How to run PowerShell Commands on a remote computer

PowerShell is a versatile scripting language and command-line shell that provides IT professionals with powerful tools to manage and automate administrative tasks. One common task is running PowerShell commands on remote computers, a necessity in many enterprise environments.

In this article, we’ll explore various methods for executing PowerShell commands remotely, including leveraging Atera’s powerful features for IT automation and remote management.

Why Run PowerShell Commands Remotely?

Running PowerShell commands on remote computers is crucial for IT technicians and system administrators managing multiple machines across networks. Whether it’s for automating routine tasks, performing system maintenance, or troubleshooting issues, the ability to execute scripts remotely can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency.

Methods for Running PowerShell Commands Remotely

There are several methods available to run PowerShell commands on remote computers. Each method has its own advantages and use cases, depending on your needs and environment. Here, we outline the most common and effective methods.

1. Using PowerShell Remoting

PowerShell Remoting is a built-in feature that allows you to run commands on remote computers directly from your local machine. This method is widely used for its simplicity and efficiency.

Enable PowerShell Remoting:

Enable-PSRemoting -Force

Start an Interactive Session with a Remote Computer:

Enter-PSSession -ComputerName RemotePC -Credential Domain\User

Run Commands Remotely:

Invoke-Command -ComputerName RemotePC -ScriptBlock { Get-Process }

2. Using Atera for PowerShell Automation

Atera provides a comprehensive solution for running PowerShell scripts on remote computers, allowing for automation and streamlined management. This method is particularly useful for IT departments looking to leverage advanced automation capabilities.

Upload PowerShell Scripts:

1. Navigate to Admin > Scripts in the Atera platform.
2. Click “Upload Script” and select your PowerShell (*.ps1) file from your PC.

Deploy Scripts Remotely:

1. From the Devices page, select the device you want to manage.
2. Click “Manage” >Run script and choose the script you uploaded.

Automate Script Deployment:

• Utilize Atera’s IT automation profiles to schedule and deploy scripts automatically across multiple devices.

Example Script:

Get-ADUser -Filter “Enabled -eq ‘True’ -AND PasswordNeverExpires -eq ‘False'” -Properties PasswordLastSet, PasswordNeverExpires, PasswordExpired |

Select DistinguishedName, Name, pass*, @{Name=”PasswordAge”; Expression={(Get-Date)-$_.PasswordLastSet}} |

sort PasswordAge -Descending | ConvertTo-Html -Title “Password Age Report” | Out-File c:\Work\pwage.htm

You can upload and run this script through Atera to generate reports remotely.

3. Using PSExec

PSExec, a tool from Microsoft Sysinternals, allows you to execute processes on remote systems. This method is effective for executing commands and scripts without needing to set up PowerShell Remoting.

Download PSExec from the Sysinternals website.

Run a Command Remotely:

• psexec \\RemotePC -u Domain\User -p Password cmd

Execute PowerShell Script:

psexec \\RemotePC powershell.exe -File C:\Path\To\Script.ps1

4. Using Scheduled Tasks

Using Scheduled Tasks to run PowerShell scripts on remote computers involves creating tasks that execute scripts at specified times or intervals. This method is beneficial for repetitive tasks that need to be automated on a schedule.

Create a Scheduled Task:

$action = New-ScheduledTaskAction -Execute ‘PowerShell.exe’ -Argument ‘-File C:\Path\To\Script.ps1’

$trigger = New-ScheduledTaskTrigger -AtStartup

Register-ScheduledTask -Action $action -Trigger $trigger -TaskName ‘RunPowerShellScript’ -User ‘Domain\User’ -Password ‘Password’

5. Using Group Policy

For managing a large number of computers, Group Policy can be used to deploy PowerShell scripts efficiently. This method is ideal for enterprise environments where centralized management is critical.

Open Group Policy Management and create a new Group Policy Object (GPO).

Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Policies > Windows Settings > Scripts (Startup/Shutdown).

Add your PowerShell script to the Startup or Shutdown scripts.

Best Practices for Running PowerShell Commands Remotely

When running PowerShell commands remotely, it is important to follow best practices to ensure security, efficiency, and reliability.

• Security: Always use secure authentication methods and encrypted connections.
• Testing: Test your scripts in a controlled environment before deploying them on production systems.
• Documentation: Maintain thorough documentation of your scripts and their purposes.
• Monitoring: Regularly monitor the execution and impact of your scripts to ensure they function as intended.

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Streamlining Remote Management with Atera’s All-in-One Platform 

While the methods discussed above are effective, IT professionals seeking a comprehensive solution for remote management should consider Atera’s all-in-one platform. Atera’s Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tool excels not only in running PowerShell scripts remotely but also in handling a wide array of essential IT tasks. With Atera, you can effortlessly deploy scripts, monitor system health, manage patches, and automate routine maintenance—all from a single, intuitive interface. The platform’s ability to bypass PowerShell execution policies ensures smooth script deployment across your network. Furthermore, Atera’s robust reporting features provide valuable insights into your IT infrastructure, enabling data-driven decision-making. By centralizing your remote management tasks in Atera’s ecosystem, you can significantly boost productivity, reduce response times, and enhance overall IT service delivery. Start our all in one platform 30 days free trial or get in touch with our contact sales.

Conclusion

Running PowerShell commands on remote computers is an essential skill for IT professionals. By using methods like PowerShell Remoting, PSExec, Scheduled Tasks, Group Policy, and leveraging Atera’s automation features, you can streamline your remote management tasks, enhance productivity, and ensure your systems are efficiently maintained.