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The New-Item Cmdlet in PowerShell explained with examples

The New-Item cmdlet in PowerShell is used to create new items such as files, directories, registry keys, and more within the shell environment. Understanding how to utilize the New-Item cmdlet will help you to write PowerShell scripts to enhance file system management and automation in Windows.

How the New-Item Cmdlet Works

The New-Item cmdlet in PowerShell creates a new item on your computer. This could be a file, folder, symbolic link, or even a registry key, depending on your needs and the parameters you specify. The cmdlet's flexibility and ease of use make it a staple in many administrative scripts.

Using New-Item Cmdlet in PowerShell

Creating a New Directory

New-Item -Path 'C:\NewFolder' -ItemType Directory

This command creates a new folder named 'NewFolder' in the C drive. More options to create a directory with PowerShell can be found here.

Creating a New Text File

New-Item -Path 'C:\NewFolder\Example.txt' -ItemType File

Here, a new text file named 'Example.txt' is created inside 'NewFolder'.

Creating a New Registry Key

New-Item -Path 'HKCU:\Software\NewKey' -ItemType RegistryKey

This example demonstrates creating a new registry key under the HKCU hive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can New-Item create multiple items at once?

Yes, by using loops or array inputs, New-Item can create multiple files or directories in a single command.

How do I add content to a new file created with New-Item?

You can use the -Value parameter to add initial content to a file, or use Set-Content or Add-Content cmdlets after file creation.

Is it possible to create hidden files or directories with New-Item?

Yes, you can create hidden files or directories by using the -Attributes parameter and setting it to Hidden.

Can New-Item be used to create symbolic links?

By setting the -ItemType parameter to SymbolicLink and specifying the target path, you can create symbolic links.

How do I handle errors when using New-Item?

Utilize try-catch blocks in PowerShell to manage exceptions and errors while using the New-Item cmdlet.

Categories: PowerShell Windows
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