How to Find the Executable Path in Windows

How-To
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Whether you’re troubleshooting software issues, setting up environment variables, or simply curious about where a program is installed, knowing how to find the executable path of an application in Windows is essential. This guide will walk you through several methods to locate the executable path in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Why Find the Executable Path?

  • Troubleshooting: Fix errors related to missing or corrupted files.
  • Customization: Modify settings or configurations that require the full path.
  • Development: Set up development environments that need executable paths.
  • Security: Verify the legitimacy of running processes.

Method 1: Using Task Manager

Step 1: Open Task Manager

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager directly.
  • Alternatively, right-click on the Taskbar and select Task Manager.

Step 2: Locate the Application

  • Click on the Processes tab.
  • Find the application whose executable path you want to locate.

Step 3: Access File Location

  • Right-click on the application and select Open file location.

Step 4: Copy the Path

  • In the File Explorer window that opens, click on the address bar.
  • Copy the full path displayed.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

Step 1: Open Command Prompt

  • Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter.

Step 2: Use the where Command

  • Type the following command and press Enter:
  • cmd
  • where [application_name]
  • Replace [application_name] with the name of the executable. For example:
  • cmd
  • where notepad

Step 3: View the Path

  • The Command Prompt will display the full path to the executable.

Method 3: Using the Start Menu Shortcut

Step 1: Find the Application in Start Menu

  • Click on the Start button.
  • Scroll through the list of installed applications to find the one you need.

Step 2: Open File Location

  • Right-click on the application.
  • Select More > Open file location.

Step 3: Access the Executable Path

  • In the File Explorer window, right-click on the application shortcut.
  • Select Properties.

Step 4: View the Executable Path

  • In the Shortcut tab, look at the Target field.
  • The path listed is the executable path.

Method 4: Using PowerShell

Step 1: Open PowerShell

  • Press Windows key + X and select Windows PowerShell or Windows Terminal.

Step 2: Use the Get-Command Cmdlet

  • Type the following command and press Enter:
  • powershell
  • Get-Command [application_name] | Select-Object Source Replace [application_name] with the name of the executable. For example:
  • powershell
  • Get-Command notepad | Select-Object Source

Step 3: View the Path

  • The executable path will be displayed under the Source column.

Conclusion

Finding the executable path in Windows is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using various methods. Whether you prefer graphical interfaces like Task Manager and File Explorer or command-line tools like Command Prompt and PowerShell, you have multiple options to choose from.

Additional Tips

  • Environment Variables: Some applications add their executable paths to system environment variables, making them accessible from any command prompt.
  • Third-Party Tools: Utilities like Process Explorer provide more detailed information about running processes and their paths.
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