diff --git a/packaging/windows/templates/start.bat b/packaging/windows/templates/start.bat
index cbfda16..84f4cff 100644
--- a/packaging/windows/templates/start.bat
+++ b/packaging/windows/templates/start.bat
@@ -18,6 +18,9 @@ cd /d "%PROJECT_ROOT%"
 :: Set PYTHONPATH to project root for module imports
 set "PYTHONPATH=%PROJECT_ROOT%"
 
+:: Set PIXELLE_VIDEO_ROOT environment variable for reliable path resolution
+set "PIXELLE_VIDEO_ROOT=%PROJECT_ROOT%"
+
 :: Start Web UI
 echo [Starting] Launching Pixelle-Video Web UI...
 echo Browser will open at: http://localhost:8501
diff --git a/packaging/windows/templates/start_api.bat b/packaging/windows/templates/start_api.bat
index 735cbcb..771c2cb 100644
--- a/packaging/windows/templates/start_api.bat
+++ b/packaging/windows/templates/start_api.bat
@@ -18,6 +18,9 @@ cd /d "%PROJECT_ROOT%"
 :: Set PYTHONPATH to project root for module imports
 set "PYTHONPATH=%PROJECT_ROOT%"
 
+:: Set PIXELLE_VIDEO_ROOT environment variable for reliable path resolution
+set "PIXELLE_VIDEO_ROOT=%PROJECT_ROOT%"
+
 :: Start API Server
 echo [Starting] Launching Pixelle-Video API Server...
 echo API will be available at: http://localhost:8000
diff --git a/packaging/windows/templates/start_web.bat b/packaging/windows/templates/start_web.bat
index aa052b9..d310e18 100644
--- a/packaging/windows/templates/start_web.bat
+++ b/packaging/windows/templates/start_web.bat
@@ -18,6 +18,9 @@ cd /d "%PROJECT_ROOT%"
 :: Set PYTHONPATH to project root for module imports
 set "PYTHONPATH=%PROJECT_ROOT%"
 
+:: Set PIXELLE_VIDEO_ROOT environment variable for reliable path resolution
+set "PIXELLE_VIDEO_ROOT=%PROJECT_ROOT%"
+
 :: Start Web UI (Standalone mode)
 echo [Starting] Launching Pixelle-Video Web UI (Standalone)...
 echo Browser will open at: http://localhost:8501
diff --git a/pixelle_video/utils/os_util.py b/pixelle_video/utils/os_util.py
index 1b22c59..3538f7e 100644
--- a/pixelle_video/utils/os_util.py
+++ b/pixelle_video/utils/os_util.py
@@ -26,11 +26,21 @@ from typing import Optional, Tuple, Literal
 
 def get_pixelle_video_root_path() -> str:
     """
-    Get Pixelle-Video root path - current working directory
+    Get Pixelle-Video root path
+    
+    Uses PIXELLE_VIDEO_ROOT environment variable to determine project root.
+    This ensures reliable path resolution in both development and packaged environments.
     
     Returns:
-        Current working directory as string
+        Project root path as string
     """
+    # Check environment variable (required for reliable operation)
+    env_root = os.environ.get("PIXELLE_VIDEO_ROOT")
+    if env_root and Path(env_root).exists():
+        return str(Path(env_root).resolve())
+    
+    # Fallback to current working directory if environment variable not set
+    # (for development environments where env var might not be set)
     return str(Path.cwd())