PowerShell vs. Command Prompt: A Beginner’s Guide – Part 1

With PowerShell, users can automate tasks and manage systems more efficiently than with traditional Command Prompt.

Scripts in PowerShell function more like programs than batch files. This guide will help you understand the difference between Command Prompt and PowerShell and how to harness PowerShell to automate admin tasks.

What is PowerShell?

PowerShell is a task automation scripting framework. It includes a command-line shell and a scripting language which integrates with the .NET framework. This combination provides tools for administrators that enable them to automate routine tasks, while also providing developers with a strong library of functions and scripting environment.

To make .NET processes more accessible, PowerShell incorporates cmdlets (pronounced “command lets”). Cmdlets are utilities that can be used in PowerShell scripts.

PowerShell ships with a number of cmdlets, but developers can also create their own.

PowerShell easily interfaces with the Component Object Model (COM). This enables the development of more complex PowerShell scripts that can call on many other Windows-based packages to exchange data, issue commands, and receive back statuses. This flexibility makes it ideal for developers of applications that utilize PowerShell.

The interface to WMI that is integrated into PowerShell is especially valuable to administrators. Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) objects are made available as cmdlets, allowing administrators to query the statuses of a device or service running on Windows and incorporate the results into a PowerShell script. This capability is useful for conditional processing and branching in a script and report back on the success or failure of an execution step.

What is CMD?

CMD, or command prompt, is the default command-line interpreter of Windows’ Operating Systems (OS). It is also commonly referred to as the Command Processor Shell.

Windows PowerShell vs. Command Prompt

DOS commands are still very useful for moving around the operating system to perform basic tasks. Putting DOS commands into a script to get a series of tasks performed together is a very common way to create a custom utility. CMD commands are frequently used to sequence standard admin tasks so they can be performed as a timed job during off-peak hours.

All of the well-known DOS command-line operators and batch commands are available in PowerShell. However, the access that PowerShell has to WMI and other system services makes it much more powerful. In other words, PowerShell is CMD on steroids.

When should I use PowerShell?

If you are nervous about deploying PowerShell for the first time, just start off with one of your existing batch jobs and include PowerShell cmdlets to enhance it.

With PowerShell, those “if only I could” moments become achievable. The problem most people have with using PowerShell is that it is so big. Its vast functionality can make experienced administrators feel overwhelmed at first. It is a lot more comforting to stick with what you know. But don’t worry—PowerShell doesn’t replace your knowledge; it adds to it.

Is PowerShell harmful?

Like any scripting language, PowerShell can be used maliciously on computers. There are worms and file-less malware that use PowerShell routines.

To combat some of the threats, Microsoft introduced security features in the PowerShell environment; one of which is Execution Policies. PowerShell Execution Policies give administrators control over what scripts can be run on a system. The default policy doesn’t allow for any scripts to be run, but there are also options to require scripts to be signed by a trusted publisher, or to run unrestricted, allowing any script to run.

Can I use PowerShell and CMD commands with Atera?

Absolutely! In Atera, the in-app Command Prompt function means that any technician can remotely send CLI commands to any end user machine. For tasks like caching recent commands, real-time sampling and output, adding extra security like auto-terminate or shut down policies, it’s a great tool. You can find it in the Manage section on your Devices.

You can also run PowerShell scripts from inside Atera, also found under Manage in Devices. These are a very flexible way to run scripts in your environment. If you’re not comfortable with coding, you can also benefit from our community-driven Shared Script Library, with hundreds of ready to go tried and tested scripts for any use case you can imagine!

Where can I find PowerShell script examples?

This article is just an introduction to PowerShell. It opens a series of guides on how Windows PowerShell works, why it’s effective, and how you can use it.

Stay tuned for future posts where we’ll provide examples of PowerShell scripts and the most commonly used CMD commands.

Conclusion

PowerShell is a powerful tool that goes beyond the capabilities of Command Prompt, offering administrators and developers a versatile scripting environment for automating tasks and managing systems efficiently. While it may seem overwhelming at first, starting with familiar batch jobs and gradually integrating PowerShell cmdlets can unlock its full potential. With tools like Atera’s in-app PowerShell functionality, MSPs and IT professionals can easily implement automation and streamline their workflows, making routine tasks more efficient and scalable. Stay tuned for the next part of this series, where we’ll dive deeper into practical PowerShell examples and its integration with Atera’s features.