Find the path that is used to search for executable programs?

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In Windows, the operating system uses a predefined set of directories to search for executable programs when you enter a command in the command prompt or run a program. This set of directories is known as the "system PATH." You can view and modify the system PATH to control which directories are searched for executable files.

To view the current system PATH in Windows:

  1. Open the "System Properties" window:

    • Right-click on "This PC" (or "My Computer" in older versions of Windows) on your desktop or in the File Explorer.
    • Select "Properties."

  2. In the System Properties window, click on the "Advanced system settings" link on the left side.

  3. In the "System Properties" dialog box, go to the "Advanced" tab.

  4. Click the "Environment Variables" button.

  5. Under the "System variables" section, scroll down to find the variable named "Path." Select it and click the "Edit" button.

This will open the "Edit Environment Variable" window, where you can see the list of directories in the PATH variable. Each directory is separated by a semicolon.

Note that these directories are searched in the order they appear in the PATH variable. When you enter a command, Windows looks for the executable in each directory in the order they are listed until it finds a match or exhausts the list.

To add a new directory to the PATH:

  1. In the "Edit Environment Variable" window, click the "New" button.

  2. Enter the path of the directory you want to add and click "OK."

  3. Click "OK" in all open windows to save the changes.

To remove a directory from the PATH, simply select it and click the "Delete" button.

It's important to be cautious when modifying the PATH variable, as incorrect changes could impact the functioning of your system. Always double-check the changes you make.

Keep in mind that any changes you make to the system PATH will only affect new command prompt windows or programs started after the changes. Existing processes will continue to use the old PATH until they are restarted.