Testing a method on a bench machine i have i added my programs folder to the path section of my system variables and programs like iTunes was displayed quicker on the screen.
What is the path section of system variables do?
That variable contains the search path for executable files.
See https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/pre...ectedfrom=MSDN or just enter path /? in a command prompt.
Denis
I don't know. I have never considered the question.
There is a Registry key used for finding & launching applications that is checked after the Path has been checked. So it would seem logical that puting the location into the Path would allow Windows to find it sooner but, as I say, I have never thought about the question before. There is a brief discussion of this Registry key in How the App Paths Registry Key Makes Windows Both Faster and Safer
Denis
PS This MS article also explains the executable searching sequence including the relationship between the Path & App Paths Application Registration - app paths - Microsoft Docs
Last edited by Try3; 25 Oct 2019 at 07:36.
Alright that makes since. thank you Try3 that was some very helpful information.
Programs use PATH to find executables.
If you want to run "program" ... where will windows find it?
The DOS cmd searches the directories listed in PATH to find the program. Other programs also use this search method.
This is a classic technique since at least the early days of Unix, and continues today in Linux.
If a CMD is issued it checks if it's internal is due then it checks local folder for .com .exe.bat files then it looks for the same in the path if you execute a full CMD with the full path it's not used
The search sequence has already been identified as being the relevant issue here.
- Current working folder
- The Windows folder
- The Windows\System32 folder
- The Path
- The App Paths Registry key
The OP reported that adding the general application path [C:\Program files*] to the Path resulted in applications being launched noticeably more quickly. I was surpised by this being noticeable.
In my previous post, I've added a link to an MS article that endorses the information given in the original HelgerKlein link.
Denis
Last edited by Try3; 25 Oct 2019 at 10:12.
Try3 what section of envioronment variables did you put the path to the folders you chose?
User or system?
If I wanted to manually alter the Path I would use the Path command within a Command prompt window - normal command prompt to alter the user variable, Admin command prompt to alter the system variable. They are, as your last post indicates you already know, different variables [even though they often have, effectively, the same contents].
There is some relevant info dotted around in Delete User and System Environment Variables - TenForumsTutorials and the list of Related tutorials at the end of it.
Denis
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