Microsoft is making it easier to modify computer environment variables on Windows 11 and windows 10, which can help users save time at the command prompt For those who don't know, environment variables are a powerful tool to set important directories of the operating system, such as the location of applications or functions, such as the temp folder. It can also set path variables, such as the folder where the executable file is located, so that you can easily run commands on the terminal.
For example, if you enter "mspaint" at the command prompt, it will start immediately, but if you enter a third-party application, such as "MPV" or "Chrome", an error message will appear indicating that the "MPV" command is not "recognized as an internal or external command, an operable program, or a batch file".
This is because local applications, such as Notepad or drawing, are already defined in the path, but applications such as chrome or MPV player do not. You can easily define paths for any application using the environment variables tool, but the tool is not really friendly. Users need to define variables for individual user accounts.
If you are familiar with the environment variable function of PC, you can easily save time in the command prompt when you need to run applications or some scripts.
Microsoft has admitted that the "readability" of environment variable pages is very limited, and it is difficult for beginners to understand things like paths or specified folders. The company hopes to display the path in a more consumable way, allow items to be inserted like a list, and help you easily define the path to run the executable.
A new PowerToys tool "Environment Manager" makes it easier to manage environment variables.
"We are studying how to improve the environment variables. We have some ideas, but we hope to get your opinions / ideas / ideas. One idea is to show the calculated final value if the project exists in both the system and users," a Microsoft developer pointed out in a GitHub post.
As you can see in the simulation screenshot above, the way to create environment variables using PowerToys is exactly the same as the current way. For example, the user needs to click the "add" button to give the variable a name and value.
You can also add multiple values. Users still need to abide by the principles of the tool. For example, values must be separated by semicolons. Once you have created your variable, click "OK" to apply the change.
Microsoft is still studying this feature, and we don't know when it will begin to promote it to users.