How to Find a File's Path on Windows

January 2023 · 2 minute read

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

Method 1 of 3:

Using Search

  • Picture 1 of How to Find a File's Path on Windows

    Press ⊞ Win+S. This opens the search bar.

  • Picture 2 of How to Find a File's Path on Windows

    Type the name of the file. A list of matching results will appear.

  • Picture 3 of How to Find a File's Path on Windows

    Right-click the name of the file. A brief pop-up will appear.

  • Picture 4 of How to Find a File's Path on Windows

    Click Open file location. This opens the file in its containing folder.

  • Picture 5 of How to Find a File's Path on Windows Click at the end of the box that contains the file name. It's just above the list of files inside the folder, and just below the icons. This 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.

    • Method 3 of 3:

    Using the Run Command Window

  • Picture 11 of How to Find a File's Path on Windows

    Navigate to the folder that contains the file. For example, if the file is on your desktop, go to the desktop.

  • Picture 12 of How to Find a File's Path on Windows

    Press ⊞ Win+R. This opens the Run command window.

  • Picture 13 of How to Find a File's Path on Windows

    Drag the file to the Run command window. You can lift your mouse once the file's icon is somewhere on the Run window.

  • Picture 14 of How to Find a File's Path on Windows Find the full path in the 'Open' box. 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.
    • Marvin Fry Marvin Fry

    Update 04 March 2020

    ncG1vNJzZmismaXArq3KnmWcp51ktbDDjK2mZp6Zo7FurYyfoKWdo2K9osDHZqanZaeeu6W71qw%3D