6 ways to copy file and folder paths in Windows 11

 Users frequently entered directory and file paths during the era of command-based operating systems, such as DOS.

Today, users can navigate through folders in Windows File Explorer without entering a change folder command. However, it can still be useful to copy file and folder paths so you can paste them into a document, Command Prompt, or when opening something in an application. Here are some ways you can copy file and folder paths in Windows 11.

1. How to copy a path with Explorer's "See More" menu

File Explorer's See More menu includes a Copy path option that you can select. Clicking that option for a selected file or folder will copy its path to the clipboard. Here is how you can select the Copy path option in Windows 11 File Explorer:

1. Select the File Explorer shortcut pinned on the Windows taskbar.

2. Open a folder that includes the subfolder or file whose path you want to copy.

3. Click once on a subfolder or file to select it.

4. Then click the See more button with three dots on Explorer's command bar.

5. Select the Copy path option .

Then open Notepada or a word processor to paste the copied path. You can paste in copied paths by pressing Ctrl + V . Paths you copy using this method will include the full location within quotes.

2. How to select default context menu option to copy path

Alternatively, you can select the Copy as path option via Explorer's context menu. To do so, open a folder that includes the file or folder path to copy. Then right-click on the file or folder and select Copy as path .

You can also copy multiple paths. To do so, select multiple files and folders by holding down the Ctrl key. Then right-click on a file or folder to select Copy as path .

3. How to copy the path using hotkey

Recent Windows 11 versions 22463 and above include a convenient hotkey for copying paths. You can copy the path with that shortcut by selecting the folder or file in Explorer and pressing the key combination Ctrl + Shift + C .

That's the hotkey for the Copy as path context menu option . You can see if your Windows 11 build number has that hotkey by right-clicking on the file or folder. That hotkey won't work if you don't see Ctrl + Shift + C next to the Copy as path option on the context menu.

If your version of Windows 11 doesn't have that hotkey, you'll need to update the platform. Choose to install the latest build of the platform if you are using an older version.

4. How to copy path with File Explorer's address bar option

File Explorer's address bar includes the paths of folders you open. You can copy links from there by selecting an option on the address bar context menu. Open a folder to copy location. Then right-click on the address bar and select Copy address as text .

The Copy address as text option copies the folder path in the address bar as plain text. The copied pasted path will not include any quotes.

5. How to copy the destination path for the shortcut

This method will be useful if you need to open the source folder for the desktop shortcut. The properties windows for desktop paths have a Target box that includes the path of the application file they launch. You can copy the path for the desktop shortcut from those boxes.

To copy the destination path, right-click the desktop shortcut and select Properties ; Click inside the Target box on the Shortcut tab to select the path's text. Press the standard Ctrl + C hotkey to copy the selected path text. Then, paste that copied path into File Explorer's address bar using Ctrl + V .

6. How to copy paths using Path Copy Copy software

Path Copy Copy is third-party software that adds new options for copying paths to File Explorer's context menu. The user can then select alternative options to copy to different locations on the Path Copy submenu . You can copy full paths using the submenu in that software's context menu as follows:

1. Open the Path Copy Copy download page and download the executable file, then run it.

2. Click the Install for me only option .

3. Select English (or another preferred option) on the Language drop-down menu and select OK.

4. Click the I accept the agreement option and select Install .

5. You will then be prompted to restart Windows to complete the installation. Select the Yes button, restart the computer now .

6. Sign back in to the Windows user account where you installed the software.

7. Open a folder in File Explorer.

8. Then right-click the file or subfolder and select Show more options on the Windows 11 context menu.

9. Move the cursor over the Path Copy subfolder .

10. Select the Long path option to copy the entire location. Now you have copied a long path to paste wherever you need it.

The great thing about Path Copy Copy is that it provides many options for copying folders and file paths. However, only a few of them are in the default Copy Path submenu. To add all the options, click Settings on the Path Copy submenu . Then select all submenu checkboxes in the window and click Apply > OK .

Now, right-click on a file or folder to get another look at the Path Copy submenu, which will include more options. You can select the Short option to copy the location with the shortened folder or file name. Or select Name to copy only the title for the file or folder. Try out different copy path options by selecting and pasting them into Notepad.

You can configure how paths are copied by changing the settings in the Path Copy Options tab. For example, your copied paths will include surrounding quotes if you select the Add quotes around copied paths check box . Select the Add < and > around copied paths option to include parentheses around the copied paths.

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Micah Soto

Update 01 July 2024