Update CSV cmdlet -Delimiter param description

This clarifies the deserialization behavior when the specified
delimiter doesn't match the actual delimiter in the input data.
Before this change, the verbiage for Import/ConvertFrom-Csv implied
one or more strings would be returned, which isn't the case.

This also adds the existing note regarding escaped special characters
to all docs. Previously, this was only present in Import-Csv docs,
but is applicable to/useful for all CSV cmdlets.

Author: surfingoldelephant

reference/5.1/Microsoft.PowerShell.Utility/ConvertFrom-Csv.md

@@ -2,14 +2,15 @@
 external help file: Microsoft.PowerShell.Commands.Utility.dll-Help.xml
 Locale: en-US
 Module Name: Microsoft.PowerShell.Utility
-ms.date: 11/18/2025
+ms.date: 12/27/2025
 online version: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.utility/convertfrom-csv?view=powershell-5.1&WT.mc_id=ps-gethelp
 schema: 2.0.0
 title: ConvertFrom-Csv
 ---
 # ConvertFrom-Csv
 
 ## SYNOPSIS
+
 Converts object properties in character-separated value (CSV) format into CSV versions of the
 original objects.
 
@@ -145,7 +146,7 @@ the **InputObject** parameter and converts the CSV strings from the `$Services`
 
 When the **UseCulture** parameter is used, be sure that the current culture's default list
 separator matches the delimiter used in the CSV strings. Otherwise, `ConvertFrom-Csv` can't
-generate objects from the CSV strings.
+can't parse each column into distinct properties.
 
 ### Example 5: Convert CSV data in W3C Extended Log Format
 
@@ -176,12 +177,17 @@ time     cs-method cs-uri
 
 ### -Delimiter
 
-Specifies the delimiter that separates the property values in the CSV strings. The default is a
-comma (`,`). Enter a character, such as a colon (`:`). To specify a semicolon (`;`) enclose it in
-single quotation marks.
+Specifies the delimiter that separates the property values in the CSV data. The default is a comma
+(`,`).
+
+Enter a character, such as a colon (`:`). To specify a semicolon (`;`), enclose it in single
+quotation marks. To specify escaped special characters such as tab (`` `t ``), enclose it in double
+quotation marks.
 
-If you specify a character other than the actual string delimiter in the file, `ConvertFrom-Csv`
-can't create the objects from the CSV strings and returns the CSV strings.
+If the specified character doesn't match the actual delimiter in the CSV data, `ConvertFrom-Csv`
+can't parse each column into distinct properties. In this case, it outputs one **PSCustomObject**
+per row, each containing a single property whose name is the full header and whose value is the row
+text.
 
 ```yaml
 Type: System.Char

reference/5.1/Microsoft.PowerShell.Utility/ConvertTo-Csv.md

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 external help file: Microsoft.PowerShell.Commands.Utility.dll-Help.xml
 Locale: en-US
 Module Name: Microsoft.PowerShell.Utility
-ms.date: 03/14/2023
+ms.date: 12/27/2025
 online version: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.utility/convertto-csv?view=powershell-5.1&WT.mc_id=ps-gethelp
 schema: 2.0.0
 title: ConvertTo-Csv
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ title: ConvertTo-Csv
 # ConvertTo-Csv
 
 ## SYNOPSIS
+
 Converts .NET objects into a series of character-separated value (CSV) strings.
 
 ## SYNTAX
@@ -109,7 +110,10 @@ information header from the CSV output.
 ### -Delimiter
 
 Specifies the delimiter to separate the property values in CSV strings. The default is a comma
-(`,`). Enter a character, such as a colon (`:`). To specify a semicolon (`;`) enclose it in single
+(`,`).
+
+Enter a character, such as a colon (`:`). To specify a semicolon (`;`), enclose it in single
+quotation marks. To specify escaped special characters such as tab (`` `t ``), enclose it in double
 quotation marks.
 
 ```yaml

reference/5.1/Microsoft.PowerShell.Utility/Export-Csv.md

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 external help file: Microsoft.PowerShell.Commands.Utility.dll-Help.xml
 Locale: en-US
 Module Name: Microsoft.PowerShell.Utility
-ms.date: 03/14/2023
+ms.date: 12/27/2025
 online version: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.utility/export-csv?view=powershell-5.1&WT.mc_id=ps-gethelp
 schema: 2.0.0
 aliases:
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ title: Export-Csv
 # Export-Csv
 
 ## SYNOPSIS
+
 Converts objects into a series of character-separated value (CSV) strings and saves the strings to a
 file.
 
@@ -142,11 +143,12 @@ Get-Content -Path .\Processes.csv
 The `Get-Culture` cmdlet uses the nested properties **TextInfo** and **ListSeparator** and displays
 the current culture's default list separator. The `Get-Process` cmdlet gets **Process** objects. The
 process objects are sent down the pipeline to the `Export-Csv` cmdlet. `Export-Csv` converts the
-process objects to a series of CSV strings. The **Path** parameter specifies that the `Processes.csv`
-file is saved in the current directory. The **UseCulture** parameter uses the current culture's
-default list separator as the delimiter. The **NoTypeInformation** parameter removes the **#TYPE**
-information header from the CSV output and is not required in PowerShell 6. The `Get-Content` cmdlet
-uses the **Path** parameter to display the file located in the current directory.
+process objects to a series of CSV strings. The **Path** parameter specifies that the
+`Processes.csv` file is saved in the current directory. The **UseCulture** parameter uses the
+current culture's default list separator as the delimiter. The **NoTypeInformation** parameter
+removes the **#TYPE** information header from the CSV output and is not required in PowerShell 6.
+The `Get-Content` cmdlet uses the **Path** parameter to display the file located in the current
+directory.
 
 ### Example 5: Export processes with type information
 
@@ -176,10 +178,13 @@ This example describes how to export objects to a CSV file and use the **Append*
 objects to an existing file.
 
 ```powershell
-$AppService = (Get-Service -DisplayName *Application* | Select-Object -Property DisplayName, Status)
+$AppService = Get-Service -DisplayName *Application* | 
+    Select-Object -Property DisplayName, Status
 $AppService | Export-Csv -Path .\Services.Csv -NoTypeInformation
 Get-Content -Path .\Services.Csv
-$WinService = (Get-Service -DisplayName *Windows* | Select-Object -Property DisplayName, Status)
+
+$WinService = Get-Service -DisplayName *Windows* | 
+    Select-Object -Property DisplayName, Status
 $WinService | Export-Csv -Path .\Services.csv -NoTypeInformation -Append
 Get-Content -Path .\Services.Csv
 ```
@@ -218,7 +223,7 @@ unexpected output is received, troubleshoot the pipeline syntax.
 
 ```powershell
 Get-Date | Select-Object -Property DateTime, Day, DayOfWeek, DayOfYear |
- Export-Csv -Path .\DateTime.csv -NoTypeInformation
+    Export-Csv -Path .\DateTime.csv -NoTypeInformation
 Get-Content -Path .\DateTime.csv
 ```
 
@@ -229,7 +234,7 @@ Get-Content -Path .\DateTime.csv
 
 ```powershell
 Get-Date | Format-Table -Property DateTime, Day, DayOfWeek, DayOfYear |
- Export-Csv -Path .\FTDateTime.csv -NoTypeInformation
+    Export-Csv -Path .\FTDateTime.csv -NoTypeInformation
 Get-Content -Path .\FTDateTime.csv
 ```
 
@@ -245,10 +250,10 @@ Get-Content -Path .\FTDateTime.csv
 The `Get-Date` cmdlet gets the **DateTime** object. The object is sent down the pipeline to the
 `Select-Object` cmdlet. `Select-Object` uses the **Property** parameter to select a subset of object
 properties. The object is sent down the pipeline to the `Export-Csv` cmdlet. `Export-Csv` converts
-the object to a CSV format. The **Path** parameter specifies that the `DateTime.csv` file is saved in
-the current directory. The **NoTypeInformation** parameter removes the **#TYPE** information header
-from the CSV output and is not required in PowerShell 6. The `Get-Content` cmdlet uses the **Path**
-parameter to display the CSV file located in the current directory.
+the object to a CSV format. The **Path** parameter specifies that the `DateTime.csv` file is saved
+in the current directory. The **NoTypeInformation** parameter removes the **#TYPE** information
+header from the CSV output and is not required in PowerShell 6. The `Get-Content` cmdlet uses the
+**Path** parameter to display the CSV file located in the current directory.
 
 When the `Format-Table` cmdlet is used within the pipeline to select properties unexpected results
 are received. `Format-Table` sends table format objects down the pipeline to the `Export-Csv` cmdlet
@@ -372,8 +377,11 @@ Accept wildcard characters: False
 
 ### -Delimiter
 
-Specifies a delimiter to separate the property values. The default is a comma (`,`). Enter a
-character, such as a colon (`:`). To specify a semicolon (`;`), enclose it in quotation marks.
+Specifies a delimiter to separate the property values. The default is a comma (`,`).
+
+Enter a character, such as a colon (`:`). To specify a semicolon (`;`), enclose it in single
+quotation marks. To specify escaped special characters such as tab (`` `t ``), enclose it in double
+quotation marks.
 
 ```yaml
 Type: System.Char

reference/5.1/Microsoft.PowerShell.Utility/Import-Csv.md

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 external help file: Microsoft.PowerShell.Commands.Utility.dll-Help.xml
 Locale: en-US
 Module Name: Microsoft.PowerShell.Utility
-ms.date: 01/09/2025
+ms.date: 12/27/2025
 online version: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.utility/import-csv?view=powershell-5.1&WT.mc_id=ps-gethelp
 schema: 2.0.0
 aliases:
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ title: Import-Csv
 # Import-Csv
 
 ## SYNOPSIS
+
 Creates table-like custom objects from the items in a character-separated value (CSV) file.
 
 ## SYNTAX
@@ -271,8 +272,8 @@ Import-Csv -Path .\Projects.csv
 ```
 
 ```Output
-WARNING: One or more headers weren't specified. Default names starting with "H" have been used in
-place of any missing headers.
+WARNING: One or more headers weren't specified. Default names starting with "H" have been
+used in place of any missing headers.
 
 ProjectID ProjectName H1      Completed
 --------- ----------- --      ---------
@@ -292,12 +293,14 @@ displays a warning message because **H1** is a default header name.
 Specifies the delimiter that separates the property values in the CSV file. The default is a comma
 (`,`).
 
-Enter a character, such as a colon (`:`). To specify a semicolon (`;`) enclose it in single
+Enter a character, such as a colon (`:`). To specify a semicolon (`;`), enclose it in single
 quotation marks. To specify escaped special characters such as tab (`` `t ``), enclose it in double
 quotation marks.
 
-If you specify a character other than the actual string delimiter in the file, `Import-Csv` can't
-create the objects from the CSV strings and returns the full CSV strings.
+If the specified character doesn't match the actual delimiter in the CSV data, `Import-Csv` can't
+parse each column into distinct properties. In this case, it outputs one **PSCustomObject** per
+row, each containing a single property whose name is the full header and whose value is the row
+text.
 
 ```yaml
 Type: System.Char

reference/7.4/Microsoft.PowerShell.Utility/ConvertFrom-Csv.md

@@ -2,14 +2,15 @@
 external help file: Microsoft.PowerShell.Commands.Utility.dll-Help.xml
 Locale: en-US
 Module Name: Microsoft.PowerShell.Utility
-ms.date: 11/18/2025
+ms.date: 12/27/2025
 online version: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.utility/convertfrom-csv?view=powershell-7.4&WT.mc_id=ps-gethelp
 schema: 2.0.0
 title: ConvertFrom-Csv
 ---
 # ConvertFrom-Csv
 
 ## SYNOPSIS
+
 Converts object properties in character-separated value (CSV) format into CSV versions of the
 original objects.
 
@@ -145,7 +146,7 @@ the **InputObject** parameter and converts the CSV strings from the `$Services`
 
 When the **UseCulture** parameter is used, be sure that the current culture's default list
 separator matches the delimiter used in the CSV strings. Otherwise, `ConvertFrom-Csv` can't
-generate objects from the CSV strings.
+can't parse each column into distinct properties.
 
 ### Example 5: Convert CSV data in W3C Extended Log Format
 
@@ -177,12 +178,17 @@ time     cs-method cs-uri
 
 ### -Delimiter
 
-Specifies the delimiter that separates the property values in the CSV strings. The default is a
-comma (`,`). Enter a character, such as a colon (`:`). To specify a semicolon (`;`) enclose it in
-single quotation marks.
+Specifies the delimiter that separates the property values in the CSV data. The default is a comma
+(`,`).
+
+Enter a character, such as a colon (`:`). To specify a semicolon (`;`), enclose it in single
+quotation marks. To specify escaped special characters such as tab (`` `t ``), enclose it in double
+quotation marks.
 
-If you specify a character other than the actual string delimiter in the file, `ConvertFrom-Csv`
-can't create the objects from the CSV strings and returns the CSV strings.
+If the specified character doesn't match the actual delimiter in the CSV data, `ConvertFrom-Csv`
+can't parse each column into distinct properties. In this case, it outputs one **PSCustomObject**
+per row, each containing a single property whose name is the full header and whose value is the row
+text.
 
 ```yaml
 Type: System.Char

reference/7.4/Microsoft.PowerShell.Utility/ConvertTo-Csv.md

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 external help file: Microsoft.PowerShell.Commands.Utility.dll-Help.xml
 Locale: en-US
 Module Name: Microsoft.PowerShell.Utility
-ms.date: 03/14/2023
+ms.date: 12/27/2025
 online version: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.utility/convertto-csv?view=powershell-7.4&WT.mc_id=ps-gethelp
 schema: 2.0.0
 title: ConvertTo-Csv
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ title: ConvertTo-Csv
 # ConvertTo-Csv
 
 ## SYNOPSIS
+
 Converts .NET objects into a series of character-separated value (CSV) strings.
 
 ## SYNTAX
@@ -186,7 +187,10 @@ only the key is converted to CSV.
 ### -Delimiter
 
 Specifies the delimiter to separate the property values in CSV strings. The default is a comma
-(`,`). Enter a character, such as a colon (`:`). To specify a semicolon (`;`) enclose it in single
+(`,`).
+
+Enter a character, such as a colon (`:`). To specify a semicolon (`;`), enclose it in single
+quotation marks. To specify escaped special characters such as tab (`` `t ``), enclose it in double
 quotation marks.
 
 ```yaml

reference/7.4/Microsoft.PowerShell.Utility/Export-Csv.md

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 external help file: Microsoft.PowerShell.Commands.Utility.dll-Help.xml
 Locale: en-US
 Module Name: Microsoft.PowerShell.Utility
-ms.date: 03/15/2023
+ms.date: 12/27/2025
 online version: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.utility/export-csv?view=powershell-7.4&WT.mc_id=ps-gethelp
 schema: 2.0.0
 aliases:
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ title: Export-Csv
 # Export-Csv
 
 ## SYNOPSIS
+
 Converts objects into a series of character-separated value (CSV) strings and saves the strings to a
 file.
 
@@ -144,11 +145,12 @@ Get-Content -Path .\Processes.csv
 The `Get-Culture` cmdlet uses the nested properties **TextInfo** and **ListSeparator** and displays
 the current culture's default list separator. The `Get-Process` cmdlet gets **Process** objects. The
 process objects are sent down the pipeline to the `Export-Csv` cmdlet. `Export-Csv` converts the
-process objects to a series of CSV strings. The **Path** parameter specifies that the `Processes.csv`
-file is saved in the current directory. The **UseCulture** parameter uses the current culture's
-default list separator as the delimiter. The **NoTypeInformation** parameter removes the **#TYPE**
-information header from the CSV output and is not required in PowerShell 6. The `Get-Content` cmdlet
-uses the **Path** parameter to display the file located in the current directory.
+process objects to a series of CSV strings. The **Path** parameter specifies that the
+`Processes.csv` file is saved in the current directory. The **UseCulture** parameter uses the
+current culture's default list separator as the delimiter. The **NoTypeInformation** parameter
+removes the **#TYPE** information header from the CSV output and is not required in PowerShell 6.
+The `Get-Content` cmdlet uses the **Path** parameter to display the file located in the current
+directory.
 
 ### Example 5: Export processes with type information
 
@@ -179,10 +181,13 @@ This example describes how to export objects to a CSV file and use the **Append*
 objects to an existing file.
 
 ```powershell
-$AppService = (Get-Service -DisplayName *Application* | Select-Object -Property DisplayName, Status)
+$AppService = Get-Service -DisplayName *Application* | 
+    Select-Object -Property DisplayName, Status
 $AppService | Export-Csv -Path .\Services.Csv -NoTypeInformation
 Get-Content -Path .\Services.Csv
-$WinService = (Get-Service -DisplayName *Windows* | Select-Object -Property DisplayName, Status)
+
+$WinService = Get-Service -DisplayName *Windows* | 
+    Select-Object -Property DisplayName, Status
 $WinService | Export-Csv -Path .\Services.csv -NoTypeInformation -Append
 Get-Content -Path .\Services.Csv
 ```
@@ -221,7 +226,7 @@ unexpected output is received, troubleshoot the pipeline syntax.
 
 ```powershell
 Get-Date | Select-Object -Property DateTime, Day, DayOfWeek, DayOfYear |
- Export-Csv -Path .\DateTime.csv -NoTypeInformation
+    Export-Csv -Path .\DateTime.csv -NoTypeInformation
 Get-Content -Path .\DateTime.csv
 ```
 
@@ -232,7 +237,7 @@ Get-Content -Path .\DateTime.csv
 
 ```powershell
 Get-Date | Format-Table -Property DateTime, Day, DayOfWeek, DayOfYear |
- Export-Csv -Path .\FTDateTime.csv -NoTypeInformation
+    Export-Csv -Path .\FTDateTime.csv -NoTypeInformation
 Get-Content -Path .\FTDateTime.csv
 ```
 
@@ -248,10 +253,10 @@ Get-Content -Path .\FTDateTime.csv
 The `Get-Date` cmdlet gets the **DateTime** object. The object is sent down the pipeline to the
 `Select-Object` cmdlet. `Select-Object` uses the **Property** parameter to select a subset of object
 properties. The object is sent down the pipeline to the `Export-Csv` cmdlet. `Export-Csv` converts
-the object to a CSV format. The **Path** parameter specifies that the `DateTime.csv` file is saved in
-the current directory. The **NoTypeInformation** parameter removes the **#TYPE** information header
-from the CSV output and is not required in PowerShell 6. The `Get-Content` cmdlet uses the **Path**
-parameter to display the CSV file located in the current directory.
+the object to a CSV format. The **Path** parameter specifies that the `DateTime.csv` file is saved
+in the current directory. The **NoTypeInformation** parameter removes the **#TYPE** information
+header from the CSV output and is not required in PowerShell 6. The `Get-Content` cmdlet uses the
+**Path** parameter to display the CSV file located in the current directory.
 
 When the `Format-Table` cmdlet is used within the pipeline to select properties unexpected results
 are received. `Format-Table` sends table format objects down the pipeline to the `Export-Csv` cmdlet
@@ -456,8 +461,11 @@ Accept wildcard characters: False
 
 ### -Delimiter
 
-Specifies a delimiter to separate the property values. The default is a comma (`,`). Enter a
-character, such as a colon (`:`). To specify a semicolon (`;`), enclose it in quotation marks.
+Specifies a delimiter to separate the property values. The default is a comma (`,`).
+
+Enter a character, such as a colon (`:`). To specify a semicolon (`;`), enclose it in single
+quotation marks. To specify escaped special characters such as tab (`` `t ``), enclose it in double
+quotation marks.
 
 ```yaml
 Type: System.Char