Command Prompt - How to add a set path only for that batch file executing?

Question

Basically, I know I can go through my control panel and modify the path variable. But, I\'m wondering if there is a way to through batch programming have a temporary path in

Answer 1

Just like any other environment variable, with SET:

SET PATH=%PATH%;c:\whatever\else

If you want to have a little safety check built in first, check to see if the new path exists first:

IF EXIST c:\whatever\else SET PATH=%PATH%;c:\whatever\else

If you want that to be local to that batch file, use setlocal:

setlocal
set PATH=...
set OTHERTHING=...

@REM Rest of your script

Read the docs carefully for setlocal/endlocal , and have a look at the other references on that site - Functions is pretty interesting too and the syntax is tricky.

The Syntax page should get you started with the basics.

Answer 2

That's right, but it doesn't change it permanently, but just for current command prompt, if you wanna to change it permanently you have to use for example this:

setx ENV_VAR_NAME "DESIRED_PATH" /m

This will change it permanently and yes you can overwrite it by another batch script.

Answer 3

There is an important detail:

set PATH="C:\linutils;C:\wingit\bin;%PATH%"

does not work, while

set PATH=C:\linutils;C:\wingit\bin;%PATH%

works. The difference is the quotes!

UPD also see the comment by venimus