Windows
Linux
File Management
File System
Windows cd equivalent in Linux
Navigates between directories. Same command name, but with important differences in path notation.
Windows
→
cd
Linux equivalents
cd
cd
cd
Overview
What this command does
Navigates between directories. Same command name, but with important differences in path notation.
Migration tip: Linux uses forward slashes (/) instead of backslashes. The home directory has a shortcut: the tilde (~). Typing just cd with no argument always takes you home.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Change directory
Navigates between directories. Same command name, but with important differences in path notation.
cd ~
Go to your home directory
cd ..
Go up one level (same as Windows)
cd -
Go back to previous directory (very handy!)
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
cd /home/john/Documents
cd Documents
cd ..
cd ~
cd -
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows: cd C:\Users\John\Documents
cd /home/john/Documents # absolute path
cd Documents # relative path
cd .. # go up one folder
cd ~ # go home instantly
cd - # toggle back to last directoryReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
cd ~ | Go to your home directory |
cd .. | Go up one level (same as Windows) |
cd - | Go back to previous directory (very handy!) |
cd / | Go to the root of the filesystem |
cd /etc | Absolute path — starts from root |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
This command is the same on Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch Linux when the relevant tool is installed.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | cd |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | cd |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | cd |
Same command on this distribution. |
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