# ReadConsoleInput

The ReadConsoleInput function reads data from a console input buffer and removes it from the buffer.

    BOOL ReadConsoleInput(
      HANDLE hConsoleInput,
      PINPUT_RECORD lpBuffer,
      DWORD nLength,
      LPDWORD lpNumberOfEventsRead
    );

### Parameters

hConsoleInput
Handle to the input buffer. The handle must have GENERIC_READ access.
lpBuffer
Pointer to an INPUT_RECORD buffer that receives the input buffer data.
nLength
Specifies the size, in input records, of the buffer pointed to by the lpBuffer parameter.
lpNumberOfEventsRead
Pointer to a variable that receives the number of input records read.

### Return value

If the function succeeds, the return value is nonzero.
If the function fails, the return value is zero. To get extended error information, call GetLastError.

### Remarks

If the number of records requested in the nLength parameter exceeds the number of records available in the buffer, the number available is read. The function does not return until at least one input record has been read.

A process can specify a console input buffer handle in one of the wait functions to determine when there is unread console input. When the input buffer is not empty, the state of a console input buffer handle is signaled.

To determine the number of unread input records in a console's input buffer, use the GetNumberOfConsoleInputEvents function. To read input records from a console input buffer without affecting the number of unread records, use the PeekConsoleInput function. To discard all unread records in a console's input buffer, use the FlushConsoleInputBuffer function.

Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/2008/7

- This function uses either Unicode characters or 8-bit characters from the console's current code page. The console's code page defaults initially to the system's OEM code page. To change the console's code page, use the SetConsoleCP or SetConsoleOutputCP functions, or use the `chcp` or `mode con cp select=` commands.

See also:
INPUT_RECORD, SetConsoleCP, SetConsoleOutputCP, WriteConsoleInput, PeekConsoleInput, FlushConsoleInputBuffer, GetNumberOfConsoleInputEvents, ReadConsole, ReadFile