Copying a file’s full path, like C:\Users\Alex\Documents\Report.docx, is useful for sharing a location, pasting into Command Prompt, or pointing a program to a file. Windows 10 gives you several quick ways to do it. This guide covers Copy as path, the File Explorer ribbon, the address bar, Properties, drag-and-drop into Command Prompt, and Windows 11’s shortcut.
Quick Answer
Hold Shift, right-click the file, and choose Copy as path. Paste with Ctrl + V. The path is copied in quotation marks.
Method 1: Shift + Right-Click > Copy as Path
- In File Explorer, hold Shift and right-click the file or folder.
- Choose Copy as path.
- Paste wherever you need it.
Select several files first to copy all their paths, one per line.
Method 2: File Explorer Ribbon
- Select the file.
- On the Home tab, click Copy path.
Method 3: Address Bar (Folder Path)
- Open the folder that contains the file.
- Click an empty spot in the address bar, or press Alt + D, to show the full folder path.
- Press Ctrl + C.
Add a backslash and the file name to build the full file path.
Method 4: Properties
Right-click the file, choose Properties, and copy the Location field on the General tab. This gives the folder path.
Method 5: Drag Into Command Prompt or PowerShell
Drag a file from File Explorer into a Command Prompt or PowerShell window to insert its full path at the cursor, with quotes if it contains spaces.
Remove the Quotation Marks
Copy as path wraps paths in quotes so they work in Command Prompt with spaces. To remove them, delete the first and last characters after pasting, or in Excel use =SUBSTITUTE(A1,CHAR(34),””).
Copy a Network Path
For files on a mapped drive, Copy as path shows the drive letter (for example Z:\Projects\plan.docx). Colleagues may not have the same letter; share the network path (for example \\server\share\Projects\plan.docx) instead. Open the folder through Network to copy the full UNC path from the address bar.
Windows 11
Right-click a file and choose Copy as path directly, or press Ctrl + Shift + C with the file selected.
Paste a Path Into Word or Outlook as a Link
Paste the path and press Space or Enter; Office often turns it into a clickable link. Or select text, press Ctrl + K, and paste the path in Address.
Can’t remember where you saved something? See how to check recently opened files in Windows 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don’t I see Copy as path?
In Windows 10 it’s hidden until you hold Shift while right-clicking.
How do I copy the path of the current folder in Command Prompt?
Run cd | clip to copy it to the clipboard.
Does this work on Windows 11?
Yes, and it’s easier. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025.
Summary
- Shift + right-click > Copy as path.
- Or use Home > Copy path in File Explorer.
- Copy folder paths from the address bar with Alt + D, Ctrl + C.
- Share UNC paths for network files.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.