How to Copy a File or Folder Path in Windows Explorer

Learn the fastest ways to copy full file and folder paths to your clipboard in Windows 11 and 10. Master these shortcuts for increased efficiency.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.