What is PowerShell? - PowerShell (2024)

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PowerShell is a cross-platform task automation solution made up of a command-line shell, a scriptinglanguage, and a configuration management framework. PowerShell runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Command-line Shell

PowerShell is a modern command shell that includes the best features of other popular shells. Unlikemost shells that only accept and return text, PowerShell accepts and returns .NET objects. The shellincludes the following features:

Scripting language

As a scripting language, PowerShell is commonly used for automating the management of systems. It'salso used to build, test, and deploy solutions, often in CI/CD environments. PowerShell is built onthe .NET Common Language Runtime (CLR). All inputs and outputs are .NET objects. No need to parsetext output to extract information from output. The PowerShell scripting language includes thefollowing features:

Automation platform

The extensible nature of PowerShell has enabled an ecosystem of PowerShell modules to deploy andmanage almost any technology you work with. For example:

Microsoft

Third-party

Configuration management

PowerShell Desired State Configuration (DSC) is a management framework in PowerShell thatenables you to manage your enterprise infrastructure with configuration as code. With DSC, you can:

  • Create declarative configurations and custom scripts for repeatable deployments
  • Enforce configuration settings and report on configuration drift
  • Deploy configuration using push or pull models

Next steps

Getting started

Are you new to PowerShell and don't know where to start? Take a look at these resources.

PowerShell in action

Take a look at how PowerShell is being used in different scenarios and on different platforms.

What is PowerShell? - PowerShell (2024)

FAQs

What is PowerShell used for? ›

As a scripting language, PowerShell is commonly used for automating the management of systems. It's also used to build, test, and deploy solutions, often in CI/CD environments. PowerShell is built on the .NET Common Language Runtime (CLR). All inputs and outputs are .NET objects.

Do I need PowerShell on my computer? ›

Yes, it is necessary to have PowerShell installed on your computer to use its functionalities in the context of PowerShell command-line. PowerShell is a powerful scripting language and task-based command-line shell, designed especially for system administrators to automate tasks and manage system configuration.

Is IT OK to disable Windows PowerShell? ›

Summary. PowerShell is a core component to the Windows OS and there is no safe way to remove it. Disabling PowerShell through settings prevents the invocation of the executable, but does not prevent invocation from alternative entry points. Instead, PowerShell should be hardened and monitored.

Is PowerShell good or bad for Windows? ›

Advantages of PowerShell

It includes easy task builders to create simple jobs that take advantage of everything, from installing a Microsoft Windows Installer (MSI) to clearing a cache, or rebooting a machine through basic PowerShell commands. These tools are used within AES 256-bit encrypted sessions.

What cool stuff can you do with PowerShell? ›

What can PowerShell be used for?
  • Cloud management. PowerShell can be used to manage cloud resources. ...
  • CI/CD. It can also be used as part of a Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment pipeline.
  • Automate tasks for Active Directory and Exchange.
Mar 7, 2024

Is it hard to learn PowerShell? ›

Getting started with Microsoft PowerShell can be really easy, since the language is simple and you can easily get information about any cmdlet. But it's essential to also understand the systems you are interfacing with, so that your scripts do not lead to serious issues, such as system downtime or security incidents.

Is IT safe to use PowerShell? ›

PowerShell is a powerful tool for system administration and automation, but it is also a top source of critical threats that can compromise your organisation's security. As such, you must implement effective security measures to mitigate the risks associated with PowerShell-based attacks.

Why am I getting Windows PowerShell? ›

If your computer is infected with malware, you may notice that PowerShell keeps appearing on your screen whenever the infection attempts to execute a harmful script on your computer. To be sure, you may scan your computer using Windows Security or a third-party antivirus tool.

Is IT OK to delete Windows PowerShell? ›

Please note that tampering with core Windows components like PowerShell can have unintended consequences and might lead to system instability or functionality issues. If PowerShell is causing problems, it's usually better to try to resolve the specific issue rather than attempting to uninstall it.

Why would a system administrator use PowerShell? ›

One of the main benefits of Windows PowerShell is that it allows you to automate repetitive or complex tasks with scripts. Scripts are files that contain a series of commands that can be executed as a single unit.

Can you get rid of PowerShell? ›

Uninstall PowerShell from Start Menu. You can click Start menu at the bottom-left, type PowerShell in the search box, and you will see Windows PowerShell app. Right-click Windows PowerShell app, and select Uninstall, or expand the menu in the right to select Uninstall to remove Windows PowerShell exe from Windows 10.

How do I stop a PowerShell process? ›

To stop a process by its ID, use the format: Stop-Process -ID <PID> -Force , eg. Stop-Process -ID 3127 -Force . To stop a process by its name, use the format: Stop-Process -Name <process-name> -Force , eg. Stop-Process -Name mspaint.exe -Force .

Do hackers use Windows PowerShell? ›

With its extensive capabilities, PowerShell provides hackers with a powerful toolkit to carry out their nefarious activities. Whether reconnaissance, exploitation, or maintaining control over compromised systems, PowerShell offers a wide range of options to achieve their malicious objectives.

What are 3 drawbacks of PowerShell? ›

In my experience, using a couple cons for using PowerShell for post exploitation are: 1) PowerShell scripts tend to be very verbose compared to Batch/cmd.exe 2) Having to use the set-execution policy can trigger alerts 3) Everything in PowerShell is logged.

Do you need PowerShell? ›

"PowerShell is essential to secure the Windows operating system, especially since newer versions have resolved previous limitations and concerns through updates and enhancements," the NSA says.

What is the purpose of the PowerShell command? ›

PowerShell Cmdlets are single, light-weight commands. They can also be invoked by their regarding aliases. They serve two basic functions: perform an action and return an object to a pipeline.

What is the function of PowerShell? ›

What are functions in PowerShell? A function in PowerShell is a grouping of code that has an optional input and output. It's a way of collecting a bunch of code to perform one or many times by just pointing to it instead of duplicating that code repeatedly.

What are PowerShell scripts good for? ›

PowerShell is a powerful tool for task automation and configuration management, mainly in the Windows operating system. Penetration testers and ethical hackers can use PowerShell scripting to automate many activities.

Is PowerShell the same as Command Prompt? ›

While Command Prompt holds its place for basic tasks and legacy support, PowerShell stands out as a more powerful and versatile tool for modern Windows environments. Whether you're an IT professional or a casual user, understanding the capabilities of both can significantly enhance your computing experience.

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