How to Use ls for Windows Step by Step Guide for Beginners

Windows does not natively include the ls command found in Unix-like systems. Follow these methods to use similar functionality.

Method 1: Using PowerShell

PowerShell aliases ls to Get-ChildItem by default:

• List files/folders in current directory:
  

  

  ls

• Show detailed view:
  ls Format-Table Name, Length, LastWriteTime
• List hidden items:
  ls -Force
• Recursive listing:
  ls -Recurse

Method 2: Using Command Prompt (CMD) Alternatives

Replace ls with dir in CMD:

• Basic directory listing:
  

  

  dir

• Show wide list format:
  dir /W
• Include hidden files:
  dir /A
• Recursive list:
  dir /S

Method 3: Installing Unix-like Tools

For native ls behavior:

1. Install Git for Windows:
   

   

   Run ls in Git Bash terminal after installation

2. Enable WSL:
   Install Windows Subsystem for Linux and use ls in Linux distributions
3. Use third-party ports:
   CoreUtils (e.g., )

Common ls-like Flags Comparison

• -l → PowerShell: ls Format-List / CMD: dir /Q
• -a → PowerShell: ls -Force / CMD: dir /A
• -t → PowerShell: ls Sort-Object LastWriteTime