Opening files in VIM sets a current directory that is rooted at the location of the file you initially wanted to edit.  Subsequent file commands are based from that current directory.  That directory may be changed by using the edit . command on the current directory.

This opens VIM’s file explorer. You can use the file explorer to change VIM’s current directory by pressing c when you are in the directory you wish to make the current directory.

:edit .
Navigate to desired Current Directory
c

All commands will now be based on your newly selected current directory.

This can also be accomplished with :cd path if you know your desired directory.

:pwd shows you your current working directory.

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