How to change environment variables on Windows 10

Here is a guide to editing environment variables on Windows 10! Please note, if you are specifically looking to modify the PATH environment variable, then see Add to the PATH on Windows 10.

Step by step

• Open the Start Search, type in “env”, and choose “Edit the system environment variables”:

• Click the “Environment Variables…” button.

• Set the environment variables as needed.
  • The New button adds an additional variable
  • The Edit button modifies the selected variable
  • The Delete button deletes the selected variable

• Dismiss all of the dialogs by choosing “OK”. Your changes are saved!

Applying the change

Due to how Windows applies environment variables, you most likely need to restart apps for them to pick up the change, including explorer.exe. Restarting the machine is reccomended (but not required) and ensures all apps are run with the PATH change.

• To test it, in new PowerShell window, type:

$env:PATH

Related:
Add to the PATH on OS X
Add to the PATH on Windows 10