How to use the command Set-Location (with examples)

Set-Location is a PowerShell command that allows users to display the current working directory or to move to a different directory. This command is only available through PowerShell and is useful for navigating and managing directories in the Windows operating system.

Use case 1: Go to the specified directory

Code:

Set-Location C:\path\to\directory

Motivation: This use case is helpful when users need to navigate directly to a specific directory within the current drive. By using Set-Location and providing the path to the desired directory, users can quickly change the working directory in their PowerShell session.

Explanation: The command “Set-Location” is followed by the file path of the desired directory. The path can be either absolute (starting with a drive letter and colon) or relative to the current directory.

Example output: If the specified directory exists, the command will move the user to that directory and display the new location in the console.

Use case 2: Go to a specific directory in a different drive

Code:

Set-Location D:\path\to\directory

Motivation: This use case is useful when users need to switch to a different drive and navigate to a specific directory within that drive. By using Set-Location with the path to the desired directory, users can change both the drive and directory in one command.

Explanation: To move to a different drive, specify the drive letter followed by a colon and then provide the path to the desired directory. The drive letter must be followed by a backslash.

Example output: If the specified directory exists in the specified drive, the command will move the user to that directory and display the new location in the console.

Use case 3: Go and display the location of specified directory

Code:

Set-Location C:\path\to\directory -PassThru

Motivation: This use case is useful when users want to change the directory and see the new location immediately. By using the “-PassThru” parameter, users can display the new location in addition to changing the working directory.

Explanation: The “-PassThru” parameter is added to the command to instruct PowerShell to return the new location as well. This allows users to see the updated location in the console.

Example output: The command will move the user to the specified directory and display the new location in the console.

Use case 4: Go up to the parent of the current directory

Code:

Set-Location ..

Motivation: This use case is helpful when users want to navigate to the parent directory of the current working directory. By using “..” as the argument for Set-Location, users can easily move one level up in the directory hierarchy.

Explanation: The “..” argument is used to instruct Set-Location to change the working directory to the parent of the current directory.

Example output: The command will move the user to the parent directory of the current working directory and display the new location in the console.

Use case 5: Go to the home directory of the current user

Code:

Set-Location ~

Motivation: This use case is useful when users want to quickly navigate to their home directory. By using “~” as the argument for Set-Location, users can easily switch to their home directory without specifying the full path.

Explanation: The “~” argument is a shorthand notation for the home directory of the current user. When used with Set-Location, it moves the user to their home directory.

Example output: The command will move the user to their home directory and display the new location in the console.

Use case 6: Go back/forward to the previously chosen directory

Code:

Set-Location -|+

Motivation: This use case is helpful when users want to switch back and forth between two directories they have recently used. By using the “-|” or “+|” argument for Set-Location, users can quickly toggle between the two directories.

Explanation: The “-|” argument is used to switch to the previously chosen directory, while the “+|” argument is used to switch back to the other directory. This allows users to easily navigate between two directories in their PowerShell session.

Example output: The command will move the user back and forth between the two previously used directories.

Use case 7: Go to root of current drive

Code:

Set-Location \

Motivation: This use case is useful when users want to navigate to the root directory of the current drive. By using “" as the argument for Set-Location, users can quickly switch to the root directory without specifying the full path.

Explanation: The “" argument is used to instruct Set-Location to change the working directory to the root directory of the current drive.

Example output: The command will move the user to the root directory of the current drive and display the new location in the console.

Conclusion:

The Set-Location command in PowerShell serves as a versatile tool for navigating and managing directories. Whether it’s moving to a specific directory, switching drives, or toggling between previously chosen directories, Set-Location provides users with the flexibility to easily navigate their file system within the PowerShell environment.