The dir command in Windows Command Prompt (cmd) is used to display a list of files and directories within a specified directory. It provides various options for filtering and formatting the output.

Basic Syntax

dir [drive:][path][filename] [/options]

Key Components

• drive: The drive you want to list (e.g., C:).
• path: The directory path you want to list (e.g., C:\Users).
• filename: A specific file name or wildcard to filter results (e.g., *.txt).
• /options: Additional flags to modify the output.

Example Usages

1. List All Files and Directories in the Current Directory

dir

Sample Output:

 Volume in drive C is OS
 Volume Serial Number is 1234-5678

 Directory of C:\Users\YourUsername

10/29/2024  12:15 PM    <DIR>          Documents
10/29/2024  12:15 PM    <DIR>          Downloads
10/29/2024  12:15 PM             1,024 example.txt
10/29/2024  12:15 PM             2,048 report.docx
               2 File(s)          3,072 bytes
               2 Dir(s)  100,000,000 bytes free

Explanation:

• The output shows the volume name, serial number, and directory listing with:
  • Date and time of last modification.
  • <DIR> for directories.
  • File sizes for regular files.
  • Summary of total files, directories, and free space.

2. List Files in a Specific Directory

dir C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents

Sample Output:

 Directory of C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents

10/29/2024  12:15 PM             3,456 project.pdf
10/28/2024  11:00 AM             1,024 notes.txt
               2 File(s)          4,480 bytes
               0 Dir(s)  100,000,000 bytes free

Explanation:

• This shows the contents of the Documents directory, including file sizes and modification dates.

3. List All Files Recursively

dir /s

Sample Output:

 Directory of C:\Users\YourUsername

10/29/2024  12:15 PM    <DIR>          Documents
10/29/2024  12:15 PM    <DIR>          Downloads
10/29/2024  12:15 PM             1,024 example.txt
10/29/2024  12:15 PM             2,048 report.docx

 Directory of C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents

10/29/2024  12:15 PM             3,456 project.pdf
10/28/2024  11:00 AM             1,024 notes.txt
               2 File(s)          4,480 bytes
               0 Dir(s)  100,000,000 bytes free

Explanation:

• The /s option lists all files and directories within the specified directory and its subdirectories.

4. List Only Directories

dir /ad

Sample Output:

 Directory of C:\Users\YourUsername

10/29/2024  12:15 PM    <DIR>          Documents
10/29/2024  12:15 PM    <DIR>          Downloads

Explanation:

• This lists only the directories in the current directory, omitting files.

5. List Files with Detailed Information

dir /w

Sample Output:

 Volume in drive C is OS
 Volume Serial Number is 1234-5678

 Directory of C:\Users\YourUsername

 Documents      Downloads      example.txt     report.docx

Explanation:

• The /w option displays files and directories in a wide format, showing only names without additional details.

Common Options

• /p: Pauses after each screen of output.
• /a: Displays files with specified attributes (e.g., hidden).
• /o: Sorts output (e.g., by name, size, or date).
• /b: Displays filenames only (bare format).
• /q: Displays the owner of each file.

Summary

The dir command is essential for navigating and managing files and directories in the Windows Command Prompt. It provides a variety of options to customize the output, making it a powerful tool for file system operations.