To empty a file while keeping it in place, run Clear-Content -LiteralPath 'C:pathtofile.txt'. Microsoft documents the cmdlet’s purpose as deleting an item’s contents without deleting the item itself, so the file stays on disk as an empty file. This guide covers the single-file command, how to preview the change, how to clear several files at once, and the one case where you should be careful about what the command touches.
Clear one file
Pass the file path to -LiteralPath:
Clear-Content -LiteralPath 'C:Logscurrent.log'-LiteralPath uses the path exactly as you type it and does not interpret wildcard characters such as * or [ ]. That makes it the safer habit when you are working with a single known file. For an ordinary path with no wildcard characters, the shorter form Clear-Content 'C:Logscurrent.log' also works, because the default parameter for the cmdlet is -Path. Microsoft’s reference describes that parameter as accepting wildcards, which is why the literal form is the better default when a name could contain special characters.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
After the command finishes, the file still exists with a length of zero bytes. Open File Explorer or run Get-Item 'C:Logscurrent.log' | Select-Object Length to confirm.
Preview the change with -WhatIf or -Confirm
Before running a command that removes data, add -WhatIf to see what PowerShell would do without doing it:
#1 Best Overall
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
Clear-Content -LiteralPath 'C:Logscurrent.log' -WhatIfThe preview switch is part of the documented syntax. If you prefer a prompt instead, -Confirm pauses before execution and asks you to approve the operation. Use -WhatIf when you want to check the target list in a script or a multi-file run, and -Confirm when you want a manual stop at the moment of execution.
Clear many files at once
Wildcards and filters let one command select several files. Microsoft’s example clears every .log file in the current directory by combining a path wildcard with a filename filter, and it adds -Force so read-only files are included. The reference notes that putting the pattern in -Filter rather than in the path is faster than writing *.log into the path.
Rank #2
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
- Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
- Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
- Sleek, durable metal casing
- Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
A preview version of the same idea looks like this:
Clear-Content -Path 'C:Logs*' -Filter '*.log' -WhatIfReview the output, confirm that only the intended files are listed, and then remove -WhatIf to run it for real. Keep in mind that an unrestricted wildcard applied to an unfamiliar working directory can select far more files than you expect, because the cmdlet clears every item the pattern matches.
Rank #3
- What You Get - 2 pack 64GB genuine USB 2.0 flash drives, 12-month warranty and lifetime friendly customer service
- Great for All Ages and Purposes – the thumb drives are suitable for storing digital data for school, business or daily usage. Apply to data storage of music, photos, movies and other files
- Easy to Use - Plug and play USB memory stick, no need to install any software. Support Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports
- Convenient Design - 360°metal swivel cap with matt surface and ring designed zip drive can protect USB connector, avoid to leave your fingerprint and easily attach to your key chain to avoid from losing and for easy carrying
- Brand Yourself - Brand the flash drive with your company's name and provide company's overview, policies, etc. to the newly joined employees or your customers
Parameters that matter
| Parameter | What it does | Notes from Microsoft’s reference |
|---|---|---|
-Path |
Targets items by path string | Supports wildcards; the default positional parameter |
-LiteralPath |
Targets items by the exact path given | Recommended when names contain wildcard characters |
-Filter |
Narrows the selection by filename pattern | Shown in the reference’s .log example; faster than placing the pattern in the path |
-Include / -Exclude |
Narrow or exclude matches from the selection | Listed in the syntax; the reference’s worked examples use -Filter |
-WhatIf |
Shows the intended operation without running it | Use before any bulk clear |
-Confirm |
Prompts for approval before execution | Useful for manual, interactive runs |
-Force |
Allows the operation on read-only files | Overrides the read-only attribute; it is not a general safety feature, so add it only when you intend to clear read-only files |
-Stream |
Targets a named alternate data stream | Windows only; introduced in PowerShell 3.0 |
Microsoft also states that, as of PowerShell 7.2, alternate data streams on directories as well as files can be cleared with -Stream.
Clear-Content is not Clear-Item
Microsoft distinguishes Clear-Content from Clear-Item. Clear-Content operates on items that have contents, such as the text inside a file. Clear-Item operates on items that have values. For ordinary text or log files, Clear-Content is the command you want. Neither command removes the item from the file system.
Rank #4
- GOOD VALUE PACKAGE - 1 Pack 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives with great cost performance and high quality.
- BIG CAPACITY - The available capacity: 29.10GB-29.8GB, You can save the data of movies, music, photos, designs, programs, manuals, handouts in a high speed.Good performance in digital data storing, transferring and sharing with families, friends, workmates, clients and machines.
- EASY TO USE & PLUG AND WORK - Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, Compatible with USB2.0 and below.
- TWISTTURN DESIGN & EASY CARRY - The metal clip rotates 360° round the ABS plastic body which with rubber oil skin feeling finish. The capless design can avoid lossing of cap, and providing efficient protection to the USB port.
- WARRANTY & SUPPORT - SIMMAX logo is laser printed on the USB connector surface, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy.
Microsoft Learn’s reference for the cmdlet puts the behavior this way: “The Clear-Content cmdlet deletes the contents of an item, such as deleting the text from a file, but it does not delete the item.” The page does not attribute that sentence to a named author, so cite it as Microsoft Learn’s documentation rather than as an individual’s statement.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsAlternate data streams and downloaded files
Windows can attach extra named streams to a file. When you download a file from the Internet, Windows often adds a stream named Zone.Identifier that records where the file came from, and Windows uses that information for security prompts. Microsoft’s reference shows Clear-Content reading and clearing that stream, then reading it again to show that its content is gone while the stream itself remains.
Best Value
- 【16GB Flash Drive】USB flash drives with 16GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer. IMEASON thumb drives can be used to store different files, easy to data backup.
- 【Metal Swivel Cap Design】USB thumb drive is metal swivel cover provides extra protection for the usb thumbdrive connector, no usb drive cap to lose; keychain design makes it easier to carry without worrying lose it.
- 【Wide Compatibility】USB drive supports Windows 7/8/10/11 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also Supports USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. USB Stick support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device. The USB Memory Stick is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working.
- 【Easy to use】usb memory stick is plug and play without any software installation. Just simply plug the Flashdrive into the port of your USB-compatible devices such as computer, laptop to start data storage or transmission.
- 【What You Get】16 GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, The default format of the usb storage flash drive is FAT32.
Do not use that technique to get past a block on a downloaded file. Microsoft’s documentation says clearing Zone.Identifier is not the recommended way to remove security checks on files downloaded from the Internet. If you have verified that a downloaded file is safe, Microsoft recommends using Unblock-File instead. Keep -Stream for work on streams you intend to change, and treat it as a Windows-only tool.
Checklist before a bulk clear
- Confirm the working directory with
Get-Locationbefore using a relative path or wildcard. - Run the same command with
-WhatIfand check the list of targets. - Use
-LiteralPathfor any single file whose name contains[,], or*. - Add
-Forceonly when you intend to clear read-only files. - Back up files whose contents you need before running the command, since clearing is not reversible from within PowerShell.
Once the preview matches your expectations, remove -WhatIf and run the command.
All behavior described here comes from Microsoft’s PowerShell 7.6 reference for Clear-Content. The reference does not give a publication or update date, so the details above reflect the documentation as currently published rather than a dated release note.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Quick Recap
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.
