Windows PowerShell Scripting
Top Stories
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Feature
17 Mar 2023
How to create and run Windows PowerShell scripts
Once administrators get comfortable with PowerShell basics, it's time to start scripting. This PowerShell scripting tutorial for beginners helps you efficiently complete tasks. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Mar 2023
How to upload and download files with PowerShell FTP script
By using the .NET WebClient class and PowerShell, Windows admins can upload and download files to FTP. Review the general process and corresponding examples to get started. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Mar 2023
Hone your PowerShell text manipulation skills
Retrieving content from and modifying content in text files with PowerShell are skills many administrators need to cultivate to aid their automation efforts. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Feb 2023
Understanding Windows PowerShell function parameters
Parameters in Windows PowerShell can help admins better customize their functions, leading to improved input testing and more extensible commands. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Feb 2023
25 basic PowerShell commands for Windows administrators
Getting started with PowerShell or just need a quick refresher? This tip lists the most common PowerShell commands, with details on when to use them. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2020
Find and filter Windows event logs using PowerShell Get-EventLog
Use the Get-EventLog cmdlet in PowerShell to pinpoint problems among thousands of entries in Windows logs, on both local and remote systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 May 2018
How to protect PowerShell credentials in task automation
When administrators use unencrypted credentials in PowerShell scripts, they expose sensitive information. Find out the ways to secure credential use with automated tasks. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Apr 2018
Azure PowerShell cmdlets monitor, manage VMs
PowerShell gives administrators a way to customize reports that hone in on the details that matter to the business, such as the configuration of production VMs. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Mar 2018
PowerShell 6 expands reach but lags behind Windows version
Cross-platform PowerShell arrived without all the functionality that's available in Windows PowerShell -- but it brings the ability to manage Linux and macOS systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Mar 2018
Emotet Trojan: How to defend against fileless attacks
An increase in fileless malware, including PowerShell malware, was reported in McAfee Labs' December 2017 Threat Report. Discover how enterprises can defend again fileless attacks. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Mar 2018
Creating PowerShell scripts for task automation
At a certain point, administrators who run PowerShell commands from the console will find it more efficient to develop a script that does not require manual intervention. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Feb 2018
Future of Windows might involve significant weight loss
The influence of containerized applications could sway Microsoft to introduce more far-reaching refinements to Windows Server and reduce the OS to the bare necessities. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Feb 2018
Five system administrator skills Windows admins should hone
IT workers need to learn how to ride the wave of innovation and master these five technologies related to Windows Server that can ease their workload and help the business. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Feb 2018
New Office 365 administrators grapple with challenges
More enterprises mulling the move to Office 365 should factor in the adjustments necessary to get the IT department up to speed to manage the platform properly. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
05 Feb 2018
Create a self-signed certificate to control PowerShell scripts
Signing code ensures that every change is official and approved. This helps to prevent errors and security breaches. Write a PowerShell self-signed certificate for code testing. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Dec 2017
Monitor Active Directory replication via PowerShell
Most enterprises rely on Active Directory to control access to resources on the network. Here's how admins can use PowerShell to check the health of the replication process. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Sep 2017
Server Core installation offers perks, challenges for IT
Server Core is a lighter Windows Server deployment that frees up server resources for additional workloads, but the management aspect will put some admins to the test. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jul 2017
Automate Active Directory jobs with PowerShell scripts
Much of what admins do in Active Directory is not exactly cutting-edge, and they don't want to waste time on mundane tasks. A dash of PowerShell can speed things along. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Mar 2017
Tap PowerShell DSC resources to automate web server construction
Administrators will create numerous IIS web servers during their IT careers. With Desired State Configuration, admins can automate this task with cleaner results. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Nov 2016
Use Windows PowerShell DSC to construct file servers from scratch
Administrators can take control over the deployment of common resources, such as Windows-based file servers, using PowerShell Desired State Configuration. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2016
Test and confirm functions with PowerShell parameters
Windows PowerShell functions support parameters that can prevent scripts from being run accidentally and simulate the outcome of the function. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 May 2016
Start using the PowerShell pipeline with this example
An administrator can create functions to support the PowerShell pipeline, which improves upon text-based shells by allowing the scripter to pass objects across the pipe. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Mar 2016
How to upgrade to PowerShell 5
PowerShell version 5 is the most recent iteration of the scripting language and offers new features from previous versions. Admins can upgrade to the new version in a few steps. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Mar 2016
PowerShell script examples and reference guide for admins
Microsoft unveiled PowerShell in 2006, but many Windows administrators are still unaware of the tremendous amount of resources available to help automate numerous tasks. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
29 Feb 2016
Eight influential Microsoft experts to follow on Twitter
Stay up to date with all things Microsoft by following some of the most knowledgeable experts on Twitter, including CEOs, CTOs and MVPs. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Nov 2015
Using PowerShell to create XML documents
Administrators can avoid introducing errors when building an XML file by using PowerShell to construct the document. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Nov 2015
Using XPath syntax to root through XML documents
Using XPath syntax and the Select-XML cmdlet can help uncover the information you need in an XML document. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Sep 2015
Use a PowerShell script to force logoff an RDP session
When end users remain logged in to an RDP session, it consumes valuable resources. Use this PowerShell script to force users to log off. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Mar 2015
This PowerShell module takes control of NTFS permissions
One simple install of the File System Security PowerShell Module can help manage NTFS permissions for user access to folders. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Nov 2013
Running PowerShell scripts can ease Windows virtualization tasks
Put PowerShell cmdlets to work with Windows virtualization by automating setup, maintenance and configuration tasks in your organization. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Aug 2013
Desired State Configuration helps admins avoid configuration drift
The new feature Desired State Configuration feature in Windows Server 2012 R2 gives admins yet another reason to learn PowerShell. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2013
PowerShell 4.0 further facilitates task automation for Windows admins
Has PowerShell finally grown up? A mature PowerShell 4.0 in Windows Server 2012 R2 brings with it new parameters, simpler implementation and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Apr 2013
PowerShell tutorial: Managing Windows Storage Spaces
This PowerShell tutorial shows users how to fully interact with Windows Storage Spaces, which will help them script the storage provisioning process. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Apr 2013
Steps to read XML files with PowerShell
Wondering how to get PowerShell to read XML files? Our expert explains a few methods you could use. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Apr 2013
Logging your every move with a PowerShell transcript
There are a few methods for creating a PowerShell transcript that logs everything. We highlight a few of these and what to know about each. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Feb 2013
How do I use a PowerShell filter to identify files by date?
Our expert answers one of the most common questions he hears from admins about using a PowerShell filter to find a file's accurate date. Continue Reading
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Quiz
21 Dec 2012
Test your knowledge of new Windows Server 2012 features with this quiz
Think you've done a good job in keeping up with all of the year's Windows Server news, updates and features? Take this short quiz to find out. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Nov 2012
Windows Server Failover Clustering gets boost from PowerShell cmdlets
In Windows Server 2012, there are 81 new and improved failover clustering PowerShell cmdlets. Here's how to make the most of their capabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Aug 2012
FAQ: Using Windows PowerShell commands to manage virtual desktops
Windows PowerShell commands aren't just for traditional desktops. Learn how to use PowerCLI, XenApp cmdlets and more to make VDI management a snap. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Nov 2011
Tips for running PowerShell against remote Windows 7 desktops
Setting up PowerShell to manage remote Windows 7 desktops can be tricky. These tips help you properly configure PowerShell and use it for remote desktop troubleshooting. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Mar 2011
Applying regular expressions (regex) to Windows PowerShell
It may seem daunting at first, but the combination of regular expressions (regex) with PowerShell can be an admin’s best friend when it comes to certain complex tasks. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jan 2011
How to use WMI with Windows PowerShell scripts
With PowerShell, admins can harness the power of WMI to find all sorts of system and network information. The best part? It’s probably a lot easier than you think. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Oct 2010
Controlling the output of Windows PowerShell commands
Windows PowerShell features several cmdlets for writing data. Knowing which commands do what can help control the output of your functions and keep your pipelines clean. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Sep 2010
Top iPhone apps for Windows admins: iPowerShell
This free Windows app gives admins PowerShell 2.0 knowledge straight from their iPhones. It includes advanced search capabilities and detailed cmdlet information. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jul 2010
Alternative PowerShell commands for Active Directory management
While Microsoft has added many new cmdlets for PowerShell 2.0, admins can also use additional options from Quest Software and other outlets when working with Active Directory. Continue Reading
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News
16 Dec 2009
PowerShell 2.0 modules fly under the radar
Admins with development experience might want to take a second look at some of PowerShell 2.0's new functionality. Continue Reading
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News
29 Oct 2009
Microsoft brings PowerShell 2.0 to the masses
The latest Windows Management Framework was made available this week, with functionality to allow the remote administration of legacy operating systems with PowerShell 2.0. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Sep 2008
Downloading and Installing Windows PowerShell
In this excerpt from "Essential PowerShell" you'll learn the steps and procedures for downloading and installing Windows PowerShell. You'll also go over the process of taking WPS for a test run in interactive mode and script mode. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Aug 2007
How to get process information with Windows PowerShell
In this column, Christa Anderson explains how to use Windows PowerShell's get-process cmdlet to retrieve information about the processes on your computer and how to kill the unnecessary ones. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 May 2007
Filtering output from Windows PowerShell
With PowerShell, it's pretty simple to browse Windows Management Instrumentation classes without cheating by filtering the content -- all it takes is a new cmdlet and working with variables. Continue Reading