Convert-Path

Converts a path from a PowerShell path to a PowerShell provider path.

Syntax

Convert-Path
       [-Path] <String[]>
       [<CommonParameters>]
Convert-Path
       -LiteralPath <String[]>
       [<CommonParameters>]

Description

The Convert-Path cmdlet converts a path from a PowerShell path to a PowerShell provider path.

Examples

Example 1: Convert the working directory to a standard file system path

This example converts the current working directory, which is represented by a dot (.), to a standard FileSystem path.

PS C:\> Convert-Path .
C:\

Example 2: Convert a provider path to a standard registry path

This example converts the PowerShell provider path to a standard registry path.

PS C:\> Convert-Path HKLM:\Software\Microsoft
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft

Example 3: Convert a path to a string

This example converts the path to the home directory of the current provider, which is the FileSystem provider, to a string.

PS C:\> Convert-Path ~
C:\Users\User01

Parameters

-LiteralPath

Specifies, as a string array, the path to be converted. The value of the LiteralPath parameter is used exactly as it's typed. No characters are interpreted as wildcards. If the path includes escape characters, enclose it in single quotation marks. Single quotation marks tell PowerShell not to interpret any characters as escape sequences.

For more information, see about_Quoting_Rules.

Type:String[]
Aliases:PSPath, LP
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:True
Accept pipeline input:True
Accept wildcard characters:False

-Path

Specifies the PowerShell path to be converted.

Type:String[]
Position:0
Default value:None
Required:True
Accept pipeline input:True
Accept wildcard characters:True

Inputs

String

You can pipe a path, but not a literal path, to this cmdlet.

Outputs

String

This cmdlet returns a string that contains the converted path.

Notes

PowerShell includes the following aliases for Convert-Path:

  • All platforms:
    • cvpa

The cmdlets that contain the Path noun manipulate path names and return the names in a concise format that all PowerShell providers can interpret. They're designed for use in programs and scripts where you want to display all or part of a path in a particular format. Use them like you would use Dirname, Normpath, Realpath, Join, or other path manipulators.

You can use the path cmdlets with several providers, including the FileSystem, Registry, and Certificate providers.

This cmdlet is designed to work with the data exposed by any provider. To list the providers available in your session, type Get-PSProvider. For more information, see about_Providers.

Convert-Path only converts existing paths. It can't be used to convert a location that doesn't exist yet.