VS Code terminal doesn't recognize PATH variables

Question

I added a directory to my PATH but the terminal in my VS Code doesn't recognize a command(exe) that I'm trying to run from that directory. The terminal uses cmd not power shell. What am I missing?

Where did you add a directory to your PATH? System level with SETX? Inside VS Code? Did you restart VS Code after adding it? — lit, Jul 02 '17 at 18:31
At a system level. Not inside VS code and I did restart VS code. — neomib, Jul 03 '17 at 13:09
Can't reproduce. Not enough information in the question to provide an answer. — Bill_Stewart, Jul 03 '17 at 19:36

score 26 · Accepted Answer · answered Jul 05 '17 at 10:20

26

Restarted my computer and it worked :) Apparently VS Code didn't recognize the changes.

answered Jul 05 '17 at 10:20

neomib

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Thanks,, but i just restarted the VS code itself – Vattic Dec 03 '22 at 09:28
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In my case restarting VSCode didn't help, all built-in terminals didn't see the new PATH value. Singing out and in my Windows account helped. – AKd Mar 19 '23 at 12:23

score 18 · Answer 2 · answered Oct 31 '18 at 14:57

18

For me, a simple restart of VSC did the trick.

answered Oct 31 '18 at 14:57

avi.elkharrat

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Helpful. Thanks – raiyan22 Jun 11 '23 at 18:36
Note that 'Restart to Update' does not pick up the new PATH when it starts again. Click X to close the app, check that the VS Code process is not present in Task Manager then open VS Code again, either from shortcut or by entering `code` in a cmd window. Then it picked up the updated PATH. – MikeA Aug 23 '23 at 16:37

score 7 · Answer 3 · answered Dec 16 '21 at 19:23

7

If your VS Code terminal shows "Session Restored" after restarting, then it may still be using the variables from before you rebooted! If this happens, close and re-open the vscode window, or kill and restart the terminal tab.

answered Dec 16 '21 at 19:23

nupanick

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This was the answer for me. Persisted past a reboot! – user37309 Jan 04 '22 at 23:57

Fred Johnson · Answer 4 · 2022-01-26T07:51:55.027

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Clicking the bin/trash icon on the terminal to properly kill it and then CTRL + ' to open a new terminal works best. No need to close the app or shut down your PC.

edited Jan 26 '22 at 07:51

answered Jan 26 '22 at 07:13

Fred Johnson

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A screenshot of this "bin icon" might help (not everyone calls the trash button a "bin"). Also, can do this through the command palette: "**Terminal: Kill the Active Terminal Instance**" and then "**Terminal: Create New Terminal**". – Gino Mempin Jan 26 '22 at 07:16

score 0 · Answer 5 · answered Dec 09 '21 at 07:26

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I had some files remaining in the folder 'c:\Program Files\nodejs', deleted the folder and it all worked.

answered Dec 09 '21 at 07:26

Worthy7

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score 0 · Answer 6 · answered Apr 20 '23 at 10:34

If nothing works and you don't want to restart your computer.

For windows;

Open a command prompt (outside vscode) and type echo %PATH%
Copy the path
Open your terminal in vscode and type PATH=<your-path> (replace <your-path> with the output)

Note: This is a temporary solution and goes away if you close the terminal and open a new one.

VS Code terminal doesn't recognize PATH variables

6 Answers6

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