How To Create A Folder Using PowerShell?

PowerShell is a platform for task automation and configuration management. It comes with a scripting language and a command-line shell.

Some of its notable functions include managing system setups, automating repetitive processes, and streamlining administrative procedures.

But did you know you can create a folder using PowerShell? That’s right, and this article will take you through the whole process.

One reason you’d want to use PowerShell to create folders is to automate the process. It helps you save time and effort.

If you’re looking for a quick way of creating folders with PowerShell, read this to the end.

Benefits of Using PowerShell To Create Folders

Source: TechRepublic

You must be wondering why anyone would use something that appears as complicated as PowerShell to create folders. While creating a folder is a matter of right-clicking on your desktop and making one, PowerShell has its advantages.

1. It is Scriptable and Repeatable

The fact that PowerShell is scriptable is one of the biggest benefits of utilizing it to create folders. Writing scripts that can be run repeatedly with PowerShell enables you to automate the creation of folders.

This is quite helpful when you need to create several folders with a specific structure or naming pattern. This guarantees uniformity in folder structure while also saving time. The best part is that you can keep using the same script over and over again.

2. Offers Rapid Execution

PowerShell is well known for its ability to complete tasks quickly and effectively. Folder creation is no different. PowerShell can create directories far more quickly than a graphical user interface (GUI) can manually. This is critical in situations where there are a lot of files to manage or deadlines to meet.

3. Offers Customization and Flexibility

Beyond simple automation, PowerShell’s folder creation features provide an unparalleled degree of customization and versatility.

It gives you control rights over particular properties and nested subfolders. This way, you can customize folder construction to meet your specific needs.

4. Can Be Integrated With Other Tasks

PowerShell’s easy interaction with other tasks and processes is another big advantage. Creating folders can be seamlessly integrated into more complex scripts and workflows.

This allows you to effectively automate whole procedures effectively. It can be useful in situations where creating a folder is only one step in a longer list of operations.

5. Good for Error Handling and Logging

PowerShell has great error-handling tools that make it simpler to find and fix problems when creating folders.

You can tweak your script to handle errors gracefully and log the error details for future reference. This is way better than having to find the errors on your own.

6. Allows Remote Folder Creation

The ability to create folders remotely is quite useful in today’s cloud-based and distributed computer systems.

By using PowerShell, you may create folders on network shares or distant servers. The level of flexibility offered saves you from having to bother with physically visiting each computer.

This is something administrators in charge of cloud infrastructure or networks can benefit from.

7. Compatibility and Cross-Platform Capabilities

The creation of PowerShell Core has allowed it to be used on other platforms. In the past, it only worked on Windows, but now it can be installed on Linux and macOS.

Cross-platform compatibility guarantees that your folder creation scripts function reliably across operating systems. This enables you to create folders anywhere on any system.

Prerequisites for Using PowerShell

PowerShell runs differently on Windows and macOS. Let’s look at the prerequisite requirements for the two operating systems.

Prerequisites for Using PowerShell on Windows

Source: Blogs.Windows

If you’re on Windows, PowerShell is a straightforward process. It even comes included in the system by default. However, here are some things you need to keep in mind when using it on Windows.

• Windows Version: There may be minor differences in PowerShell between Windows versions. Knowing the exact version you are using is crucial since some functionality and cmdlets might change.
• Execution Policy: An execution policy in PowerShell regulates which scripts can be executed. Make sure you comprehend the execution policy. In order to run some scripts, you may need to do some modifications. The “Set-ExecutionPolicy” cmdlet can be used to set the execution policy.
• Update PowerShell: Make sure the PowerShell version you’re using is the most recent version. Updates can be manually downloaded from the Microsoft website or installed through the Windows Update service.
• Learning Resources: Start by familiarizing yourself with the fundamentals of PowerShell. This can be through books, online tutorials, or official Microsoft material. Although there is a steep learning curve for PowerShell, having tools available will help you become proficient quickly.

Prerequisites for Using PowerShell on macOS

Source: TechRadar

If you are on macOS, here are the key prerequisites that need to be met.

• macOS Version: Just like on Windows, it’s best to know the macOS version you’re running on your machine. Creating folders with PowerShell would be much smoother if it’s paired with the most recent software versions.
• Use Homebrew: Homebrew is a well-liked macOS package manager that can be used to install PowerShell. You must first set up Homebrew if it isn’t already installed on your PC. The package can be downloaded here.
• Visual Studio Code (Optional): Using Visual Studio Code with the PowerShell extension can improve your scripting and development experience. It offers functions like integrated terminal support, debugging, and code highlighting. However, having it on your machine is not a must.
• Execution Policy: There is an execution policy for PowerShell on macOS as well. The “Set-ExecutionPolicy” cmdlet allows you to set it in the same way as you would on Windows.

How To Create a Folder With PowerShell on Windows?

1. Open PowerShell

Press “Win + S” on Windows to search for “PowerShell.” Choose “Windows PowerShell” or “PowerShell” from the list of results. Alternatively, you may access the Start menu, search for “Windows PowerShell,” and tap on it to launch the function.

2. Choose Folder Location

To create a new folder, use the “cd” command to navigate to the desired directory. For example, to make a folder on the desktop, use cd C:\Users\<YourUsername>\Desktop.

3. Create the Folder

Use the “New-Item” cmdlet to create the folder with the following code: New-Item -Path “C:\” -Name “Temp” -ItemType Directory.

You can replace the “Temp” with the desired name of your folder.

4. Verify the Folder

You need to check if the process was successful by verifying the folder in the location you set earlier. Simply use Windows File Explorer to find and confirm that it actually exists.

Creating a Folder Using PowerShell on macOS

1. Open Terminal

The Terminal is located in the Applications > Utilities folder on macOS. You may also utilize Spotlight by hitting Cmd + Space and typing “Terminal.”

2. Choose Folder Location

Use the ‘cd’ command to navigate to the directory where the new folder is to be created. For instance, you can use the following to create a folder on the desktop: cd ~/Desktop.

You will be prompted to allow Terminal to access your Desktop. Click Allow.

3. Create Folder

Use the “mkdir” command to create folders with the desired name of the folder next to it. For example: mkdir FolderName

4. Verify Folder

Like on Windows, check the location you set earlier to confirm that the folder was indeed created.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Source: RedmondMag

You may run into some issues when creating a folder using PowerShell. If that happens, try the following quick troubleshooting tips.

1. Permission Issues

When establishing folders with PowerShell, permission problems are arguably the most common. They can cause errors that prohibit you from establishing a folder if you don’t have the required permissions. Try the following when this happens.

• Check permissions: Before creating a folder in the target directory, make sure you have the necessary permissions. The location where you wish to create the folder should be write-accessible to you.
• Run as Administrator: If you’re on Windows, you need to run PowerShell in administrator mode. Simply right-click the PowerShell icon and choose “Run as administrator.” This will give you admin rights and fix any issues.
• Use the ‘-Force’ Parameter: The -Force parameter can be useful when creating a folder with the New-Item cmdlet. It allows you to replace or overwrite existing directories with the same name. This is particularly helpful if there are read-only files or folders in the way.

2. Invalid Paths

When creating folders with PowerShell, invalid paths are another potential cause of errors. An incorrect path, for example, may block the creation of the folder. If you run into this, try the following.

• Check the Path Format: Verify that the path in your PowerShell script is appropriately written. Paths need to be formatted correctly, with backslashes \ used to divide directories. For example, Using C:\NewFolder instead of C:/NewFolder will cause errors.
• Avoid Special Parameters: You might need to use backticks to escape special characters or spaces. For example, to create a folder called “My Documents,” use `”My Documents”.`

3. Syntax Errors

Your PowerShell script may contain syntax issues that prevent a folder from being successfully created. To prevent these problems, it is imperative that you pay attention to the syntax in the following ways:

• Check Command Syntax: Make sure you are creating a folder with the appropriate PowerShell cmdlet. For this task, the typical cmdlet is always ‘New-Item.’
• Use Quotes on Variables: Always use double quotes to enclose any path that contains variables or spaces. This includes variables like “C:\New Folder,”.

Wrapping Up

As you can see, creating folders with PowerShell is very effective when you need to automate the process. The step-by-step guide is pretty straightforward.

It works on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Remember to adhere to all the prerequisites depending on the operating system you’re using. If you run into trouble, you can go through our troubleshooting guide and fix it right away.