your Windows PC? While File Explorer offers a visual way to browse, the Command Prompt (CMD) provides a faster, more powerful method to list, sort, and manage files, especially when dealing with large directories or automating tasks.

In this quick guide on how to list all files in a directory using CMD in Windows, you will explore how to use simple CMD commands like dir to instantly display every file and subfolder in any directory. We’ll break down the syntax, explain how to filter results (by name, date, or type), and share tricks to export lists for backups.

Prerequisites to Access Directory in Win

• Windows PC (11, 10, 8 or 7)
• Administrator Rights
• Familiar with Command Prompt actions (or knowing how to open it, i.e. Win + R & type CMD)

What Command Can Be Used to List Files

The «dir» command is fundamental in the Windows Command Prompt, which is used to list the contents of a directory. Here’s a bit more detail on how it works.

1. Basic Usage

• When you type dir and press Enter in the Command Prompt, it lists all the files and directories in the current directory.
• By default, it displays the file name, size, and modification date and time.

2. Options

• /A: This option displays files with specified attributes. For example, /A: H displays hidden files.
• /B: Uses a bare format with no heading information or summary. It simply lists the names of files and directories.
• /O: Specifies the order in which files are sorted. For instance, /O: N sorts files by name.
• /S: Displays files in the specified directory and all subdirectories.
• /P: Pauses after each screenful of information.
• /W: Uses wide list format, displaying as many as five file names in each row.

3. Example Usage

• dir /A: Lists all files including hidden files in the current directory.
• dir /B: Displays a bare list of files and directories without any additional information.
• dir /O:N: Sorts files by name.
• dir /S: Lists files in the specified directory and all subdirectories.

How to List All Files in a Directory

Now, we will be discussing 4 basic steps to list all files in a directory using the Command Prompt. Let’s check them out:

Step 1: Open Command Prompt

• First things first, let’s open the Command Prompt. You can do this by searching for «Command Prompt» in the Start menu or by pressing the Win + R keys, typing «cmd» in the «Run» dialog, and hitting Enter.

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Step 2: Navigate to the Directory

• Once you have the Command Prompt open, you need to navigate to the directory whose files you want to list. To do this, use the cd command followed by the path of the directory. For example, if you want to list files in a directory named «Documents» located in your user folder, you would type:

cd Documents

Press Enter after typing the command to change the directory.

Step 3: List Files

• Now that you’re in the desired directory, it’s time to list all the files it contains. To do this, simply type the «dir» command and press Enter. This command displays a list of files and directories in the current directory.

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Step 4: Additional Options (Optional)

• If you want to customize the way files are listed, you can use various options with the dir command. Here are some common options:

/A: Displays files with specified attributes.

/B: Uses bare format (no heading information or summary).

/O: Specifies the order in which files are sorted.

/S: Displays files in specified directory and all subdirectories.

For example, if you want to list all files including hidden files in bare format, you would type:

dir /A /B

Use Cases for Listing Files in CMD

• IT Audits: Export a list of all .exe files in a directory for compliance checks.
• Scripting Backups: Automate file logging with a batch script.
• Troubleshooting: Identify missing or corrupted files in large folders.

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Conclusion

Mastering the dir command in CMD lets you efficiently manage files, automate tasks and troubleshoot Windows system within a few steps. By following the outline steps, you can use the Command Prompt to organize your workspace or troubleshooting, without replying on graphical interfaces. Whether you’re an IT expert, a developer (for scripting batch jobs) or a casual user organizing personal documents, the ability to list files in a directory using CMD is a must-know job that everyone should know.

Also Read

• CMD | Dir command
• How to Delete a File or Folder Using CMD?
• Search Files Faster on Windows 10 using Command Prompt

To list all files in a directory using the Command Prompt, you can use the `dir` command, which displays a list of files and folders in the current directory.

dir

Understanding CMD and Its Basics

What is CMD?

Command Prompt, commonly referred to as CMD, is a command-line interpreter in Windows operating systems. It provides a direct interface for users to execute commands and perform various administrative and file management tasks without the need for a graphical user interface (GUI). The flexibility and speed of CMD make it a powerful tool for users who want to automate tasks or manage files efficiently.

Why Use CMD to List Files?

Listing files using CMD is advantageous for several reasons:

• Efficiency and Speed: CMD can display a large number of files much faster than navigating through folders using a GUI.
• Batch Processing Capabilities: Users can manage multiple files or directories at once by executing a single command.
• Command Line vs Graphical Interface: For those skilled in using commands, CMD provides a quicker method to access and manipulate files without the overhead of a graphical display.

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Getting Started with CMD

Opening CMD

To open Command Prompt, follow these simple steps:

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type `cmd` and press Enter.
3. Alternatively, you can search for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu and click on it.

Once you have CMD open, you’re ready to start listing files and directories.

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List Files Cmd Windows: A Simple Guide

Listing Files in CMD

The Basic Command: `dir`

The primary command for listing files in CMD is `dir`. This command will display the files and folders in your current directory.

Syntax:

dir [options] [path]

A simple way to list files in the current directory is to type:

dir

When you run this command, CMD will output a list of all files and directories in the current working directory, along with metadata like file size and modification date.

Listing Files in a Specific Directory

If you want to list all files in cmd from a specific directory, you can specify the path. For instance, if your directory is `C:\YourDirectory`, you would use:

dir C:\YourDirectory

This command will provide a detailed listing of all files and folders located in `C:\YourDirectory`.

Filtering Output with Options

Using Options with `dir`

The `dir` command allows the use of various options to refine your output for better clarity.

Here are some useful options you can use:

• `/p`: This option pauses the output after each screen of information, allowing you to read through it comfortably.
• `/w`: Using this option presents the files in a wide format, making it easier for you to view multiple file names at a glance.
• `/s`: This option lists files in the current directory and all its subdirectories.

For example, if you want the listing to pause after each screen, you would type the following command:

dir /p

Displaying Detailed File Information

Using `/q` and `/t`

For users who need more detailed information, CMD allows for additional options to show file owners and timestamps.

• `/q`: Displays file ownership information.
• `/t:w`: Displays the last written time/date of each file.

An example command that combines these options is:

dir /q /t:w

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Advanced File Listing Techniques

Listing Only Specific File Types

Example: Listing .txt Files

You often may need to target specific types of files. Using wildcards can help filter results effectively. For instance, to list only `.txt` files in the current directory, use:

dir *.txt

Using the `*` wildcard allows you to match any characters leading up to `.txt`, giving you a direct list of all text files in the directory.

Creating a Directory Listing File

Redirecting Output to a Text File

Sometimes, you may want to capture your file listing for later reference. This can be accomplished by redirecting the output to a text file using the following syntax:

dir > filelist.txt

This command will create a file called `filelist.txt` in the current directory, containing all the data from the `dir` output.

Using `tree` Command to List Directories

Understanding the `tree` Command

For a more graphical representation of directories, you can use the `tree` command. This command will display all directories and subdirectories in a tree format.

To use the `tree` command, type:

tree C:\YourDirectory

This will visually show the structure of all folders and files under `C:\YourDirectory`, enhancing understanding of the file hierarchy.

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Practical Tips for CMD Users

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While using CMD, users may encounter common pitfalls, such as:

• Typing errors in command syntax.
• Forgetting to include the necessary options, which can lead you to receive incomplete information.

How to handle error messages: When CMD returns an error, read the message carefully; it usually provides clues about what went wrong.

Keyboard Shortcuts and CMD Tricks

To improve your efficiency while using CMD, familiarize yourself with some keyboard shortcuts:

• Up Arrow: Cycles through previous commands.
• Tab: Auto-completes file and directory names.

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How to List the Files in Cmd: A Quick Guide

Conclusion

Understanding how to list all files in cmd is an invaluable skill for efficient file management. With commands like `dir`, options to filter and refine outputs, and advanced techniques for creating streamlined outputs, you can significantly enhance your productivity. Practice these commands to harness the full potential of CMD, and don’t hesitate to explore more functions to optimize your workflow.

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Additional Resources

• For further information, you can consult the official Microsoft documentation on CMD, or you may explore CMD-specific forums and online tutorials for community support.

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FAQs on Listing Files in CMD

How do I list all files, including hidden ones?

To list all files, including hidden files, you can use the `/a` option:

dir /a

This command will show all files, including those marked as hidden or system files.

Can I list files in a network directory?

Yes, you can list files in a network directory by specifying the network path in the `dir` command:

dir \\NetworkPath\YourDirectory

Make sure you have proper permissions to access the network folder.

What if CMD is not recognizing the command?

If CMD doesn’t recognize a command, check your spelling and ensure you’re using the correct syntax. You may also need to verify that the command is available in your version of Windows or that your environment variables are set correctly.

By mastering these commands and understanding their nuances, you can become highly efficient in managing files directly from the command line. Happy commanding!