How to Display Full Path in Windows 11 File Explorer
Displaying the full path in Windows 11 File Explorer shows you the complete location of any file or folder you are working with, starting from the main drive (like C:) all the way down to the item itself.
This useful setting reveals the entire address of your file or folder, which Windows 11 often hides by default.
By default, File Explorer usually only shows the current folder’s name at the top. Turning on the full path option gives you a much clearer picture of where things are saved, just like in older versions of Windows.
This helps avoid confusion, especially with many folders, and makes it much simpler to copy the exact location of a file. This feature is available in Windows 11, version 22H2.
Enable the full path in File Explorer by opening Folder Options, going to the View tab, and checking “Display the full path in the title bar.” Alternatively, use the Settings app under “For developers” or modify the Windows Registry at Computer\🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CabinetState.
How to Show Full Path in File Explorer
Method 1Using Folder Options
- Open File Explorer Folder Options.
- Click on the View tab.
- Check the box next to “Display the full path in the title bar.”
Click OK to save your changes.
Method 2Using the Settings App
Displaying the full path in Windows 11 File Explorer is also achievable using the Settings app. Open Settings, navigate to System, then For developers. Find the File Explorer section and turn on the toggle for showing the full path. This is a quick way to see exactly where your files are located.
- Open the Developer feature in Windows 11.
- Go to Start menu > Settings > System > For developers.
- Find the File Explorer section and click to open it.
- Toggle the button for the full path to on or off.
Close the Settings app when you are finished.
Method 3Using the Windows Registry
For advanced users, changing a setting in the Windows Registry can also display the full path in File Explorer on Windows 11. Open the Registry Editor and navigate to the following path: Computer\🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CabinetState. Next, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value within CabinetState to implement the change.
This setting can also be adjusted using the Windows Registry Editor.
- Open the Windows Registry and go to this path:
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CabinetState- Right-click CabinetState > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it
FullPath. - Double-click
FullPathand change the value to 1 to show the path. - Enter 0 to hide the path.
Summary
Knowing the full path in Windows 11 File Explorer helps you see exactly where your files are. You can turn this feature on or off using Folder Options, the Settings app, or the Windows Registry. Seeing the full path makes navigating your files much easier and helps you understand your file locations better.
- Three Ways to Enable: You can use Folder Options, the Settings app, or the Windows Registry.
- Easy to Toggle: You can turn the feature on or off whenever you like.
- Better Navigation: Seeing the full path helps you understand exactly where you are in your files.
- Quick Preview: If you don’t want the path visible always, you can hover your mouse over a tab to see it in a popup.
- Restart May Be Needed: If you use the Registry method, restart your computer to apply the changes.
How do I show the full file path in 🪟 Windows 11?
Open File Explorer or press ⊞ Win+E. Select the View tab, then Options, and then Change folder and search options. In the Folder Options window, click the View tab. Under Advanced settings, toggle Display the full path in the title bar.
How do you display the full path?
How to display the full path?
How to show full drive path?
To see the full path for your mapped drives, type ‘command’ in the Windows search bar and press Enter to open the Command Prompt. Once it’s open, type ‘net use’ and press Enter again. This will list all your mapped drives and their corresponding UNC paths (Universal Naming Convention paths).
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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