Edit Article

How to Create a Folder on a PC

Two Methods:Using Windows ExplorerUsing the Command PromptCommunity Q&A

When it comes to computers, the folder is the backbone of organization. Folders help you separate, label, and move files with ease. Before you can utilize this basic function of a computer, though, you have to know how to create one.

Using Windows Explorer

  1. 1
    Find the location where you want to create your folder. If you are going to be accessing the files often, then you might want to consider creating the folder on your desktop. Otherwise, your My Documents folder should do.
  2. 2
    Create the folder. To create the folder, right-click on a blank spot and select New → Folder.
  3. 3
    Name the folder. Type in a preferred name for the folder.
  4. 4
    Fill the folder. After this you can drag any type of file that you want to organize into your brand new folder. You can then double click the folder at any time to access those files.

Using the Command Prompt

  1. 1
    Open the Command Prompt. You can start the Command Prompt by pressing Win+R and typing cmd into the Run box. If you are using Windows 8, you can also press Win+X and select Command Prompt from the menu.
  2. 2
    Navigate to where you want the folder to be. Use the Command Prompt navigation commands to open the location that you want your folder to reside in.
  3. 3
    Create a single folder. To create a folder in your current location, type mkdir foldername and press Enter. You can open your new folder by typing cd foldername.
  4. 4
    Create nested directories. You can create a set of directories inside each other with one command. This is useful if you are building a directory tree that you're going to populate later. Add the -p flag to your mkdir command to add multiple directories nested in each other. For example mkdir -p Vacation\Images\Favorites would create the Vacation directory in your current location, with the Images directory inside, and the Favorites directory located inside the Images directory.
  5. 5
    Copy files into your new folder. Once you have your folder created, you can start populating it with files. See this guide for details on copying files.

Community Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left


Article Info

Categories: Windows Folders

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 43,310 times.

Did this article help you?