Command referenceGet-Help
Get-Help command (Windows / PowerShell)
What it does
Display syntax, parameter details, examples, and conceptual PowerShell help. Guides covering the get-help powershell usually need pipeline-friendly examples, common parameters, and how the cmdlet compares with classic CMD or Linux tools. This page includes syntax, options, and copyable PowerShell examples.
Display syntax, parameter details, examples, and conceptual PowerShell help.
Syntax
Get-Help [[-Name] <String>] [-Full | -Detailed | -Examples | -Online] [-Parameter <String>]
Common options
| Flag / option | Meaning |
|---|---|
| -Full | Show all available local help details. |
| -Examples | Show usage examples. |
| -Online | Open the current online help page. |
| -Parameter | Show help for matching parameters. |
| -ShowWindow | Display help in a separate window where supported. |
Practical examples
Command examples
Get-Help Get-ChildItem -Examples
Displays installed examples.
Parameter help
Get-Help Invoke-WebRequest -Parameter OutFile
Explains the selected parameter.
Online docs
Get-Help about_Arrays -Online
Opens the current conceptual help.
Linux ↔ Windows equivalent
Closest match: man (Linux / bash / sh / zsh). Read installed manual pages for commands, formats, and APIs.
Common mistakes
- Assuming local help is current without running Update-Help.
- Using shell aliases in help queries when the full command name would be clearer.
Related commands
- Get-CommandDiscover commands, aliases, functions, scripts, and applications available to PowerShell.
- manRead installed manual pages for commands, formats, and APIs.
- ForEach-ObjectRun a script block for each object arriving through the pipeline.
- historyDisplay or modify the current shell's command history.
- clsClear visible text from the Command Prompt screen.
FAQ
What does Get-Help do in PowerShell?
Display syntax, parameter details, examples, and conceptual PowerShell help.
How can I see examples for Get-Help?
Run `Get-Help Get-Help -Examples`, then adapt an example to the provider and objects you are using.
What is a practical Get-Help example?
Try `Get-Help Get-ChildItem -Examples` — Displays installed examples.
Does Get-Help return text or objects?
Get-Help normally participates in PowerShell's object pipeline; formatting seen in the console is a view of those objects.
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