Reads input, sorts data, and writes the results to the screen, to a file, or to another device. This guide lists the documented syntax and parameters for sort; check Microsoft Learn for version, role and execution-context requirements.
sort [/r] [/+<N>] [/m <kilobytes>] [/l <locale>] [/rec <characters>] [[<drive1>:][<path1>]<filename1>] [/t [<drive2>:][<path2>]] [/o [<drive3>:][<path3>]<filename3>]The linked Microsoft Learn article is the upstream authority. Availability may depend on Windows release, role, optional feature or interactive tool context.
Syntax pattern from Microsoft Learn; replace placeholders and choose only one documented alternative before use.
sort [/r] [/+<N>] [/m <kilobytes>] [/l <locale>] [/rec <characters>] [[<drive1>:][<path1>]<filename1>] [/t [<drive2>:][<path2>]] [/o [<drive3>:][<path3>]<filename3>]| Option / clause | Description |
|---|---|
/r | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/+<N> | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/m <kilobytes> | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/l <locale> | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/rec <characters> | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
[<drive1>:][<path1>]<filename1> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
/t [<drive2>:][<path2>] | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/o [<drive3>:][<path3>]<filename3> | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/unique | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/? | Display command help or the supported command-line usage. |
* You can use the pipe symbol ( | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
<N> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
/m | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
<kilobytes> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
/l | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
<locale> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
/rec | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
<characters> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
<drive1> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
<path1> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
<filename1> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
/t | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
<drive2> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
<path2> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
/o | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
<drive3> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
<path3> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
<filename3> | 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.