How to Fix PowerShell Not Showing Full Output on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

PowerShell is a powerful command-line tool used for automation and configuration on Windows. Sometimes, you might notice that PowerShell does not show the full output of commands. This can be frustrating, especially when you need complete information for troubleshooting or scripting.

This issue often occurs because of default settings in PowerShell or the way output is handled on Windows 11. Fortunately, there are simple ways to fix it.

In this article, we will walk you through easy, step-by-step solutions to make sure PowerShell displays the full output every time.

Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the fixes.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before you begin troubleshooting, ensure the following:

Run PowerShell as Administrator: Some commands need elevated privileges for full output.
Check your PowerShell version: Older versions may have output limitations. You can check your version by typing $PSVersionTable.PSVersion.
Verify the window size: A very small PowerShell window can truncate output. Try resizing it manually.
Avoid using third-party terminals: Sometimes third-party terminal apps affect output display. Test with the default Windows Terminal or PowerShell console.

Step 1: Adjust the PowerShell Window Size

Sometimes the simplest fix is to increase the console window size. If your window is narrow or short, PowerShell might wrap or truncate long output lines.

How to resize the window:

Open PowerShell.
Hover your mouse over the edges or corners of the window.
Click and drag to make the window wider and taller.
Try running your command again to see if the output improves.

This step is important because PowerShell tries to fit output inside the current window size, and a small window can cut off data.

Step 2: Use the Out-String Cmdlet to Capture Full Output

If increasing the window size does not solve the problem, PowerShell might be truncating output internally. To force it to show full text, you can use the Out-String cmdlet.

Example:

Get-Process | Out-String -Width 200

Here, Get-Process lists running processes, and Out-String -Width 200 converts the output to a string with a width of 200 characters.

This method works because it tells PowerShell to format the output as a complete string rather than a truncated table or list.

Step 3: Change the $FormatEnumerationLimit Variable

PowerShell limits how many items it displays in arrays or collections by default. This can cause incomplete output when dealing with large data sets.

You can increase this limit by changing the $FormatEnumerationLimit variable.

How to do it:

$FormatEnumerationLimit = -1

Setting it to -1 removes the limit, allowing all items to be displayed.

After changing this, run your command again and see if the output is complete.

Step 4: Increase Buffer Size for PowerShell Console

The PowerShell console uses a buffer to store command output before it is shown on the screen. If this buffer is too small, some output might be lost.

To increase the buffer size:

Right-click the title bar of the PowerShell window.
Select Properties from the context menu.
Go to the Layout tab.
Find the Screen Buffer Size section.
Increase the Height value (for example, set it to 9999).
Click OK to save.

This allows PowerShell to hold more output lines in its buffer, preventing early truncation.

Step 5: Use Windows Terminal or Export Output to a File

If you still face issues, consider using the Windows Terminal app, which often handles output better and supports larger buffers.

Alternatively, export the output directly to a file and open it with a text editor:

Get-Process > C:UsersYourNameDesktopprocesses.txt

This method ensures you capture everything without worrying about console display limits.

Advanced Option: Update or Reinstall PowerShell

If none of the above solutions work, your PowerShell version might be outdated or corrupted.

To update PowerShell:

Visit the official PowerShell GitHub page: PowerShell Releases.
Download the latest stable release for Windows.
Run the installer and follow prompts.
Restart your computer after installation.

A newer version may fix bugs related to output display.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does PowerShell cut off long output lines?

PowerShell formats output to fit the current window size and buffer limits. If these are too small, long lines get truncated or wrapped.

What is the difference between Out-String and Out-Host?

Out-String converts the output to a single string, preserving formatting, while Out-Host sends output directly to the console, which might truncate it.

Can I set $FormatEnumerationLimit permanently?

Yes, you can add $FormatEnumerationLimit = -1 to your PowerShell profile script to make the change permanent for every session.

Is Windows Terminal better than PowerShell console?

Windows Terminal supports tabs, better font rendering, and larger buffers, making it a better choice for extensive output.

How do I check my current PowerShell version?

Simply run $PSVersionTable.PSVersion in the PowerShell window.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and PowerShell still doesn’t show full output, consider the following final options:

Reset PowerShell settings: Sometimes corrupted profiles cause issues. Rename your PowerShell profile file to reset it.
Use alternative shells: Try Windows Terminal, PowerShell Core, or third-party tools like Cmder.
Visit Microsoft Support: Check the official Microsoft PowerShell forums or support pages for help.
Check system updates: Ensure Windows 11 is fully updated, as system bugs can affect console behavior.

Conclusion

PowerShell not showing full output is a common issue on Windows 11, often caused by window size, buffer limits, or default formatting settings. By resizing your window, adjusting buffer size, using Out-String, and modifying $FormatEnumerationLimit, you can usually fix this problem quickly.

For better experiences, consider using Windows Terminal or exporting output to files. If problems persist, updating or reinstalling PowerShell may help.

Following these simple, step-by-step solutions will ensure you always get the complete output you need from PowerShell.