How to Run PowerShell Script From CMD

Executing PowerShell scripts from the Command Prompt (CMD) is a common task for developers and system administrators, essential for automation and integration.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to run a PowerShell script using CMD, covering key commands and their functions to help you automate tasks and combine scripts seamlessly. Let’s explore how running PowerShell scripts from CMD can simplify your work

How to Enter the PowerShell Mode in Command Prompt

• PowerShell offers advanced scripting capabilities, while CMD provides a convenient interface for triggering these scripts. Here's how you can do it.

Step 1: Access the Command Prompt

• Open the run dialogue box (Win + R) and type "Command Prompt" or "CMD" or you can click on the Start Menu icon (on bottom-left side) and search for "Command prompt" and click on "Run as Administrator"

Step 2: Type PowerShell in the Command Line

• Once you enter the command line, simply type "PowerShell" and hit the enter button.

Note: Once you run "PowerShell" in the command line, you'll notice that new line will now starts with "PS" which indicates that Windows PowerShell is active now.

Run PowerShell Scripts from Command Line - 5 Syntax

• To perform PowerShell script execution on CMD, the following methods can be used. We will start with the simple Script File Path process.

1. Use Script Path to Run PowerShell Script

• Assume you have a script file, named (shell.ps1) located in C:\ so you can get the entire details using the following command:

powershell -File "C:\Scripts\example.ps1"

2. Execute PowerShell Scripts from CMD using PowerShell Command

• If you are getting errors from the above process, the following command could be a relief. Execute the command like it is mentioned to get details without any error.

powershell.exe <Enter Full Path>

3. Passing Arguments to the Script

• You can also pass arguments to the PowerShell script using command line. Here's an example:

Input:

param (
    [string]$Name,
    [int]$Age
)
Write-Host "Hello, $Name! You are $Age years old."

Output:

4. Run Inline PowerShell Commands

• This method is suitable where instead of creating a script file, run inline commands from command line PowerShell. Here's an example for better understanding:

Input:

powershell -Command "Write-Host 'Hello, World!'"

Output:

5. Run PowerShell Script from Command Line as Administrator

• You will be required to have an administrator access to run certain scripts. Here's an example of a script that requires elevated privileges:

Input:

powershell -File "C:\Scripts\example.ps1"

Output:

• Running a PowerShell script from Command Line with parameters is a straightforward process that can enhance your ability to manage tasks and automate processes efficiently.

Tips & Tricks: Run PowerShell Scripts

1. Always use "Alias"

• Run PowerShell script to create a batch (.bat) file using command prompt:

@echo off
powershell -File "C:\Scripts\example.ps1"

2. Log Script Output

• Ensure to redirect output to a file for debugging:

powershell -File "C:\Scripts\example.ps1" > output.log

3. Use Windows Task Scheduler for Script Automation

• You can also use Windows Task Scheduler to automate the running PowerShell scripts with parameters. Navigate it via Start > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Task Scheduler.

Conclusion

Knowing how to run PowerShell scripts from command line as administrator can greatly enhance your workflow, especially when working in environments that require the integration of multiple scripting languages.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily execute PowerShell scripts in CMD and streamline your tasks. Whether you're new to scripting or an experienced user, this method offers a straightforward way to leverage the power of PowerShell through the Command Prompt.