Setting Non-Admin User's Environmental Variable?

Question

_{Monday, September 12, 2016 11:01 PM}

Hi Folks:

   I'd like to set an environmental variable for my non-admin account. 

   This link says:

           To add or modify environment variables, the user selects System
           from the Control Panel, then selects the Environment tab.

   When I try this I see this system window:

   I'm not seeing an "Environment" tab in this window.

   I can click on "Advanced system settings", which requires that I log into an admin account, and click on the System Properties window's Environmental Variables button:

   So I can add and edit environmental variables for an admin account I've logged into, like larryl_admin. 

   How do I add and edit environmental variables for a non-admin account? 

      Thanks
      Larry

All replies (3)

_{Tuesday, September 13, 2016 5:54 PM ✅Answered | 1 vote}

Environment Variables gives a good explanation of 'two types of environment variables: user environment variables (set for each user) and system environment variables (set for everyone).' So are you trying to set a system environment variables as user? Needs admin rights.

If you want to set a user environment variable that can be down by PowerShell Creating and Modifying Environment Variables

If that does not help please say what you are trying to achieve overall as that will help get advice.

_{Tuesday, September 13, 2016 8:24 PM}

Thanks Mr. Happy:

   I understand the difference between a user environmental variable and a system environmental variable.  I'm looking for a list of the user's environmental variables, for the user I was logged in as before the "Advanced systems settings" window asked that I log in as an admin in order to proceed. 

   If I was trying to set a system environmental variable I realize that I can do that in the "system Variables"  box of the second window I've displayed. 

   I've never used the powershell.  It looks like a useful tool, and something I'll want to learn to some day. 

   But I have a full plate right now. 

   I was hoping to just click on a couple of buttons to see what I need, as the link I referenced seems to suggest. 

   I'll study Powershell later, I have work to do right now. 

   I do appreciate your response.

      Thanks
      Larry

_{Tuesday, September 13, 2016 9:11 PM | 1 vote}

The system dialogue lets the user edit system variables as well so guess that is why it wants admin rights to open.

From a  command prompt;

REG QUERY HKCU\Environment

Looks up user variables in the registry. Not sure what use that would be but a start maybe.