How to write output to a file and display it on CMD at the same time

Learn how to efficiently use CMD and PowerShell to display and save command outputs simultaneously without the need for running commands multiple times.
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How to Write Output to a File and Display It on CMD at the Same Time

If you've ever needed to save the output of a command while also displaying it in the Command Prompt (CMD) window, you might have found yourself at a crossroads. Is it possible to achieve both? Fortunately, yes, it is! In this post, we will discuss a simple solution using the Command Prompt and introduce an alternative method using PowerShell that leverages the tee command.

The Challenge

Consider the following scenario: you want to run a command that checks the integrity of your Windows system files using SFC /scannow. You might want to see the output directly on your screen and also save it for future reference or troubleshooting. The standard approach would either display the output in CMD or write it to a file, but not both at the same time.

Example Commands

Display to CMD:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This command runs a system file check and displays the results right in your CMD window.

Write to File Only:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This command runs the same check but directs the output to a specified text file on your desktop, leaving your CMD window empty.

The Solution: Using PowerShell

To achieve your goal effectively, we can switch from CMD to PowerShell, which provides a simple solution. By utilizing the tee command, you can direct the command's output to both the screen and a file simultaneously.

Steps to Use the tee Command

Open PowerShell:
Start by opening PowerShell on your Windows machine. You can do this by typing "PowerShell" in the Start menu search bar.

Run the Command with tee:
Type the following command in PowerShell:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Explanation:

The | operator is known as a "pipeline" and is used to pass the output of the SFC /scannow command directly into the tee command.

Advantages of This Method

Efficiency: You save time and streamline your workflow by running the command only once.

Transparency: You can monitor the command's progress in real-time while ensuring you have a permanent record.

Flexibility: With PowerShell, you can use this method for a variety of commands beyond just SFC.

Conclusion

Next time you need to run a command in Windows and want to capture its output without missing anything onscreen, remember the tee command in PowerShell. It's a powerful tool that enhances your productivity and allows for effective monitoring and logging of command outputs.

By implementing this simple technique, you can make your command-line interactions much more efficient. Happy troubleshooting!