How to use PowerToys to manage environment variables on Windows 11
You can now manage environment variables with a modern interface on Windows 11 using PowerToys.
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OnWindows 11, Microsoft has updated itsPowerToysapp with a new “Environment Variables” tool, which, as the name implies, allows you to manage environment variables on your computer.
In a nutshell, environment variables are values that can store specific information for a system configuration, such as the location of an application, the path to a temporary folder, and the user profile. For example, the “windir” variable name contains the “C:\Windows” value.
The operating system supports at least two types of variables, including “User” and “System.” As you probably figured out, the “User” variables apply to the user account, while the “System” variables apply globally to all users.
Although you have been able to manage environment variables in the operating system for a long time, the PowerToys app brings a friendly and modern interface to view and manage variables on Windows 11.
In this how-to guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to leverage PowerToys to view, add, edit, and delete variables on your computer.
How to manage variables with PowerToys
Before you can manage environment variables, you first have to install PowerToys on your computer. At the time of this writing, the tool in question is available in the latest preview version of PowerToys. As a result, it’s recommended to download the installer from GitHub.
Install PowerToys
To install PowerToys on your computer, use these steps:
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After you complete the steps, you can enable and start using the “Environment Variables” tool on your computer.
How to edit environment variables with PowerToys
Using the “Environment Variables” tool through PowerToys, you can add, edit, and delete user and system variables, and here’s how.
Add new user variable
To manage variables on Windows 11 through PowerToys, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the variable will apply to the current user. You can test it out by opening the"Run"command (Windows key + R), typing the variable name between percentage signs (for example,%myfolder%), and clicking the"OK"button. If everything is working, File Explorer should open in the location for the variable.
Add new system variable
To manage system variables through PowerToys, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the new environment variable will apply globally for all users on the computer.
Modify existing variable
To edit or delete an environment variable on Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the PowerToys tool will apply the configuration to Windows 11.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
