Quick Answer
mkdir.exe is a safe Windows directory-creation utility. It creates directories via command-line or script calls, optionally creating parent folders when used with appropriate wrappers or in batch contexts.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Windows\System32\mkdir.exe or a clearly legitimate system directory
Warning
Commonly invoked by scripts
Batch installers and deployment scripts frequently call mkdir.exe to prepare directory trees
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can disable specific startup or automated tasks that call mkdir.exe, but the utility itself is a OS component and should not be removed without risk
What is mkdir.exe?
mkdir.exe is a Windows directory creation utility commonly invoked by command shells, batch files, and installers. It creates specified folders on demand and can cooperate with wrappers or scripts to create nested directory paths as needed during setup or maintenance tasks.
It uses the Windows API CreateDirectoryW to create the target folder and returns errors for invalid paths, existing dirs, or access issues. In shells with recursive wrappers, missing parents can be created automatically; otherwise you must create each level manually.
Quick Fact: mkdir.exe has been a staple of Windows scripting for decades, providing a simple, reliable way to ensure required folders exist before file operations.
Types of Directory Creation Processes
- Direct Create: Creates a single directory at the specified path
- Recursive Wrapper: Wrapper utilities or shells that can create parent directories automatically (supporting -p semantics)
- Batch Script Invocation: Called by installers and batch scripts to prepare folder structures before file writes
- Automation and CI: Used in build pipelines to prepare output and log directories
- Initialization Tasks: Used by applications on first run to ensure required folders exist
- Cleanup and Maintenance: Used by maintenance scripts to ensure folders exist before cleanup tasks
Is mkdir.exe Safe?
Yes, mkdir.exe is safe when it is the legitimate Windows system utility located in C:\Windows\System32 and signed by Microsoft.
Is mkdir.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real mkdir.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can mimic names; verify location and digital signature from a trusted source.
How to Tell if mkdir.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Check that the file resides in
C:\Windows\System32\mkdir.exe or an approved system directory. Any mkdir.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click mkdir.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from Microsoft Corporation.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is minimal CPU and a few MB of memory when used by scripts. Unusually high usage or constant activity is suspicious.
- Behavior: Should only run as part of a script, installer, or command sequence. Unprompted launch or daemon-like behavior is a red flag.
Red Flags: If mkdir.exe is located in non-system folders (Temp, AppData, or suspicious paths), runs without a script trigger, lacks a valid signature, or produces abnormal resource patterns, scan with antivirus and review startup tasks.
Why Is mkdir.exe Running on My PC?
mkdir.exe runs when a directory-creation operation is triggered by scripts, installers, software startups, or maintenance tasks, and may run in background if part of automated workflows.
Reasons it's running:
- Batch Installers: Software installers create necessary folders during installation to house files and logs.
- Build and Deployment Scripts: CI/CD pipelines invoke mkdir.exe to prepare output folders before builds.
- Software Setup and Updates: Update programs create cache or data directories as part of setup routines.
- Application Start-Up Tasks: Apps may create log or data directories on first run or after updates.
- Maintenance and Cleanup Jobs: Scheduled maintenance tasks ensure required directories exist before cleanup or archival operations.
Can I Disable or Remove mkdir.exe?
No - mkdir.exe is a core OS utility used by scripts and installers; removing it can break software. You can restrict or disable specific tasks that invoke it, but do not delete the executable itself.
How to Stop mkdir.exe
- Identify Callers: Search for batch files, scripts, or Task Scheduler tasks that invoke mkdir.exe.
- Disable Automated Tasks: Disable or modify the Task Scheduler tasks or startup items that call mkdir.exe.
- Adjust Script Permissions: Use AppLocker or Software Restriction Policies to block mkdir.exe in controlled environments.
- Modify Installers: Update installers to stop creating directories via mkdir.exe and use alternative methods.
- Policy Review: Document and enforce organization-wide policies on script execution and system utilities.
How to Uninstall mkdir.exe
- ✔ Windows does not provide a straightforward uninstall for mkdir.exe as it is a system utility. Only a full OS image removal or replacement can remove it in highly customized environments.
- ✔ If using a trimmed-down image, replace the utility with a controlled alternative in a managed image, or disable related components via install-time configuration.
Common Problems: Directory Creation Failures
If mkdir.exe fails to create directories, common issues include permissions, invalid paths, or conflicts with existing folders.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Permission Denied: Run with appropriate rights or adjust ACLs on the target parent folder using icacls.
- Parent Path Missing: Use recursive wrappers or ensure each level exists before creation.
- Invalid Characters in Path: Validate directory names to exclude characters like < > : \ | ? *.
- Directory Already Exists: Check existence before creating or use a wrapper that ignores existing paths.
- Path Too Long: Enable long path support or shorten the target path.
- Scripts Triggering Too Frequently: Debounce calls or batch directory creations to avoid repeated errors and race conditions.
Quick Fixes:
1. Search for all scripts and tasks that call mkdir.exe to understand trigger points
2. Test creating the target directory in an elevated command prompt to verify permissions
3. Validate the target path for correctness and length
4. Review and adjust ACLs with icacls on the parent folder
5. If used in automation, implement idempotent logic to avoid repeated failures
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mkdir.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate mkdir.exe from Microsoft is not a virus. Verify the path is <code>C:\Windows\System32\mkdir.exe</code> and that the digital signature shows <em>Microsoft Corporation</em>.
Why is mkdir.exe running so often?
It runs as part of installers, build scripts, or startup tasks that prepare directory trees for applications. If it runs without a clear trigger, check Task Scheduler and startup entries.
Can I delete mkdir.exe?
Deleting mkdir.exe is not recommended because it is a system utility used by many programs. In managed environments, disable or replace scripts using it rather than removing the executable.
How do I create nested directories with mkdir.exe?
Direct mkdir.exe calls create a single directory. Use shell wrappers or scripts that implement recursive creation (akin to -p behavior) to build all necessary parent folders.
Does mkdir.exe support creating multiple directories at once?
Direct calls typically target one path at a time. Batch wrappers or scripts can loop over multiple paths to create several directories in sequence.
Where is mkdir.exe located on Windows?
Commonly located in <code>C:\Windows\System32\mkdir.exe</code> and used by system processes, installers, and scripts. Unusual locations warrant malware scanning.