How to Open Current Directory in Windows Explorer

Tagged: PowerShell

Introduction#

Having the ability to open current directory in windows explorer is extremely useful. It can save you time and energy by allowing you to quickly open the folder automatically.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to use PowerShell commands to open current directory in windows explorer.

Solution#

Using Invoke-Item Cmdlet#

We can use Invoke-Item cmdlet or its alias ii to open current directory in windows explorer, then followed by dot (.) to refer to current directory.

Invoke-Item .

Or

ii .

Using Explorer Command from Windows Command Prompt#

Since we can use windows command prompt in PowerShell, we can also use its commands, i.e., explorer followed by dot (.) to refer to current directory.

explorer .

Using Start Command from Windows Command Prompt#

We can also use start command from windows command prompt followed by dot (.) to refer to current directory.

start .

Using Start Explorer Command from Windows Command Prompt#

We can also combine start and explorer command like start explorer followed by dot (.) to refer to current directory.

start explorer .

Using System.Diagnostics.Process namespace from .NET Framework#

Since PowerShell can use .NET Framework object, we can use its classess hence the method to achieve the same purpose which is to open current directory in windows explorer.

$path = Get-Location
[System.Diagnostics.Process]::Start("explorer.exe", $path)

Conclusion#

Using Windows PowerShell enables use to easily open current directory in windows explorer, just remember we can use powershell cmdlet like Invoke-Item, windows command like start, explorer, start explorer as well as .NET Framework System.Diagnostics.Process namespace.