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To print a folder’s file list in Windows 10 or 11, save its Command Prompt output as a text file, then print that file. In File Explorer, open the folder, type cmd in the address bar and press Enter. Run dir /b > filelist.txt for names only, or dir > filelist.txt for a detailed listing. Open filelist.txt in a text editor and print it.
Choose what the list should show
Windows’ built-in dir and tree commands work for this task in both Windows 10 and Windows 11. The right command depends on whether you need just names, file details, subfolders, or a visual hierarchy.
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| What you need | Command | What it produces |
|---|---|---|
| Names in the open folder | dir /b > filelist.txt |
A bare list without the usual extra details. |
| Names and directory details | dir > filelist.txt |
The standard listing, including modification date and time, file size, and directory information. |
| Names throughout the folder and its subfolders | dir /s /b > filelist.txt |
A bare recursive listing of paths. |
| Folder hierarchy with filenames | tree /f /a > filelist.txt |
A text-based tree; /f includes filenames and /a uses text characters for the branches. |
Save and print the list from File Explorer
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Open the folder you want to list in File Explorer.
-
Click the address bar, type
cmd, and press Enter. A Command Prompt opens at that folder. This address-bar shortcut is community guidance; the commands themselves are documented by Microsoft.What’s actually slowing this PC down?
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Enter the command that matches the output you chose above and press Enter. The
>operator writes the command’s output tofilelist.txt.#1 Best Overall
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Open
filelist.txtin Notepad or another text editor, then use that application’s Print command.
Adjust the listing for special cases
Include hidden and system items
By default, dir excludes hidden and system files. Add /a to include them; without an attribute after it, /a includes all items. For example, use dir /a /b > filelist.txt for a bare list that includes hidden and system items.
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Sort names or dates
Add /o:n to sort alphabetically by name, or /o:d to sort by date and time, oldest first. A minus sign before the sort code reverses its order. For example, dir /o:-d > filelist.txt sorts by date and time in reverse order.
Keep the output file out of the listing
If you save filelist.txt in the folder being listed, the output file may appear in the listing, depending on when and how the list is generated. To avoid that, save the output elsewhere, such as dir /b > %temp%filelist.txt. You can then open the file from the temporary folder.
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- 3 ream case (1,500 sheets) of 8.5 x 11 white copier and printer paper for home or office use
- Multipurpose letter size copy paper works with laser/inkjet printers, copiers and fax machines
- Smooth 20lb weight paper for consistent ink and toner distribution; dries quickly and resists paper jams
- Bright white paper (92 GE; 104 Euro) offers great contrast for crisp printing and vivid color
- Virgin copy paper providing professional quality results; acid-free to prevent yellowing
Use PowerShell when you need scripting or filtering
PowerShell’s Get-ChildItem can enumerate items and traverse child folders with -Recurse. For example, this saves a recursive listing to a file in the temporary folder:
Get-ChildItem -Path 'C:pathtofolder' -Recurse | Out-File -FilePath "$env:TEMPfilelist.txt"Replace C:pathtofolder with the folder’s actual path. PowerShell also offers -Depth to limit how many levels it traverses. This simple pipeline is useful for enumeration, but its output should not be assumed to have a polished, fixed column layout for printing.
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- Multipurpose letter size copy paper works with laser/inkjet printers, copiers and fax machines
- Smooth 20lb weight paper for consistent ink and toner distribution; dries quickly and resists paper jams
- Bright white paper (92 GE; 104 Euro) offers great contrast for crisp printing and vivid color
- Virgin copy paper providing professional quality results; acid-free to prevent yellowing
Why saving to a text file is usually the practical route
Microsoft’s dir documentation also describes redirecting output to prn for a printer attached to the LPT1 port, with a different port substituted when appropriate. For a contemporary desktop workflow, saving the output as a text file and printing it from an application is more flexible.
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- 8 ream case (4,000 sheets) of 8.5 x 11 white copier and printer paper for home or office use
- Multipurpose letter size copy paper works with laser/inkjet printers, copiers and fax machines
- Smooth 20lb weight paper for consistent ink and toner distribution; dries quickly and resists paper jams
- Bright white paper (92 GE; 104 Euro) offers great contrast for crisp printing and vivid color
- Virgin copy paper providing professional quality results; acid-free to prevent yellowing
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