Step 1: Setting the Execution Policy
When trying to execute PowerShell scripts for the first time, you are likely to encounter an error stating, “cannot be loaded because running scripts is disabled on this system.” This error occurs because your execution policy is set to Restricted, RemoteSigned, or AllSigned. Therefore, the first step to running PowerShell scripts is to understand the purpose of the execution policy and configure it accordingly.
↪ The Execution Policy and its Levels
The PowerShell script Execution Policy is a system-wide configuration setting that controls whether PowerShell scripts can be executed based on their source and digital signature. By default, this policy is set to “Restricted,” blocking all script execution. This helps minimize the risks associated with running scripts downloaded from the internet, ensuring controlled access and security on your system. There are four levels for the Execution Policy:
↪ Changing the PowerShell Execution Policy
Now that we know the significance of the execution policy and the different ways it works, let’s look at adjusting these restrictions. Here’s a detailed rundown on how to change the PowerShell Execution Policy:
Step 2: Run PowerShell Scripts
Now that you have configured the execution policy, you are ready to run your first PowerShell script. There are several options available for running PowerShell scripts, and you should choose the method that seems most straightforward for you. With that said, let’s take a closer look at the four different methods to run a PowerShell script.
1. Run With PowerShell
The fastest and easiest method to run PowerShell scripts is by right-clicking on them and selecting the “Run with PowerShell” option. However, with this method, the script runs and closes immediately, which means you won’t be able to check for errors or review the output thoroughly. This approach is best suited for scripts designed for a specific action, such as cleaning temporary files.
2. Using Windows PowerShell
The most preferred method for running PowerShell scripts is by using the command line within Windows PowerShell itself. To run a PowerShell script using Windows PowerShell, follow these steps:
3. Using CMD
Similar to Windows PowerShell, CMD or the Command Prompt is also a command-line interface available in Windows. If you prefer CMD over Windows PowerShell, you can use it to run your PowerShell scripts. Here’s how to run PowerShell scripts using CMD:
4. Using PowerShell ISE
Windows PowerShell ISE (Integrated Scripting Environment) is an official scripting tool and development environment for PowerShell. It provides a graphical user interface (GUI) that simplifies the creation, debugging, and execution of PowerShell scripts. If you write your scripts or edit others, you’ll probably be using PowerShell ISE. In that case, here’s a quick rundown to run PowerShell scripts using PowerShell ISE. Now that you have learned everything about running PowerShell scripts, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Windows PowerShell is a powerful scripting language that introduces a new way to interact with and automate your operating system with just a few simple command lines. So, what are you waiting for? Start running your scripts right away!
