windowspathcmd

How can I update the system PATH variable permanently from cmd?

We can use setx as discussed here.

setx PATH "%PATH%;C:\Something\bin"

But this command can just make changes to the user PATH variable, not the system one.

How can we make a similar system-wide command? Is that possible?

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That includes "Environment Variables", line "path". And "System variables", line "Path".

Solution

  • Type setx /? to get basic command help. You'll easily discover:

    /M                     Specifies that the variable should be set in
                       the system wide (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE)
                       environment. The default is to set the
                       variable under the HKEY_CURRENT_USER
                       environment.

    You need to run this from an elevated command prompt. Right-click the cmd shortcut and select Run as Administrator.

    E.g.

    setx /M PATH "%PATH%;C:\Something\bin"

    Caution:

    We may destroy the current system's PATH variable. Make sure you backup its value before you modify it.