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How to Edit the Path Environment Variable in Windows 10

Learn to customize your Windows 10 device to your liking

2 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

The Command Prompt tool is the last remnant of DOS (a former command-based operating system) preserved inWindows. You can open software and run handy tools, such as the System File Checker, with it.

For example, you can run SFC by enteringsfc /scannowwithout specifying any path. To open third-party software inWindows 10, you usually need to input an entire directory in theCommand Prompt.

What is the path environment variable in Windows?

What is the path environment variable in Windows?

TheEdit environment variablewindow enables you to add new paths to third-party software to open the programs without entering their complete directories in the Command Prompt.

The path environment variable tells your system where to find the SFC, but not the software. Moreover, this variable could be a handy setting for those who often use the Command Prompt.

Microsoft even replaced the Edit System Variable dialog in earlierWindowsplatforms with a new Edit environment variable pathwindowinWindows 10.

Users can edit this system path variable, and we will show you how to do this in the guide below.

How can I edit the path on Windows 10?

The easiest way to edit the path variable in Windows 10 is through the View advanced system setting. There you can add, edit, or delete a path variable.

After that, you can set the path that’s of interest to you and modify it in any way you want.

  1. Press theWindowskey on your keyboard or theStartbutton on your taskbar to open the search box.

  2. In the Windows search box, typeadvanced system settingsand click on the result.

  3. When theSystem propertieswindow opens, selectView advanced system settings.

4.Press theEnvironment Variablesbutton to open the window shown below.

  1. You need to select the Path in theSystem variablesbox. Selecting the Path and pressing theEditbutton opens the window shown directly below.

6.TheEdit environment variablewindow above includes the following path:C:\Windows\system32

This is where theSystem File Checkertool is. To add your own path, press theNewbutton.

  1. EnterC:in the empty space and press theBrowsebutton to select a folder (If you don’t enter something in the space for the new path, your selected folder directory replaces the path listed above it).

  2. Select a folder that includes third-party software in theBrowse for Folderwindow. For example, we selected a folder that includesFirefox.

9.Press theOKbutton on theBrowse for Folderwindow to confirm the selection (The Edit environment variable window will include your selected path as in the snapshot below).

  1. Click theOKbutton on theEdit environment variablewindow to close it.

  2. Press theOKbuttons on theEnvironment VariablesandSystem Propertieswindows to close them.

  3. Re-open the Windows search box and typecmdin it, then right-click on the result and selectRun as Administrator,to open the app as below.

  4. Now you can open the software path you added to the Edit environment variable window by entering its executable.

For example, if you added Firefox’s path to it you can open that browser by enteringFirefoxin theCommand Prompt.

A program’s executable doesn’t always match the exact software title. For example, we found that Opera’sexecutablewas Launcher. As such, check the software’sexecutabletitle in File Explorer and then enter that in theCommand Prompt.

You no longer need to enterC:\folder\sub-folder\sub-foldersoftware title to open a program. This certainly comes in handy if you’re unsure of the software’s path.

This is a fairly simple process, and after following the steps above, setting, editing, or changing the path environment variable in Windows 10 should be more or less a formality.

If you have any other questions about the process, please leave them in the comments section below.

More about the topics:command prompt,Windows 10 Guides

Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.

He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.

In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.

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Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.