Can I change the PATH environmental variable in Windows 7 without restarting?

Can I change the PATH environmental variable in Windows 7 without restarting? Is there anyway to change the PATH environment variable (or variables in general) on Windows 7 Exterprise (64 bit) and have it take effect in PowerShell or the command prompt (cmd.exe) without requiring a restart?
Asked by: Guest \| Views: 431

Total answers/comments: 2

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Guest [Entry]

"The requirement really isn't ""must restart"", it's ""must log out/log back in"" -- mostly for your current user processes to pick up the change.

If all you're interested in is for the variable changes to take effect in a command window or power shell, starting a new shell after making said changes should be all that's needed."

Guest [Entry]

I solved this problem by choosing Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell from the start menu, right clicking and choosing "Run as administrator". Then the new command window will recognize the changes to PATH, otherwise it does not. I don't know what will happen after a restart.