How to Run a PowerShell Script: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re here, you probably need to figure out how to run a PowerShell script, and I totally get it—these things can seem intimidating at first. But once you get the hang of it, PowerShell is one of those tools you’ll wonder how you ever lived without. Whether you’re managing a bunch of computers or just automating some boring tasks, knowing how to run scripts is a game-changer. Let’s walk through it together.

What is PowerShell, and Why Should You Care?

In case you’re not fully familiar with it, PowerShell is basically a powerful command-line shell and scripting language designed by Microsoft. Think of it as Command Prompt but on steroids. It’s especially useful for automating tasks, configuring systems, and managing networks. Whether you’re an IT pro or someone just getting started with scripting, PowerShell has your back.

Writing Your First PowerShell Script

Before you can run a script, you obviously need to write one. Luckily, you don’t need fancy software to do this. You can create PowerShell scripts using various editors, from simple Notepad to more advanced tools like Visual Studio Code. Let me walk you through the basics.

1. Using Visual Studio Code (VS Code)

VS Code is a super handy, free tool that makes writing and managing your scripts a breeze. Here’s how you get started:

• First, download and install Visual Studio Code.
• Install the PowerShell extension (it’s like an add-on that makes working with PowerShell scripts smoother).
• Open VS Code, create a new file, and save it with a .ps1 extension (this is the file type for PowerShell scripts).

Boom, you’re ready to start scripting! Type something simple like:

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Write-Host “Hello, PowerShell!”

2. Using Notepad

If you prefer the “keep it simple” approach, Notepad works just fine too:

• Open Notepad.
• Write your script (something like the Write-Host command above).
• Save the file with the .ps1 extension.

It’s that easy.

3. Using PowerShell ISE

For those who like using built-in tools, PowerShell ISE (Integrated Scripting Environment) is your go-to. It’s built into Windows and allows you to write, edit, and run scripts all in one place. Just search for “PowerShell ISE” in the Start menu, and you’re good to go.

How to Run a PowerShell Script

Now comes the fun part—actually running your script! You’ve got a few ways to do this, depending on what’s most convenient for you.

Running a Script from the PowerShell Console

1. Open the PowerShell console (just search for “PowerShell” in your start menu).
2. Navigate to the folder where your script is saved. You can do this using the cd command like this:

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cd C:\Path\To\Your\Script

3. Now run your script by typing .\ followed by the script name:

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.\myscript.ps1

That’s it! Your script will execute right there in the console.

Running a Script from Command Prompt

Prefer the old Command Prompt? No problem. You can still run PowerShell scripts from there:

1. Open Command Prompt.
2. Run your PowerShell script by calling powershell.exe followed by the file path:

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powershell.exe -File “C:\Path\To\Your\Script.ps1”

Running a Script with Parameters

If your script is built to accept parameters (basically, extra information you can pass in when running it), you can do so like this:

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.\myscript.ps1 -Parameter1 “value1” -Parameter2 “value2”

This allows your script to be a bit more dynamic.

Dealing with Execution Policies

Now, here’s a bump in the road you might hit: PowerShell scripts won’t run on most Windows systems out of the box due to security settings. Don’t worry—it’s a simple fix.

Understanding Execution Policies

By default, Windows blocks script execution to protect your system from potentially harmful code. But you can change this to suit your needs:

• Restricted: No scripts are allowed to run (this is the default).
• RemoteSigned: You can run scripts you’ve written locally, but scripts from the internet need to be signed by a trusted publisher.
• Unrestricted: You can run any script, but you’ll get a warning before running external scripts.

Changing the Execution Policy

To allow scripts to run, you’ll need to change the execution policy. You can do this easily by running the following command in PowerShell:

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Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned

You’ll now be able to run locally created scripts without any issues.

Running PowerShell on macOS and Linux

Yes, you read that right—PowerShell isn’t just for Windows anymore! Microsoft made PowerShell cross-platform, meaning you can run it on macOS and Linux too. The process for running scripts is pretty much the same, but keep in mind that paths and some system-specific commands might differ.

Best Practices for Running PowerShell Scripts

To ensure everything runs smoothly, here are a few best practices:

1. Test in a Safe Environment: Don’t run untested scripts on critical systems. Use a test environment first.
2. Comment Your Code: This will help you (or anyone else) understand what your script is doing. For example:

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# This script outputs a simple message

Write-Host “Hello, PowerShell!”

3. Handle Errors Gracefully: Use Try and Catch blocks to handle errors, so your script doesn’t crash if something goes wrong.

Wrapping Up

Running PowerShell scripts might seem tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly useful. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to streamline your admin tasks, PowerShell is a versatile tool that can make your life much easier. Plus, with the knowledge of writing, running, and troubleshooting scripts, you’re well on your way to becoming a PowerShell pro.

Give it a try, and soon enough, you’ll be scripting like a boss!