What Is PowerShell?
PowerShell is a tool that allows IT professionals to interact with a command-line interface and automate tasks. It can also function as a scripting language. Read on to learn more about the range of functionality that PowerShell offers.
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PowerShell is a Microsoft tool that provides programming features for automation, configuration management, and scripting. PowerShell is also an open-source command-line interface compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can use PowerShell in a number of different ways to help programmers save time on repetitive or time-consuming tasks.
Let’s take a closer look at the four main areas of functionality that PowerShell offers: open-source command-line interface, task automation, configuration management, and scripting.
Read more: Information Technology (IT) Terms: A to Z Glossary
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Command-line interface
A command-line interface allows computer users to interact with the computer directly through text, as opposed to the graphical user interface (GUI) most people use to navigate their computer programs. PowerShell offers a command-line interface that you can use on macOS, Windows, or Linux, increasing compatibility. One advantage of using PowerShell for a command-line interface is that PowerShell can return .NET objects instead of only text, which is what most command-line interfaces are capable of.
Scripting and automating tasks
In addition to functioning as a scripting engine, PowerShell is also a fully functional scripting language used to automate tasks for DevOps, user management, continuous integration/continuous development, and many other system administrator tasks. The substantial library of tools available in PowerShell makes it easier to start with existing scripts. However, because it’s also a scripting language, you can use it to write your own functions as well.
Configuration management
PowerShell offers a management framework called desired state configuration (DSC), which makes it easier for system administrators and other IT professionals to keep the servers working properly. DSC lets users define how a workstation should operate and allow the framework to make it happen without specifying every detail.
What is the latest PowerShell version?
The most recent version of PowerShell, 7.5, came out in January 2025 [1]. You can install this version through the Windows Store.
Related terms
Configuration management
Learn more about PowerShell
Take the next step and learn more about PowerShell, command-line interface, and other topics you need to know about to start a career as an IT specialist. You can earn your Google IT Support Professional Certificate in as little as six months. This beginner-friendly series of five courses can help you prepare for a career with skills in debugging, customer service, network protocols, cloud computing, and more.
professional certificate
Google IT Support
Get on the fast track to a career in IT. In this certificate program, you’ll learn in-demand skills, and get AI training from Google experts. Learn at your own pace, no degree or experience required.
4.8
Beginner level
Average time: 6 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Security Management, Malware Protection, Hardening, Cyber Attacks, Network Security, Data Security, Wireless Networks, Cryptography, Network Administration, Cybersecurity, Authentications, Information Systems Security, Security Awareness, Threat Modeling, Security Controls, Encryption, Application Security, Firewall, Information Assurance, Computer Security Awareness Training, Technical Support and Services, Virtualization, System Configuration, Disaster Recovery, Data Storage Technologies, Systems Administration, User Accounts, Servers, Active Directory, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Server Administration, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Computing, IT Infrastructure, Network Routing, Network Model, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Network Troubleshooting, Data Integrity, Computer Networking, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), TCP/IP, Network Protocols, Information Technology, Operating Systems, Technical Communication, Software Installation, Customer Support, Technical Support, End User Training and Support, Computer Architecture, Microsoft Windows, Computer Hardware, Linux, Desktop Support, Technical Documentation, Hardware Troubleshooting, Software Documentation, Help Desk Support, Command-Line Interface, File Systems, OS Process Management, Remote Access Systems, File Management, Linux Commands, Identity and Access Management, Linux Administration, Authorization (Computing), Package and Software Management, System Monitoring
Article sources
Microsoft. “What's New in PowerShell 7.5, https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/scripting/whats-new/what-s-new-in-powershell-75?view=powershell-7.5.” Accessed February 1, 2025.
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