What makes Microsoft PowerShell a must-have tool for IT professionals and system admins?
Microsoft created PowerShell, a powerful scripting language and command-line shell for system management, configuration management, and task automation.
To manage servers, automate routine tasks, or collect system information, PowerShell’s powerful features can automate processes for you.
Previously, we explored various valuable Microsoft tools, including Microsoft Loop, Microsoft Lists, Microsoft Syntex, Microsoft Dev Box, and Microsoft Dual Write. Today, we will discuss Microsoft PowerShell.
By understanding a few basics, you can incorporate automation into your daily work, even though many of you will think of it as a challenging technology.
So, this article aims to help you understand its concept, syntax, and a few more automation scripts.
What is PowerShell, and Why Do You Need it?
To a large extent, PowerShell is a Microsoft platform for task automation and configuration management. It features a command-line shell and scripting language built on the .NET Framework and, more recently, .NET Core. Imagine it as a Command Prompt (CMD) plus automation, control, and logic.
How Does PowerShell Work?
Microsoft PowerShell is unique in that it will automatically repeat and dry repetitive work, execute commands on many systems, and properly manage mass deployments.
It utilises the .NET framework, scripting language, and command-line interface (CLI) to handle objects rather than text.
Since PowerShell can make functionality available that is not even available with GUI interfaces, it is usually the single tool necessary for system administrators and users of Microsoft 365 to accomplish their work.
Key Features of PowerShell
Because of its many capabilities, PowerShell is a powerful scripting and automation tool.
Some of the main features include:
PowerShell Tutorial for Beginners
Even though you are likely familiar with the core commands, let us start at the beginning for clarity.
Getting Started:
- To open PowerShell, type "Windows PowerShell" into the Windows search bar and then click "Open."
- Comprehend the prompt. You can execute commands and view the current directory using the PowerShell prompt (PS> or PS\>).
PowerShell Basics
- Key Concepts: Cmdlets, Pipelines, and Objects
Unlike traditional shells, which act on text, PowerShell functions on .NET objects. This object-oriented paradigm enables more complex data processing and analysis. For example, Get-Process returns actual process objects with properties and functions rather than text.
The pipeline (|) operator can be used to take the output of one command and feed it directly into another, allowing you to design complex workflows with minimal code.
- Basic Syntax and Commands
PowerShell commands often have this structure:
Verb-Noun -Parameter1 Value1 -Parameter2 Value2
If you’ve never used PowerShell before, here are some basic commands to help you get started:
- Get-Help provides information about cmdlets.
- Get-Command lists the available commands.
- Get-Member displays the properties and methods of objects.
Microsoft PowerShell Automation Basics
1. Automating with Loops
You can use foreach, for, or while to repeat tasks.
$servers = @(“Server1”, “Server2”, “Server3”) |
2. Automating Task Scheduling
Use Task Scheduler to run scripts at predetermined times:
Launch Task Scheduler by searching in Start.
- Create a Basic Task → Select a Trigger.
- Action → Launch a Programme.
- Powershell.exe is the program/script.
- Include arguments: -File "C:\Scripts\YourScript.ps1"
3. Automating Microsoft 365 Tasks
The example of creating a new Microsoft 365 user will be used:
Connect-MicrosoftTeams |
Install the necessary modules first:
Install-Module MicrosoftTeams |
4. Automate Report Generation
Data can be exported as a CSV file for reporting purposes.
Register-ScheduledJob -Name “DailyCheck” -ScriptBlock { |
5. PowerShell Scheduled Jobs
For repeatable background tasks:
Register-ScheduledJob -Name “DailyCheck” -ScriptBlock { |
Useful Beginner Commands
Command | Description |
Get-Help | Displays the cmdlet’s help information. |
Get-Process | Lists running processes |
Get-Service | Lists system services |
Start-Service | Starts a service |
Stop-Service | Stops a service |
Get-EventLog | Views Windows event logs |
Export-Csv | Exports output to CSV |
Set-ExecutionPolicy | Sets permission to run scripts |
PowerShell + Microsoft 365: A Perfect Match
Microsoft 365 is a large ecosystem that includes Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint Online, and other components. PowerShell allows you to access management functions across various services that aren’t available in the Admin Centre.
Here are a few instances:
- Azure AD: Manage groups, assign licences, and create users.
- Exchange Online: Establish forwarding rules and mailbox policies.
- Teams: Manage user settings, policies, and teams in bulk.
- SharePoint Online: Control user permissions and site collections.
Each of these services has its own PowerShell module. For instance, Microsoft Teams is administered using the MicrosoftTeams module, Exchange Online is managed with ExchangeOnlineManagement, and DHRP can help with Microsoft 365 implementation.
Conclusion
Microsoft PowerShell is more than just a scripting language—it’s a powerful tool for managing and automating tasks across Microsoft environments, including Microsoft 365.
From automating repetitive system processes to scheduling tasks and managing cloud resources, PowerShell increases efficiency for IT professionals. When combined with Dynamics 365, the automation potential multiplies.
At DHRP, we offer PowerShell automation support to help businesses streamline operations, enhance system administration, and simplify Dynamics 365 implementation.
Whether you’re new to automation or looking to optimise existing workflows, our experts can guide you every step of the way with tailored automation solutions.
FAQs
- Basic knowledge of command-line shells such as Command Prompt or Git Bash.
- Visual Studio Code is installed.
- The ability to install Visual Studio Code extensions.
- If you don’t use Windows, you can install applications on your computer.
Always seek out PowerShell consulting services for more information.
Yes, Windows PowerShell is a simple scripting environment and command-line shell for automating administrative activities on Windows-based computers.
