Environment variables may sound like technical jargon, but they are crucial components of your Windows 11 operating system.
What are Environment Variables?
Before we dive into setting environment variables, lets understand what they are and why they are essential.
Environment variables are dynamic values that store information about the system environment.
They serve as placeholders for various system properties, directories, and user preferences.
For example, the SystemRoot variable stores the path to the Windows system folder.
User Preferences
They can also hold user-specific parameters and preferences, making them adaptable to individual users.
For instance, software installations often use environment variables to determine where to store program files.
This flexibility allows you to tailor your system to your specific needs.
How to Set Environment Variables in Windows 11
1.PressWin + Xand select System from the context menu.
2.Under the System window, grab the Advanced system options on the left-hand side.
3.In the System Properties window, grab the Environment Variables… button in the Advanced tab.
5.Enter a name for your variable in the Variable name field.
Variable names are case-insensitive.
6.In the Variable value field, provide the value you want the variable to hold.
This value can be a directory path, a string, or even a numerical value.
7.Next, clickOKto create the new environment variable.
Youve successfully created a new environment variable in Windows 11.
Now, lets explore how to use the newly created environment variable.
2.pop in theecho %variablename%command in the Command Prompt window and press enter.
Replace thevariablenamewith the variable name you created.
Through Run Command Window
1.PressWindows + Rto launch the Run Command Window.
2.key in the%variablename%command and hit enter.
Replace thevariablenamewith the variable name you created.
3.In the Edit User Variable window, youll see the current variable name and value.
Modify the variable name or value as needed.
4.ClickOKto secure your changes.
5.Finally, remember to click theOKbutton under the main Environment Variables window; otherwise, changes wont be effective.
Youve successfully edited an environment variable in Windows 11.
3.In the Edit Environment Variable window, youll see a list of paths.
ClickNewto add a new path, and enter the directory path you want to add.
4.To modify an existing path, select it and clickEdit.
5.ClickOKto preserve your changes.
The Windows PATH variable has been updated with your new paths or modifications.
FAQs
Can I delete environment variables I no longer need?
Yes, you’re able to delete environment variables.
To do this, pick the variable in the Environment Variables window and pick the Delete button.
What happens if I create a user-specific environment variable and then delete my user account?
When you delete your user account, the user-specific environment variables associated with that account are also deleted.
