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How to Add ADB to Path in Windows 11

In this guide, we will show you the detailed steps to add ADB to System Variables Path on your Windows 11 PC. One of the biggest perks of having an open-source OS like Android is the ability to try out a plethora of tweaks. These include the likes of unlocking the device’s bootloader, installing customized firmware, or installing a custom recovery like TWRP. Along the same lines, you could also gain administrative privileges and access to the system partition by rooting your device via Magisk.

However, before you could actually try out any of these tweaks, you need to have the ADB and Fastboot set up on your PC. Be it for carrying out basic tasks like booting the device to Fastboot or Recovery Mode, or even carrying out advanced functionalities like flashing stock firmware via Fastboot Commands, all of these wouldn’t be possible until and unless you have added the ADB to System Variables Path on your Windows 11 PC. So without further ado, let’s get started with the instruction steps.

How to Add ADB to Path in Windows 11

add adb to path in windows 11

The below instructions are listed under separate sections for ease of understanding. Make sure to follow in the exact same sequence as mentioned.

STEP 1: Install Android SDK

First and foremost, you will have to install the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC. This is the official ADB and Fastboot binary provided by Google and is the only recommended one. So download it and then extract it to any convenient location on your PC. Doing so will give you the platform-tools folder, which will be used throughout this guide.

install adb platform tools windows

STEP 2: Enable USB Debugging

Next up, you will have to enable USB Debugging so that your device is recognizable by the PC in ADB mode. This will then also allow you to boot your device to Fastboot Mode. So head over to Settings > About Phone > Tap on Build Number 7 times > Go back to Settings > System > Advanced > Developer Options > Enable USB Debugging.

add adb to path in windows 11

STEP 3: Add ADB to System Variables Path in Windows 11

  1. To begin with, launch File Explorer via Windows+E shortcut keys and head over to the platform-tools folder. Then copy its location from the address bar.
    add adb to path in windows 11
  2. Next up, head over to the Start menu, search View Advanced System Settings, and open it.
    add adb to path in windows 11
  3. You shall now be taken to the Advanced tab of System Properties.
  4. Click on the Environmental Variables button situated at the bottom right.
    add adb to path in windows 11
  5. Now select the Path field under System Variable and click on the Edit button.
    add adb to path in windows 11
  6. After that, click on the New button and paste the platform-tools folder location (that you had earlier copied) in the space provided.
    add adb to path in windows 11
  7. Then click OK to save this path. Again click OK to close Environmental Variable and finally click OK to close System Properties.
  8. That’s it. Now restart your PC (optional but recommended) and your tasks stand complete.

STEP 4: Test the ADB Path

Now that you have successfully added ADB to System Variables Path on your Windows 11 PC, it’s time to put it to the test! First off, we will test the ADB connection followed by the Fastboot Connection. Follow along.

  1. To begin with, connect your device to the PC via USB cable. Make sure USB Debugging is enabled.
  2. Then head over to the platform-tools folder, type in CMD in the address bar, and hit Enter. This will launch the Command Prompt.
    command-prompt-inside-adb
  3. Now type in the following command in the CMD window to verify the ADB Connection.
    adb devices

    add adb to path in windows 11

  4. You should now get the device ID indicating that the connection has been successfully established
  5. After that, type in the below command to boot your device to Fastboot Mode
    adb reboot bootloader

    oneplus 7 pro fastboot mode
    Fastboot Mode in OnePlus
  6. Now let’s verify the Fastboot connection. So type in the below command and hit Enter
    fastboot devices

    add adb to path in windows 11

  7. You should get your device ID. This signifies that the Fastboot connection has been successfully established.
  8. if you don’t get any device ID, then make sure to install Fastboot Drivers onto your PC.

With this, we round off the guide on how you could add ADB to System Variables Path on your Windows 11 PC. If you have any queries concerning the aforementioned steps, do let us know in the comments. We will get back to you with a solution at the earliest.


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  • hello, what if im not running windows 11 is there another option? ty