How to Set User Environment Variable Using Setx

You probably know how to add or remove environment variables using GUI in Windows. It can be done by launching sysdm.cpl → Advanced → Environment Variables. Alternatively, one can run the following command in the Run dialog to launch the Environment Variables dialog directly:

rundll32 sysdm.cpl,EditEnvironmentVariables

(To set per-system environment variables, the above command needs to be run from admin Command Prompt.)

This post tells you how to use the Setx command to add a user environment variable.

Setting User Environment Variable

Open a Command Prompt window and type SETX /? to know the command usage. For example, to set the JAVA_HOME variable, you would use:

SETX JAVA_HOME "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.6.0_02"

(Depending upon the version of the JDK installed and the bitness of your OS, change the JDK folder path accordingly.)

This permanently sets the environment variable for your user account; It takes effect for future Command Prompt windows.

Delete a User Environment Variable

To clear the user variable, use this syntax/example:

SETX JAVA_HOME ""

This, however, doesn’t delete the value from the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Environment

So you need another command to clear it, although this is optional.

REG DELETE HKCU\Environment /V JAVA_HOME /F

This clears the JAVA_HOME user variable.

Note: The Setx command can also be used to set System Environment Variables using the “/M” switch, but you need to run it from elevated or administrator Command Prompt.