Out-File
Use Out-File to write the formatted text representation of objects to a file.
Documentation: Microsoft Learn — Out-File
Syntax
See the command anatomy
Read the command and its supplied arguments. This example requires real PowerShell or its module; this diagram does not execute it.
Out-File [-FilePath] <String> [-Encoding <Encoding>] [-Append] [-NoClobber] [-Width <Int32>] [<CommonParameters>]- Stage 1Out-File
-FilePath -Encoding -Append -NoClobber -Width
Try it
PowerShell example · browser support is limited.
Execution scope: The full example below requires PowerShell outside this browser. You can edit this runner to use the supported practice commands; unsupported syntax returns an explanation.
Follow the objects
Run the command to inspect each stage.
Examples
Write the first 5 services to a file
Show reference output
Sample output · fictional data, shaped like the real thing
(No pipeline output. The sample file was written successfully.)
Control line width with -Width
Show reference output
Sample output · fictional data, shaped like the real thing
(No pipeline output. The sample file was written successfully.)
Parameters
Parameter definitions:
-FilePath-Encoding-Append-NoClobber-Width
Practical use and troubleshooting
Practical scenario: Use Out-File when you need to write the formatted text representation of objects to a file. Review syntax and sample output, then try an example in the browser lab. Start with one identified target and inspect the returned values before extending the operation to a list. Keep the identity in your report so you can trace each result back to the object or path that produced it.
Common error and fix: Unexpected characters can come from an encoding mismatch between writer and reader. Specify the required encoding explicitly and validate the resulting file with its intended consumer. In an unattended script, capture this failure with its original error record and record which target failed. An empty result and an unsuccessful query must remain distinguishable in the final report.
See also: Out-String. Out-File writes formatted text to a file; Out-String returns a string representation. Use structured formats when later code must reliably read the original properties back. Read the linked command before substituting it; similar names do not imply identical inputs or output.
Recap
Out-File Use Out-File to write the formatted text representation of objects to a file.
Next: Export-Csv