Why does `cd %appdata%` not work on Windows 11?

Question

One way to get into it is by using the Run dialog box using Windows+R. And then type %appdata% into it and hit enter.

But not being able to cd into it is causing issues when trying to get to that folder from the terminal. Is it possible to make it work somehow?

If you paste %AppData% into a File Explorer window does it navigate to your users AppData directory, instead of submitting a comment, edit your question — Ramhound, Nov 10 '23 at 16:00
Which shell are you using? Have you checked the syntax for referencing environment variables in the documentation of the shell you are using? For example, in POSIX sh, the syntax for referencing an environment variable would be $AppData, not %AppData%. — Jörg W Mittag, Nov 11 '23 at 02:12

DavidPostill · Accepted Answer · 2023-11-10T16:32:54.937

You may be on a different drive.

cmd shell:

Try cd /D %appdata%

Example:

C:\>f:
F:\test>cd /D %appdata%
C:\Users\David\AppData\Roaming>

Powershell:

cd "$env:appdata"

Or

Set-Location "$env:appdata"

Note: cd is an alias for Set-Location

1 Answers1