SET Windows Command Guide

The Windows set command is a powerful tool used to create, change, or display environment variables. With this command, users can control system settings efficiently, making it an essential component of the Windows command line interface.

SET Syntax:

set [option] [parameter]

Options:

Option	Description
/A	Specifies that the string to the right of the equal sign is a numerical expression that is evaluated.
/P	Prompts for confirmation before setting the environment variable.
/S	Modifies variables in the current command shell.

Parameters:

Parameter	Description
variable	The name of the environment variable to set.
value	The value to assign to the variable.

Caution

Exercise caution when using the set command as it can modify environment variables and have system-wide effects. Make sure you understand the implications of the changes you are making before executing the command.

SET Command Samples:

Set a Environment Variable

set MYVAR=myvalue

Sets the environment variable MYVAR to the value “myvalue”.

Set a Variable in a Batch File

set VAR1=12345

Sets the variable VAR1 to the value “12345” in a batch file.

Display All Environment Variables

set

Displays all environment variables with their current values.

Set a Variable Without Displaying

set /p VAR2=Enter a value:

Sets the variable VAR2 by prompting the user to enter a value without displaying it.

Set a Variable String with Spaces

set MYSTRING="Hello, World!"

Sets the variable MYSTRING to the string “Hello, World!” including spaces.

Set a System Variable

setx PATH "%PATH%;C:\NewFolder"

Sets a new folder to the system variable PATH, which includes the previous PATH value and the new folder.

Set Variables for an If-Else Condition

set USER=Admin
if "%USER%" == "Admin" (
  echo Welcome,%USER%!
) else (
  echo Access denied.
)

Demonstrates setting a variable and using it in an if-else condition to display a message based on the variable value.

Tip

When using the set command in Windows CMD, remember that variables are case-insensitive. This means that SET, set, and SeT are all interpreted as the same command. Additionally, when setting a variable, avoid using spaces around the equal sign to prevent any unexpected behavior.

SET FAQ:

How do I use set in Windows?

To use the set command in Windows, execute the following command:

set myVar=Hello

How can I display all variables in Windows CMD?

To display all variables in Windows CMD, use the following command:

set

How do I clear a specific variable in Windows CMD?

To clear a specific variable in Windows CMD, use the following command:

set myVar=

How can I display the value of a specific variable in Windows CMD?

To display the value of a specific variable in Windows CMD, use the following command:

echo %myVar%

How do I set an environment variable that persists after the CMD window is closed?

To set an environment variable that persists after the CMD window is closed, use the following command:

setx myVar Hello

How can I combine multiple set commands in a single line in Windows CMD?

To combine multiple set commands in a single line in Windows CMD, use the following command:

set var1=value1 && set var2=value2

Applications of the SET Command

• Assigning a value to a variable
• Displaying the values of variables
• Setting environment variables
• Displaying the current environment variables
• Setting system variables