Emacs doesn't pick up .emacs.d/ on windows

Question

I'm using Linux at home but for work reasons I need to use Windows. That's why I've installed emacs on my company computer. I have a implemented at several scripts at home to be able to replicate my exact emacs setup when I switch to new computers.

According to this question I've created a HOME variable pointing to AppData\Roaming. Is the right location for the .emacs.d directory? How can I check on windows the default location emacs is looking for an .emcas.d, init.el etc? However, I think AppData\Roaming seems to be the right place, as I see a that emacs has created a .emacs file within that directory.

Nevertheless, emacs is not evaluating the .emacs.d/init.el. That file contains a list of packages and layout option which I use per default. If packages are not installed it will install it. However, nothing happens when I open Emacs and the layout is also not adjusted. Since I'm not a Windows expert and I've already set up the HOME environment variable, what else can I do to fix the issue?

Answer 1

1. Menu Bar->Help->Read the Emacs manual
2. Menu Bar -> Index -> Lookup a string and display index of results...
3. Type ms-windows when prompted
4. You will see an entry like the following

* _emacs init file, MS-Windows [Concept Index]: Windows HOME. (line 43)

5. Clicking on that will give you the information you need. The information you see will be same as this one HOME and Startup Directories on MS-Windows

The above page says

You can always find out what Emacs thinks is your home directory’s location by typing C-x d ~/ RET. This should present the list of files in the home directory, and show its full name on the first line. Likewise, to visit your init file, type C-x C-f ~/.emacs RET (assuming the file’s name is .emacs).