But what exactly is this Windows PowerShell & do we need it?
Lets find out together.
What is Windows PowerShell?
Before we can elaborately define Windows PowerShell, first, we need to know what the termShellmeans.
A Shell is a computer program that acts as an interface between a user and the OS.
It can either be a graphics-based user interface(GUI) or a command-line-based interface/dialogue box.
Windows PowerShell is an open-source, cross-platform task automation tool that is based on command-line interface(CLI).
It also lets you perform various operations, from automating repetitive tasks to connection administration, and so on.
Here are the Windows PowerShell versions:
PowerShell 7 is currently the latest version of this command line tool.
you’ve got the option to easily download thelatest PowerShellfor your machine by following the link.
What is a PowerShell Cmdlet?
The Cmdlet(pronounced as command-let) is a noteworthy aspect of Windows PowerShell.
These binary commands act as building blocks to build a bigger, more complex PowerShell script.
Get-Commandis another one that lets you troubleshoot different system-level issues from PowerShell.
The latest PowerShell version(PowerShell 7) ships with more than 1500 compiled Cmdlets.
you’re able to use the Get-Command Cmdlet to discover the PowerShell features.
Itll give you a list of all commands available on your system.
it’s possible for you to also set parameters to narrow the search.
Furthermore, theGet-ItemCmdlet allows users to find a specific file or directory of their computer.
TheGet-HelpCmdlet can be used to learn more about PowerShell principles and its components.
you could also use the online parameter to access help articles for a specific topic on the web.
Users can run PowerShell commands and scripts on remote computers via the WS-Management protocol.
Launching the PowerShell tool on different platforms requires different methods.
Here are the steps to launch PowerShell:
Windows users can alternatively use the Run dialogue to launch PowerShell.
Simply press theWindows Key+Rand typepowershell.
To do this, all you need is a PC and reliable internet access.
For example, typeInvoke-Command -ComputerName Server01, Server02 -FilePath c:\Scripts\DiskCollect.ps1on your computers PowerShell dialogue box and pressEnter.
It will execute the DiskCollect.ps1 script on the server01 and server02 remote PCs.
it’s possible for you to learn more about remote commands fromMicrosofts official PS command guide.
It will clear all texts from the .TXT file but keep the main file intact.
pop in the command likeGet-Content.
With Windows PowerShell, users can easily create and execute various scripts to perform certain automated tasks.
There are many ways to create a PowerShell script.
Id recommend using Notepad as its the quickest and easiest way to make a PS(PowerShell) script.
Otherwise, you wont be able to change the execution policy to run scripts through PowerShell.
Various actions can be taken to tinker with the files and folders by using specific PS commands.
For example:Invoke-Item C:\Users\user\Desktop\script.txt.
Additionally, you’re able to open multiple files by slightly adjusting the command syntax.
I.e:Invoke-Item C:\Users\user\Desktop*.
Use the Move-Item Cmdlet to quickly move your computers files and folders from one directory to another.
The Cmdlet to perform this action is Rename-Item.
Running a Malware Scan Via PowerShell
you could even run a malware scan on your rig using Windows PowerShellsStart-MpScanCmdlet.
But there are many notable differences between the two command-line interfaces.
The biggest difference between PowerShell and CMD is the extensibility.
The inputs and feature sets of PowerShell are immensely vast compared to Command Prompt.
PowerShell is basically an advanced version of CMD.
Secondly, PowerShell supports .NET runtime framework, but Command Prompt doesnt.
As a result, PowerShell can accept and return .NET objects while CMD can only accept and return text.
Its a robust scripting environment that allows users to create complex scripts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Windows PowerShell run in the background?
Windows PowerShell usually doesnt run in the background unless youve set a background job command.
Is it OK to disable Windows PowerShell?
Disabling Windows PowerShell is completely fine as its not a requirement to properly run Windows OS.
Is PowerShell the same as the command prompt?
Ending Note
Thats all for today.
Anyway, I hope this write-up has provided everything you wanted to know about the PowerShell feature.
