How to Find a File's Path on Windows

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Get the file path from File Explorer, the search bar, or the Run dialog
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This wikiHow teaches you how to find the full path to a file using Windows Search, File Explorer, or the Run command window.

Finding a Windows File Path

Press the Windows key + S to open the search bar, type in the name of the file, and right-click the file that appears. Click on "Open file location." Click the box that contains the file name, above the list of files inside the folder. Press Ctrl + C to copy the file's path, then press Ctrl + V to paste it.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Using Search

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  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This activates the search bar.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A list of matching results will appear.
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  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":544,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A pop-up will appear.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":342,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":541,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This opens the file in its containing folder.
    • If you're using Windows 11, you can also select Copy path , which copies the path of the file. You can then view the path by pasting it into a document or text file using Ctrl + V .
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The box is above the list of files inside the folder, and just below the icons. This displays and highlights the full path to the file.
    • To copy the path, press Ctrl + C .
    • To paste the path once it has been copied, press Ctrl + V .
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Using Copy as Path

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  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":343,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":543,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    For example, if the file is in your Downloads folder, you can press Windows key + E to open File Explorer, and then click Downloads in the left panel.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":343,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":543,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A menu will appear.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This copies the full path of the file.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Now that the full path to the file is copied, you can paste it into any text file or document by pressing Ctrl + V , or by right-clicking a typing area and selecting Paste .
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Using the Properties Menu

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  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":343,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":543,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    For example, if the file is in your Downloads folder, you can press Windows key + E to open File Explorer, and then click Downloads in the left panel.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":343,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":543,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A menu will appear.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It’s at the bottom of the menu on Windows 10, and near the middle on Windows 11.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":348,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":551,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It’s near the center of the window.
    • To copy the path, double-click it to highlight it with the mouse, then press Ctrl + C .
    • To paste the path once it has been copied, press Ctrl + V .
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Using the Run Command Window

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  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/af\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/af\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":348,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":550,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    For example, if the file is on your desktop, go to the desktop.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This opens the Run command window.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":548,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can lift your mouse once the file’s icon is somewhere on the Run window.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-Find-a-File%27s-Path-on-Windows-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":548,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This displays the file’s full location.
    • To copy the path, double-click it to highlight it with the mouse, then press Ctrl + C .
    • To paste the path once it has been copied, press Ctrl + V .
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