How to run .exe files in PowerShell

When it comes to handling executable files (.exe) — the essential bits that keep software applications running smoothly on Windows — PowerShell makes it an easier process.
If you’re looking to make your IT process more efficient, having a strong understanding of PowerShell is a must. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to PowerShell, we’ll walk you through understanding different methods of running .exe files, enhancing both efficiency and productivity in your IT tasks like never before.

Understanding PowerShell and .exe Files

PowerShell is an object-oriented engine crafted to tackle just about any automating task or system configuration you can think of. It’s a blend of command-line shell and scripting language, able to power through tasks across different platforms. Plus, its Integrated Scripting Environment (ISE) is a dream come true for creating, testing, and debugging scripts, all within a user-friendly Windows interface.

PowerShell makes running .exe files a breeze. Imagine being able to automate the process of installing and managing these files, turning what used to be a time-consuming chore into a walk in the park.

With PowerShell, you can line up multiple .exe files and run them exactly as you need, and tweak them with custom parameters for perfect execution. Its seamless integration and network capabilities transform complex software management across multiple devices from a daunting task into a streamlined process, solidifying PowerShell’s status as an indispensable tool for modern IT environments.

Preparing to Run .exe Files on PowerShell

Before you start working magic with .exe files in PowerShell, it’s important to check which version of PowerShell you are using. Different versions can play differently with the task at hand, so understanding your PowerShell version is the first step to successfully run an .exe from PowerShell.

Wondering how to check? Take a look at How do I check which PowerShell version I’m using?

How to Run .exe on PowerShell

Whether you are aiming for simplicity, control, or flexibility, PowerShell has you covered with these three methods for running .exe files: Direct Execution, Invoke-Expression cmdlet, and Start-Process cmdlet. Direct execution is the simplest form, while start-process offers the most control. Invoke-expression sits in between, but its dynamic command execution makes it a less popular choice when it comes to security concerns.

Which method you need to use depends on whether you’re using PowerShell to run programs in batch or remote environments and the level of user interaction.

Direct execution

Running an .exe file through Direct Execution is the most straightforward method. It’s all about simplicity and speed, most similar to how executables are launched from the command prompt. It’s great for when you just need to get things running quickly — no complex arguments or special output handling required.

To run .exe on PowerShell with Direct Execution:

• Open PowerShell on your PowerShell terminal.
  
• Specify the Path: Navigate to the directory where the file is located. For example, if your .exe file is located in “C:\Program Files\MyApp,” you would use:
  
• cd C:\Program Files\MyApp
  
• Execute the .exe file: Once you’re in the correct directory, you can: .\YourFile.exe

If you want to run it without changing the directory or if you are executing the command from another location, you can directly call it by its full path, like this:

& “C:\Program Files\MyApp\YourFile.exe”

If you’re looking to execute .exe from PowerShell, the direct execution method is usually the fastest and easiest. Just navigate to the file path and call the executable directly, either with .\YourFile.exe or by using the full path. This method is ideal for quick tests or small-scale execution tasks.

Invoke-expression

Invoke-Expression is a handy PowerShell cmdlet for when you need to run commands that are built as strings, allowing for dynamic command execution. This method is great when your commands need to adapt based on different conditions or input from users. 

Suppose you have an .exe file named “MyApp.exe” that is located in “C:\Program Files\MyApp,” and you want to run it using Invoke-Expression. You can create a command string like this:

$command = “C:\Program Files\MyApp\MyApp.exe”
Invoke-Expression $command

In this script, $command is a variable holding the path to the .exe file, which is then executed by Invoke-Expression.
This approach is generally used when the command might change or when incorporating variables that aren’t known ahead of time. It lets you execute an .exe in PowerShell even when you need to build the command on the fly, such as in dynamic automation scripts.

Start-process Cmdlet

The Start-Process cmdlet is like having a remote control for launching .exe files, offering tons of flexibility and options. It’s designed for those times when you need a little (or a lot) more control over how your applications start up. 

You should use this method when you want to use PowerShell to launch an exe file with full control over how and where it runs, including setting window state, priority, or even redirecting output.

To get started, the command structure is pretty straightforward:

Start-Process -FilePath “Path\to\YourFile.exe”

Additional Basic Syntax Parameters

But here’s where it gets interesting! You can tweak your command with extra parameters for almost everything, to customize the execution even further. Need to set the working directory so your app knows where it’s at? Or maybe you want to change how the window looks when it opens, or even run the app under a different user account? You’ve got options with Start-Process.

Let’s say you want to run “Calculate.exe” from “C:\Program Files\Calculate” and make sure it knows where it should be looking for its files, you can enter the following command into your PowerShell terminal:

Start-Process -FilePath “C:Program 
Files\Calculate\Calculate.exe -WorkingDirectory “C:Program Files\Calculate”

With Start-Process, you can easily launch .exe from PowerShell with advanced options that go beyond simple execution.

Advanced techniques and automation

Scripting is like your trusty sidekick for automating the execution of .exe files. IT professionals leverage its capabilities to automate routine tasks, configure systems, and manage software efficiently. With PowerShell, you can script your way to a more productive and efficient IT environment. To ensure smooth execution of your scripts, it’s crucial to understand the role of main memory and how it impacts performance.

Let’s put theory into practice when it comes to IT automation and scripting, with a simple yet powerful example. Imagine you have a .exe file that you need to run regularly. Instead of manual execution, you can create a script that handles it for you. 

# Define the path to your .exe file
$exePath = “C:\Path\To|YourApp.exe”

# Run the .exe file
Start-Process -FilePAth $exePath

This script specifies the path to your .exe file and uses the Start-Process cmdlet to execute it. It’s a small step towards automation, but it demonstrates how PowerShell can simplify your IT tasks and boost your productivity. 

To take your automation to the next level, check out our community-driven shared script library packed with solutions meticulously crafted by MSPs and IT professionals. These scripts are tailored to simplify complex tasks like software management, system configuration, and more, saving you time and effort while enhancing your IT workflow’s efficiency. Recent developments in AI, specifically agentic AI (an autonomous AI model that learns and reasons), have ensured that IT management will never be done the same way again. Atera’s Copilot enhances PowerShell automation by creating scripts based on plain-language prompts, helping IT teams quickly create, edit, and deploy commands across devices.

Running EXE Files in PowerShell with Atera

Atera’s all-in-one IT management platform can greatly simplify the process of running .exe files in PowerShell by offering automation and remote management capabilities. With Atera, IT professionals can create and execute PowerShell scripts across multiple devices remotely, making it easier to manage tasks like running .exe files on multiple endpoints without manual intervention. 

This feature is especially useful for system admins managing enterprise IT networks or remote teams, as Atera allows for centralized control over scripting and task automation.

Atera also provides real-time monitoring and reporting, ensuring that you can track the success or failure of script executions across your entire infrastructure. By using Atera’s automation tools, technicians can streamline workflows, save time, and reduce errors, ultimately improving overall efficiency in executing and managing .exe files via PowerShell on a large scale.

And if your team hasn’t developed an .exe file yet, don’t worry. Atera’s Copilot, powered by agentic AI, can streamline tasks like software installs, updates, and diagnostics, with a few simple prompts, rather than complicated .exe files. This reduces the manual effort involved and minimizes errors, enabling more proactive, efficient IT management.

Take control of your IT management today

From simplifying daily tasks to boosting productivity, PowerShell’s capabilities are undeniable. Whether you’re deploying software or managing IT assets, being able to use PowerShell to run applications on devices remotely is a key advantage.

And don’t forget to explore Atera’s community-driven script library, a treasure trove of solutions crafted by MSPs and IT professionals from around the world. So, why wait? Start automating and optimizing your ITSM to make your IT journey more streamlined and effective than ever. Take advantage of your free 30-day trial of Atera’s AI-powered IT tools today.