Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Use PowerShell’s Get-Process to find the PID of a process that is already running. If you need both a PID and the program’s standard output (stdout), start it with Start-Process -PassThru and redirect stdout to a file. Windows does not provide a documented way in these Microsoft references to attach a new stdout pipe to an arbitrary process after it has started.
Find the PID of a running process in PowerShell
Windows assigns each running process a unique decimal process ID, or PID. In PowerShell, Get-Process returns process objects with an Id property. Select by name to find a process, or by ID to inspect a known process.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Get-Process -Name notepad | Select-Object -ExpandProperty Id
Get-Process -Id 1234 | Select-Object Id, ProcessNameReplace notepad or 1234 with the process name or PID you need. To list matching processes from Command Prompt, Microsoft also documents the built-in tasklist command:
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
tasklist /FI "IMAGENAME eq notepad.exe"These commands identify a process that already exists; they do not retrieve its past or live stdout.
#1 Best Overall
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
- SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
- FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.
Launch a program and capture its stdout
When you control how the program starts, use Start-Process with -PassThru to receive a process object, and redirect output to files. This example waits for the child to finish, then prints its PID and reads the captured stdout:
$p = Start-Process -FilePath .worker.exe `
-ArgumentList '--json' `
-PassThru `
-RedirectStandardOutput .stdout.txt `
-RedirectStandardError .stderr.txt `
-Wait
"PID: $($p.Id)"
Get-Content .stdout.txtRun it from a location where worker.exe is available, and change the executable path and arguments as needed. The PID is available as $p.Id; stdout is saved to stdout.txt and stderr to stderr.txt. Keeping the streams separate can help distinguish normal output from diagnostic errors. Because -Wait waits for completion, the commands after it run only once the launched process has exited.
Rank #2
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
Choose an approach based on when you need the output
| Situation | Approach | What it provides |
|---|---|---|
| The process is already running and you only need its PID | Get-Process or tasklist |
The process ID; not stdout |
| You are launching the program and can save its output | Start-Process -PassThru with -RedirectStandardOutput |
The process object, including its PID, and stdout in a file |
| You need stdout from a process that is already running | Use an application-provided log or IPC interface, if available; otherwise arrange pipe handles when launching it | Depends on the application and how it exposes output |
The Microsoft documentation for Start-Process describes redirecting stdout while starting a child process. It does not establish a supported way to attach a new stdout pipe retroactively to an arbitrary running process. A PID identifies a process; it is not a handle to the process’s earlier console or output stream.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteGet a PID with native Windows APIs
In a native C or C++ program that creates a child process, call CreateProcess and read the new process identifier from PROCESS_INFORMATION.dwProcessId. The identifier remains valid only while that process exists. A process can obtain its own PID with GetCurrentProcessId(). The resulting PID can be used with APIs such as OpenProcess, subject to Windows access checks.
Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
For stdout capture in native code, arrange the relevant inherited pipe handles as part of process creation; do not assume that knowing a PID lets you connect to an existing process’s stdout. See Microsoft’s documentation for CreateProcessA and process handles and identifiers.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
Rank #4
- Fluid Typing Experience: Laptop-like profile with spherically-dished keys shaped for your fingertips delivers a fast, fluid, precise and quieter typing experience
- Automate Repetitive Tasks: Easily create and share time-saving Smart Actions shortcuts to perform multiple actions with a single keystroke with the Logi Options+ app (1)
- Smarter Illumination: Backlit keyboard keys light up as your hands approach and adapt to the environment; Now with more lighting customizations on Logi Options+ (1)
- More Comfort, Deeper Focus: Work for longer with a solid build, low-profile design and an optimum keyboard angle that is better for your wrist posture
- Multi-Device, Multi OS Bluetooth Keyboard: Pair with up to 3 devices on nearly any operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Googlebook OS) via Bluetooth Low Energy or included Logi Bolt USB receiver (2)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
