Example usage for findstr.
findstr /s /n /i "error" *.logfindstr command
Search files for matching text using literal or regular-expression patterns.
Documented syntax
findstr [/b] [/e] [/l | /r] [/s] [/i] [/x] [/v] [/n] [/m] [/o] [/p] [/f:<file>] [/c:<string>] [/g:<file>] [/d:<dirlist>] [/a:<colorattribute>] [/off[line]] <strings> [<drive>:][<path>]<filename>[ ...]The linked Microsoft Learn article is the upstream authority. Availability may depend on Windows release, role, optional feature or interactive tool context.
Examples
Parameters, options and clauses
| Option / clause | Description |
|---|---|
/i | Ignore case when matching. |
/n | Show line numbers. |
/s | Search the current directory and subdirectories. |
/r, /l | Interpret the pattern as a regular expression or literal text. |
/v, /c:<text> | Show non-matching lines or search for a literal string. |
--- | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/b | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/e | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/x | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/m | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/o | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/p | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/off[line] | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/f:<file> | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/c:<string> | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/g:<file> | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/d:<dirlist> | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/a:<colorattribute> | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/off | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
<strings> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
<drive> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
<path> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
<filename> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
Review a command and its target before running it. Commands that alter files, services, accounts, disks, permissions or databases may be difficult to reverse. Test in a safe environment and keep backups.