Changing the Default Search For Executables Path in Command Prompt

I know this is an old tip for DOS Geeks. For new ones, Did you ever wonder why when you type "notepad" in any directory in Command prompt or cmd, Notepad Application will launch immediately?

 

That's because of the default settings in executables path automatic search. To display type Path in command prompt and you'll see the default:

PATH=C:\Windows\system32;C:\Windows;C:\Windows\System32\Wbem

These are the default Folders in which when you type any command and Enter key it will search in those directories first.

Example: Wordpad

You cannot launch the application directly to command prompt.

To Add new or Append new locations:

path=%path%;NEW Directory

For multiple Directory or Folders

path=%path%;NEW Folder 1; Folder 2; Folder 3 and so on...

Type this command:

PATH=%path%;C:\Program Files\Windows NT\Accessories\

To check: type Path again

PATH=C:\Windows\system32;C:\Windows;C:\Windows\System32\Wbem;C:\Program Files\Windows NT\Accessories\

Finally, type: wordpad

Now Its Included! Read here for more related tip.

 

When you close the command prompt and open it again. You need to add the path again.

Add the Folder Path Permanently

Using System Properties > Advance > Environment Variables Button > "System Variables" Group

or Press WIN+R > RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL sysdm.cpl,,3 > At the Bottom, Click the Environment Variables Button > "System Variables" Group

Enjoy!!!