Write output to a text file in PowerShell

Question

I've compared two files using the following code:

Compare-Object $(Get-Content c:\user\documents\List1.txt) $(Get-Content c:\user\documents\List2.txt)

How can I write the output of this to a new text file? I've tried using an echo command, but I don't really understand the syntax.

score 97 · Accepted Answer · answered Aug 27 '13 at 15:12

97

Use the Out-File cmdlet

 Compare-Object ... | Out-File C:\filename.txt

Optionally, add -Encoding utf8 to Out-File as the default encoding is not really ideal for many uses.

answered Aug 27 '13 at 15:12

manojlds

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What about STDOUT (info) vs. STDERR (error) messages? Will they both go to the out-file? – Jess Jul 23 '14 at 18:26
I know irrelevant but why the 'new' one makes it harder. What was wrong with >filename.txt – dvdmn Jul 26 '18 at 13:21

score 21 · Answer 2 · answered Aug 27 '13 at 15:11

21

The simplest way is to just redirect the output, like so:

Compare-Object $(Get-Content c:\user\documents\List1.txt) $(Get-Content c:\user\documents\List2.txt) > c:\user\documents\diff_output.txt

> will cause the output file to be overwritten if it already exists.
>> will append new text to the end of the output file if it already exists.

answered Aug 27 '13 at 15:11

Matt

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This is the cmd / dos method. For powershell I think Out-File is a much better habit to get into – Austin T French Aug 27 '13 at 15:13
@AthomSfere, I agree. I'm still learning PowerShell, and old habits die hard. :) – Matt Aug 27 '13 at 15:17
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This is also the Unix way, if you are using windows by force, this is the way. – Ray Foss Aug 22 '14 at 18:17
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Maybe not so outdated? https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.core/about/about_redirection?view=powershell-6 – kitsu.eb Feb 09 '18 at 18:40

score 6 · Answer 3 · answered Jul 17 '18 at 21:49

Another way this could be accomplished is by using the Start-Transcript and Stop-Transcript commands, respectively before and after command execution. This would capture the entire session including commands.

Start-Transcript

Stop-Transcript

For this particular case Out-File is probably your best bet though.

Write output to a text file in PowerShell

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