8 Useful Commands to Manage Your Files in Command Prompt: Why Some Users Prefer It
While most users gravitate toward graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for file management, others prefer the command prompt. This preference often stems from various reasons that make the command line a valuable tool for some. 8 Useful Commands to Manage Your Files in Command Prompt can offer a more efficient, precise way of interacting with your system, and here’s why some users choose to rely on it.
1. The Geek Factor
For some users, using the command prompt is a badge of honor. Geeks often gravitate toward more complex methods of doing tasks, and the command line is seen as a tool for those who want to go beyond the simplicity of a GUI.
2. Mastery Over the System
Learning to navigate and manage files through the command prompt gives users more control and a deeper understanding of how their computer works. Mastery of the command prompt can make someone appear as a more accomplished computer user.
For those curious about the command prompt, here are some essential file management commands you can use in Windows 10.
Locating the Command Prompt
The quickest way to access the command prompt is by pressing Win + R. This opens a small popup at the bottom-left of your screen. Type cmd into the text box and hit OK.
Once the command prompt is open, you can execute the following basic file management commands:
1. Changing Directory
The cd command allows you to change the directory in the command prompt. For example, if you want to change the directory from your default location to “C:\Users\Afam\Downloads,” simply type:
cd C:\Users\Afam\Downloads
2. Create a New File
You can create a new file with the fsutil command. To create a text file of a specific size, use the following format:
fsutil file createnew filename1.txt 1000
This creates a 1MB file named filename1.txt. Be sure to navigate to the desired directory before creating the file.
3. Get Time and Date of File Creation
To find out the date and time a file was created, you can use the following command:
dir /T:C filename1.txt
This will show the creation date and time of filename1.txt. Don’t forget to include the file extension!
4. Show List of Hidden Files in a Folder
To view hidden files within a folder, use the following steps:
- Navigate to the folder using the cd command.
- Run the command:
dir /A:H /B
This will list all hidden files in the directory.
5. Hide a File
To hide a file, use the attrib command. For example:
attrib +s +h file_name
This command hides the file file_name, making it invisible in File Explorer even when the “Show hidden files and folders” option is enabled.
6. Unhide a File
To unhide a previously hidden file, use:
attrib -s -h file_name
This command will reveal the hidden file again.
7. Rename a File
To rename a file, use the rename command. For example:
rename filename.txt newname.txt
Make sure to include the file extension (e.g., .txt). Hidden files cannot be renamed using this method.
8. Read File Content
If you want to quickly read the content of a text file in the command prompt, use:
more filename.txt
This will display the contents of filename.txt in the command prompt window.
Conclusion
These are just some of the fundamental file management commands you can perform using the command prompt in Windows 10. While this is not an exhaustive list, mastering these commands will help you gain a better understanding of how the command prompt can be used for efficient file management.
For more advanced tips and tricks, check out 14 Useful Command Prompt Tricks You Should Know.