Architect Ryan

How to change environment variables on Windows 10

šŸ“… August 31, 2018 ā± 1 min read

Here is a guide to editing environment variables on Windows 10! Please note, if you are specifically looking to modify the PATH environment variable, then see Add to the PATH on Windows 10.

Step by step

  • Open the Start Search, type in ā€œenvā€, and choose ā€œEdit the system environment variablesā€:

Screenshot of Start Search

  • Click the ā€œEnvironment Variablesā€¦ā€ button.

Screenshot of System Properties

  • Set the environment variables as needed.
    • The New button adds an additional variable
    • The Edit button modifies the selected variable
    • The Delete button deletes the selected variable

Screenshot of Environment Variables

  • Dismiss all of the dialogs by choosing ā€œOKā€. Your changes are saved!

Applying the change

Due to how Windows applies environment variables, you most likely need to restart apps for them to pick up the change, including explorer.exe. Restarting the machine is reccomended (but not required) and ensures all apps are run with the PATH change.

  • To test it, in new PowerShell window, type:
$env:PATH





Related:
Add to the PATH on OS X
Add to the PATH on Windows 10


Ryan Hoffman

Written by Ryan Hoffman, an experienced team leader, certified Scrum Master and software architect.
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