How to create custom environment variables on Windows 11, 10

On Windows 11 (and 10), environment variables are globally known names that refer to certain path locations within the operating system, such as to a particular folder or drive on your computer.

For example, instead of having to browse to “C:\Users\accountName” to access your account folders, you can simply type “%HOMEPATH%” in the “Run” command and hit enter to access the same location.

There are a number of built-in environment variables on Windows 11 and 10 that can come in handy in a number of scenarios, especially when creating a script. However, you’re not limited to the default list. You can create your very own variables if you want to have quicker access to certain locations.

This guide will teach you the steps to create custom environment variables on Windows 10 and 11. 

Create custom environment variables on Windows 11

To create an environment variable on Windows 11 (or 10), use these steps:

1. Open Start on Windows 11.

2. Search for Edit the system environment variables and click the top result to open the “System Properties” page.

3. Click the Advanced tab.

4. Click the Environment Variables button.

   

5. Under the “User variables for admin” section, click the New button.

6. Confirm the name for the variable in the “Variable name” setting. For example, “PIX.”

7. Confirm the path for the folder, drive, or file to open with the new variable in the “Variable values” setting. For example, “C:\Users\Admin\Pictures.”

8. Click the OK button.

9. Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, the system will create a new variable, and you can use it to access the specific location or file with the variable. For example, you can open the “Run” command, type the variable (%PIX%), and click the “OK” button.

If you want to delete a variable, you can follow the same steps, but in step 4, select the variable and click the “Delete” button.