Windows mkdir equivalent in Linux
Creates one or more new directories. Same name, but with a useful extra flag.
mkdir
mkdir
mkdir
mkdir
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "mkdir" is used to create new directories. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "mkdir". Creates one or more new directories. Same name, but with a useful extra flag. This reference is grouped under File Management → File System.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Same name, different environment
The basic command name mkdir is familiar on both platforms, but Linux path rules, quoting, permissions and available options can still change the result.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux filesystem for Windows users.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Create new directories
Creates one or more new directories. Same name, but with a useful extra flag.
mkdir -p
Create parent directories as needed
mkdir -v
Print each created directory
mkdir -m 755
Set permissions on creation
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
mkdir MyFolder
mkdir -p Projects/Web/MyApp/src
mkdir -p ~/Documents/Work/Reports
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows: mkdir MyFolder
mkdir MyFolder # create a folder
# Windows requires creating each level separately
mkdir -p Projects/Web/MyApp/src # create full path at once!
mkdir -p ~/Documents/Work/Reports # using home shortcutReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
mkdir -p | Create parent directories as needed |
mkdir -v | Print each created directory |
mkdir -m 755 | Set permissions on creation |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "mkdir" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | mkdir |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | mkdir |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | mkdir |
Same command on this distribution. |
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