cmd Viewing environment variables
Viewing environment variables in the Windows Command Prompt (cmd) is an important aspect of system configuration and management. Environment variables are dynamic values that can affect the way running processes behave on a computer. They can store information like system paths, user preferences, and system settings. Here’s how you can view and work with environment variables in cmd, along with examples and expected outputs.
1. Using the set
Command
The set
command displays all environment variables and their values in the current command prompt session.
Basic Syntax:
Example:
To view all environment variables, simply enter:
Output:
2. Using the echo
Command
You can also use the echo
command to display the value of a specific environment variable by referencing it with the %
symbol.
Basic Syntax:
Example:
To view the value of the PATH
environment variable, enter:
Output:
3. Using the set
Command with a Variable Name
You can use the set
command with a variable name to display only the value of that specific variable.
Basic Syntax:
Example:
To display the value of the TEMP
variable, enter:
Output:
4. Using the reg
Command to View User Environment Variables
You can also access environment variables stored in the registry using the reg
command.
Basic Syntax:
Example:
To view user-defined environment variables, enter:
Output:
Summary
Viewing environment variables in the Windows Command Prompt is essential for troubleshooting and managing system configurations. You can use the set
command to display all variables or specific ones, the echo
command to retrieve the value of a particular variable, and the reg
command to access variables stored in the Windows registry. Understanding how to view and manipulate environment variables can greatly assist in system administration and development tasks.