Java - get "program files" path

Question

How can I get the current computer's "Program Files" path with Java?

What is the use of gaining such an arcane and OS specific directory? What are you actually trying to achieve by knowing that information? — Andrew Thompson, Jan 31 '11 at 14:18

score 40 · Accepted Answer · answered Jan 31 '11 at 13:35

40

Simply by calling System.getenv(...)

System.getenv("ProgramFiles");

Notice it will only work in Windows environments, of course :-)

answered Jan 31 '11 at 13:35

Riduidel

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NiksD · Answer 2 · 2018-03-09T05:27:09.787

4

For 32 bit use:

    System.out.println(System.getenv("ProgramFiles(X86)"));

For 64 bit use:

    System.out.println(System.getenv("ProgramFiles"));

edited Mar 09 '18 at 05:27

answered Mar 09 '18 at 05:21

NiksD

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score 4 · Answer 3 · edited Jul 04 '15 at 13:52

4

System.getenv("%programfiles% (x86)");

for the 32-bit folder on 64-bit PC's.

Also, it works on any language in Windows Vista and newer. Calling either of the posted responses will work on any language installation, in fact.

edited Jul 04 '15 at 13:52

narrowtux

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answered Mar 12 '12 at 03:06

azvampyre

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score 2 · Answer 4 · answered Jan 31 '11 at 13:40

Use the System.getenv() method:

public class EnvironmentVariableExample {

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println(System.getenv("ProgramFiles"));
        System.out.println(System.getenv("MadeUpEnvVar"));
    }
}

If the variable doesn't exist, it will simply return null.

Java - get "program files" path

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