Get Batch file to run relative to actual folder, not shortcut

As an IT admin, it can be incredibly useful to create batch files for automated tasks. However, a common issue arises when a user attempts to run the batch file from a shortcut. In this case, the batch file will execute relative to the target of the shortcut and not from the actual folder where it is located. This can lead to a variety of errors and unexpected results.

Fortunately, there is a solution. By using the %~dp0 command in the batch file, you can ensure that the batch file is always run relative to the actual folder and not the shortcut target. %~dp0 is a special command line variable which expands to the directory path of the folder that the batch file is located in. This means that you can be sure that the batch file is being executed from the correct directory, regardless of what shortcut is used to launch it.

Let’s look at an example. Suppose you have a batch file located in C:\\MyFolder\\MyBatchFile.bat. You can use the %~dp0 command in the batch file to ensure that it is always run from the same directory, regardless of where it is launched from. For example, if the batch file is launched from a shortcut in C:\\MyFolder\\Shortcut.lnk, the %~dp0 command will still return C:\\MyFolder as the directory path.

Using %~dp0 in your batch files can simplify your automated tasks and help you avoid unexpected results. It is especially useful when you need to access other files or folders that are located in the same folder as the batch file. By using %~dp0, you can be sure that the batch file will always be run relative to the folder it is located in, rather than the target of the shortcut.

In short, %~dp0 is an incredibly useful command line variable which can help IT admins ensure that their batch files are always run relative to the folder they are located in, regardless of where they are launched from. It is an essential tool for anyone who needs to create automated tasks and batch files.