Windows – How to set the global PATH environment in a batch file

batch-fileenvironment-variablespathwindows

The group policy in our environment overwrites the PATH variable every time I log on and, as I run a 'non-standard' computer, it gets it completely wrong (C:\Windows vs C:\WINNT, missing directories etc). Currently, I manually change it every time I log on, but that is starting to get tiresome.

If I use the SET command to change the PATH variable in a batch file, it only has local scope so the change only applies to the commands in the batch file.

set PATH=C:\WINNT;C:\WINNT\System32
set PATH

This batch file will output the new path, but if I run set PATH on the command line afterwards, it will still be the original path.

How do I set the global PATH environment in a batch file? Or is there another technique I can use?

Best Answer

You can use the setx command:

setx PATH C:\WINNT;C:\WINNT\System32 /m

Setx is available in Windows 2003 and later, but can be downloaded in the Support Tools for Windows XP.

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