How to Copy a File or Folder Path in Windows Explorer

Step by step

1. 10 sec

   Use the Copy as path command

   Open File Explorer and navigate to the target file or folder. Right-click the item and select Copy as path from the context menu to save the full directory string to your clipboard.

   Note: Holding the Shift key while right-clicking reveals the Copy as path option immediately in the classic context menu.
2. 5 sec

   Utilize the Keyboard Shortcut

   Select the desired file or folder within an Explorer window. Press Ctrl + Shift + C to instantly copy the full path to your clipboard.

   Note: This is the most efficient method for power users working within Windows 11.
3. 15 sec

   Copy path from the Address Bar

   Click the empty space in the Address Bar at the top of the File Explorer window to highlight the current directory path. Press Ctrl + C to copy the text, or right-click the highlighted text and select Copy.

   Note: This method only captures the folder path, not the specific file name contained within that folder.
4. 20 sec

   Copy via the Ribbon Menu

   Select the file or folder in File Explorer. In the Windows 11 command bar at the top of the window, click the See more icon (three dots) and select Copy as path.

   Note: This is a visual alternative if you prefer using the ribbon interface over keyboard shortcuts.
5. 10 sec

   Paste and Validate

   Open your target application or a text editor such as Notepad. Press Ctrl + V to paste the path and ensure the formatting includes quotation marks, which Windows adds by default to handle spaces in folder names.

   Note: If you are pasting this into a command prompt, the quotation marks are necessary for the command to execute correctly.