How To Run Powershell Script

—

by

Vector Linux
in

Running PowerShell scripts is a powerful way to automate tasks and manage your system efficiently. In this article, I will guide you through the process of running PowerShell scripts and share some personal tips and insights along the way.

What is PowerShell?

PowerShell is a scripting language developed by Microsoft, specifically designed for system administration and automation. It provides a command-line interface for executing scripts and managing various aspects of the Windows operating system.

Step 1: Launching PowerShell

To start running PowerShell scripts, you need to launch the PowerShell application on your Windows machine. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type “PowerShell”.
  2. Click on the “Windows PowerShell” application from the search results.
  3. The PowerShell window will open, ready for you to start scripting.

Step 2: Preparing the Script

Before running a PowerShell script, you need to create or obtain the script file. PowerShell scripts typically have a .ps1 extension. If you don’t have a script file yet, you can create one using a text editor or download one from a reliable source.

Step 3: Setting Execution Policy

PowerShell has an execution policy that determines the security level for running scripts on your system. By default, the execution policy is set to “Restricted,” which prevents the execution of any script.

To change the execution policy, follow these steps:

  1. Open PowerShell as an administrator. Right-click on the PowerShell application icon and select “Run as administrator”.
  2. Run the following command: Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned
  3. Confirm the execution policy change by typing “Y” and pressing Enter.

Note: The “RemoteSigned” execution policy allows you to run scripts that are created locally or downloaded from trusted sources. It requires downloaded scripts to be signed by a trusted publisher.

Step 4: Running the Script

Now that you have your script file and the execution policy is set, you can run your PowerShell script. Here are a few ways to execute a script:

Option 1: Running a Script File

If your script is saved in a file, you can execute it by following these steps:

  1. Open PowerShell.
  2. Use the cd command to navigate to the directory where your script file is located. For example, cd C:\Scripts.
  3. Run the script by typing the file name with the .ps1 extension. For example, .\myscript.ps1.

Option 2: Running a Script from the Command Line

If you have a short PowerShell command or a one-liner script, you can directly run it from the PowerShell command line. Simply type the command and press Enter.

Option 3: Copy and Paste into PowerShell

If you have a small script snippet or a command that you want to execute, you can copy and paste it directly into the PowerShell window. Simply select the code, right-click, and choose “Paste” to execute it.

Conclusion

Running PowerShell scripts is an essential skill for system administrators and power users. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily launch PowerShell, set the execution policy, and run your scripts. Remember to exercise caution when running scripts from untrusted sources to ensure the security of your system.