What Is PowerShell & What Can You Do With It?

PowerShell is a command-line tool and scripting language created by Microsoft. It’s designed to help users — especially IT professionals — automate tasks and manage systems efficiently.

In tech terms, a “shell” is a user interface for accessing the services of an operating system. PowerShell is just that — but way more powerful because it lets you combine commands (called cmdlets) into scripts that automate complex tasks.

Originally built on the .NET Framework, PowerShell has evolved into PowerShell 7+, which is open-source and cross-platform — meaning it works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

PowerShell lets you automate repetitive tasks, manage computers and servers, and control apps and system settings — all from a single command line.

Here are a few things you can do with it:

• 🔌 List connected USB devices across a network

• 🧹 Kill unresponsive processes

• 📥 Install and update software packages

• 🔄 Automate backups or file transfers

• 🔐 Manage user accounts and permissions in Active Directory

• 📊 Export system or network info in formats like HTML or CSV

• 🤖 Schedule background tasks so they run while you focus on other work

If you're a system admin, developer, or power user, PowerShell gives you deep control over your environment.

Here are 3 easy ways:

1. Search bar:

   • Click the Start menu or search icon

   • Type "PowerShell" and press Enter

2. Run window:

   • Press Windows + R

   • Type powershell and click OK

3. Start Menu:

   • Go to Start > Windows Tools > Windows PowerShell

   • You may also see PowerShell ISE and x86 (32-bit) versions

💡 Tip: On newer systems, Windows Terminal often includes PowerShell as a default profile.

PowerShell is a must-have tool for anyone managing Windows systems — and now, even for users on Linux and macOS. Whether you're running simple scripts or automating entire workflows, PowerShell helps you save time, reduce errors, and boost productivity.