Writing & StyleStyle guide
Formatting Command-Line Options
Formatting Command-Line Options records the relevant Microsoft Style Guide convention while keeping it explicitly house-style scoped rather than presenting it as a universal grammar rule.
Set command-line options in code style and capitalize each option exactly as it must be typed.
Key details
Core IssueMicrosoft style formats command-line options, switches, and flags in code style and preserves the capitalization required by the actual option.
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Important caveats
Scope Boundary
This is Microsoft technical style; the documented tool’s syntax is authoritative when option spelling or case differs.
Further guidance
Content
Set command-line options in code style and capitalize each option exactly as it must be typed.
Purpose
Keep literal flags visually distinct and prevent editorial capitalization from changing executable syntax.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Formatting text in instructions — Microsoft Style Guide (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · Current Microsoft technical-style conventions for formatting UI references, user input, commands, code-related elements, and other text in instructions.