where: find which executable runs for a command in Windows (like which)

where python prints the full path of every file named python plus a PATHEXT extension (.exe, .cmd, .bat …) found in the current folder and then in each PATH folder, in search order. The first line is the one cmd runs. It is the Windows counterpart of which -a. Nothing found prints INFO: Could not find files for the given pattern(s). and sets ERRORLEVEL to 1.

where python
where git node npm

Examples

mkdir bin
> bin\tool.cmd echo @echo tool
> notes.txt echo x
where /r . tool.cmd notes.txt
set "PATH=%CD%\bin;%PATH%"
where tool
where /q nosuchtool
echo where /q: ERRORLEVEL=%ERRORLEVEL%
where nosuchtool 2>&1
echo where: ERRORLEVEL=%ERRORLEVEL%

/tmp/work/notes.txt
/tmp/work/bin/tool.cmd
/tmp/work/bin/tool.cmd
where /q: ERRORLEVEL=1
INFO: Could not find files for the given pattern(s).
where: ERRORLEVEL=1

Options

Typical uses

• Two versions installed, wrong one runs: where python shows both; the first wins. Reorder PATH or remove the stale entry. The Microsoft Store alias %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\WindowsApps\python.exe often appears first.
• "is not recognized": if where name finds nothing, the program is not in any PATH folder; see is not recognized as an internal or external command.
• In a batch file: where /q git || (echo git is required & exit /b 1).