This article explains how to find the path to a file using the Windows search feature, the "File Explorer" window or the "Command Prompt".
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use the Search Function
Step 1. Press the key combination ⊞ Win + S
The Windows search bar will appear.
Step 2. Type the name of the file to search for
A list of all items that meet the search criteria will be displayed.
Step 3. Select the file name with the right mouse button
A context menu will be displayed.
Step 4. Click on the Open file path entry
The window for the folder where the file is stored will be displayed.
Step 5. Click at the end point of the bar where the file name is displayed
It is located in the upper part of the window, between the pane showing the list of what is contained in the folder and the toolbar. This will select the entire path to the file.
- To copy the selected information, press the key combination Ctrl + C.
- To paste the file path where you want (after copying it to the system clipboard), press the key combination Ctrl + V.
Method 2 of 3: Use the File Explorer Window
Step 1. Press the key combination ⊞ Win + E
The "File Explorer" system window will appear.
The "Windows" key is usually located at the bottom left of the computer keyboard
Step 2. Navigate to the folder where the file is stored
The steps to follow vary depending on the location of the file. As a rough guide, you will need to double-click on the icon of the drive or hard drive where the file is stored, and then perform the same operation with all the necessary folders until you reach the one where the file is located.
Step 3. Select the file icon with the right mouse button
A context menu will be displayed.
Step 4. Click on the Properties item
It is located at the bottom of the menu that appeared.
Step 5. Locate the "Path" entry
It is located in the center of the "Properties" window.
- To copy the entire path to the file, double-click the file with the mouse to select it, then press the key combination Ctrl + C.
- To paste the file path where you want (after copying it to the system clipboard), press the key combination Ctrl + V.
Method 3 of 3: Use the Windows Command Prompt
Step 1. Navigate to the folder where the file is stored
For example, if the file you want to review is stored directly on your computer desktop, you will need to access that folder.
Step 2. Press the key combination ⊞ Win + R
The "Run" system window will appear.
Step 3. Drag the file into the "Run" window
Use the mouse to drag the file icon into the "Run" window, then release the left button on the pointing device.
Step 4. The full path to the file will automatically appear in the "Open" field of the "Run" window
- To copy the entire path to the file, double-click the "Open" field of the "Run" window with the mouse to select it, then press the key combination Ctrl + C.
- To paste the file path where you want (after copying it to the system clipboard), press the key combination Ctrl + V.
