Windows users environment variable

Note: some folders or paths have multiple environment variables and often can be used interchangeably. Now that you know a bunch of Windows 10 environment variables, you might be wondering how to use these environment variables. Actually, there are quite a few ways you can use these environment variables. Using the environment variable in File Explorer is not hard. To expand a string that contains environment variables by using the environment block for a specified user, use the ExpandEnvironmentStringsForUser function.

Skip to main content. This browser is no longer supported. Download Microsoft Edge More info. Contents Exit focus mode. Please rate your experience Yes No. The file-system directory that serves as a repository for image files common to all users. The file-system directory that contains the directories for the common program groups that appear on the Start menu for all users. The file-system directory that contains the programs and folders which appear on the Start menu for all users.

The file-system directory that contains the programs that appear in the Startup folder for all users. The file-system directory that contains the templates that are available to all users. The file-system directory that serves as a repository for video files common to all users. A folder for components that are shared across applications on bit systems.

A folder for components that are shared across applications. The Windows directory or system root. The file-system directory that is used to store administrative tools for an individual user. The file-system directory that serves as a common repository for application-specific data. The file-system directory acting as a staging area for files waiting to be written to CD. The virtual folder representing Network Connections that contains network and dial-up connections. The file-system directory that serves as a common repository for Internet cookies.

The file-system directory used to physically store file objects on the desktop, which should not be confused with the desktop folder itself. This should be treated as a read-only block; do not modify it directly. Instead, use the SetEnvironmentVariable function to change an environment variable.

When you are finished with the environment block obtained from GetEnvironmentStrings , call the FreeEnvironmentStrings function to free the block. Calling SetEnvironmentVariable has no effect on the system environment variables. This allows applications, such as the shell, to pick up your updates. The maximum size of a user-defined environment variable is 32, characters. There is no technical limitation on the size of the environment block. However, there are practical limits depending on the mechanism used to access the block.