How to Run PowerShell Script

PowerShell is a powerful scripting language and command-line shell designed for task automation and configuration management. Whether you’re an IT professional, developer, or just a curious user, learning to run PowerShell scripts can greatly increase your productivity. This guide will walk you through the process of how to run a powershell script step-by-step.

1. What is PowerShell?

PowerShell is a command-line shell and scripting language built on top of the .NET framework. Initially, it was exclusive to Windows, but now it’s open-source and available on multiple platforms, including Linux and macOS. PowerShell allows users to automate tasks, manage configurations, and handle complex operations easily.

2. Why Use PowerShell Scripts?

PowerShell scripts are a series of commands saved in a .ps1 file. Using scripts can:

• Automate repetitive tasks.
• Manage large environments efficiently.
• Perform complex configurations quickly.
• Integrate easily with various IT and software environments.

3. Change the Execution Policy

By default, PowerShell restricts script execution for security reasons. To allow scripts, you may need to change the execution policy. If we try to execute a script without changing the policy, you’ll probably see a similar error as below:

Now, lets go ahead and fix this issue straight away.

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Type:

Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned

3. Press Enter, then type Y to confirm.

The RemoteSigned policy allows local scripts to run but requires downloaded scripts to be signed.

4. How to Create a PowerShell Script

Creating a PowerShell script is straightforward:

1. Open a text editor like Notepad or a code editor like Visual Studio Code.
2. Write your PowerShell commands, e.g.,

Write-Host "Hello, PowerShell!"

3. Save the file with a .ps1 extension, for example, MyScript.ps1.

5. Running a PowerShell Script

Here are different methods to run a PowerShell script:

Method 1: Running a Script from the PowerShell Console

1. Open PowerShell.
2. Navigate to the script’s directory using cd.
   Example: cd C:\Path\To\Your\Script
3. Run the script by typing its name: .\MyScript.ps1

Method 2: Running a Script by Double-Clicking

PowerShell scripts are not set to execute by default when double-clicked. However, you can create a shortcut:

1. Right-click on your desktop and select New > Shortcut.
2. Enter the following as the target: powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "C:\Path\To\Your\Script\MyScript.ps1"
3. Name the shortcut and save. Now you can double-click the shortcut to run the script.

Method 3: Running a Script from the Command Line

1. Open the Command Prompt (cmd).
2. Enter: powershell -File "C:\Path\To\Your\Script\MyScript.ps1"

6. Common Issues & Troubleshooting

• Script is Not Executing: Ensure you’ve set the execution policy correctly (Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned).
• Cannot Run Script by Double-Clicking: PowerShell scripts are not executable by default. Create a shortcut or run them from the PowerShell console.
• Access Denied Errors: Make sure you are running PowerShell with administrative privileges.

7. Security Considerations

PowerShell scripts are powerful, but they can also be dangerous if not handled properly:

• Check Script Sources: Only run scripts from trusted sources.
• Use Get-Help: To see what a script does before executing it, use the Get-Help command: Get-Help .\MyScript.ps1
• Keep Execution Policies Tight: Use AllSigned or RemoteSigned policies for a good balance between security and flexibility.
• Avoid Bypass Execution: The Bypass execution policy is often used for testing but should not be a standard practice.

8. Conclusion

Running PowerShell scripts opens up a world of automation and control over your computer environment. By following this guide, you should now be comfortable creating, running, and managing PowerShell scripts. Always keep security in mind, and practice running scripts safely.

Happy scripting! 😊