10 Most Popular PowerShell Tips and Tricks of 2024

PowerShell continues to be a versatile tool for IT professionals, offering solutions for automation, scripting, and beyond. This collection of tutorials and tips highlights creative and practical PowerShell techniques, from generating PDFs and converting scripts into executables to mastering error handling and registry edits.

1. How To Use PowerShell To Create PDF Files

PowerShell may not have native PDF capabilities, but with a little ingenuity, you can still create PDF files. Discover step-by-step how to export your PowerShell data into PDF files.

Shoot a .Txt: How To Create and Append a Text File in PowerShell

2. Solving the PowerShell GUI Paradox (With Example Scripts)

Unravel the mystery of the PowerShell GUI Paradox. Expert Brien Posey explains how he tackled a long-standing challenge in GUI-based PowerShell scripting, blending traditional code and form logic to solve a problem many developers face.

Custom-Made: Getting Started With Custom Shortcut Menus in PowerShell

3. PowerShell Modules vs. Dot Sourcing: Which Approach Is Better?

Should you use modules or dot sourcing? Both methods let you reuse code efficiently, but each has its strengths. Learn when to prioritize modularity and when a "quick and dirty" dot sourcing approach might be enough.

Create Magic: How To Create Your Own PowerShell Cmdlets (Video Tutorial)

4. How To Use PS2EXE To Convert PowerShell Scripts Into EXE Files

This video demonstrates converting PowerShell scripts into standalone executables with PS2EXE. The tutorial guides you through installation, usage, and security tips, plus how to simplify the process with a user-friendly GUI frontend.

Don’t Depend on It: How To Make PowerShell EXEs Without External Dependencies (Tutorial)

5. How To Use PowerShell for Automated Event Response

Supercharge your automation skills with PowerShell. Posey shows you how to create scripts that respond automatically to system events using the Windows Event Viewer framework.

Capture the Moment: PowerShell Screen Captures: How To Automate Screenshots in Your Scripts

6. PowerShell: How To Generate a Random Password (Revised Script)

Posey explains a 2.0 version of his PowerShell password generator. Dive in for the code, the concepts, and practical tips to build your own.

Credentials Check: Putting the Windows Credential Manager To Work for PowerShell Security

7. PowerShell Parameter Validation: Ensuring Valid Input for Functions

Parameter validation is a PowerShell best practice to prevent unexpected input from causing unpredictable behavior. This article explores two effective techniques for validating string parameters in functions.

Beyond the Parameters: How To Use Dynamic Parameters in PowerShell Functions

8. How To Use PowerShell to Edit the Windows Registry

From creating and editing registry keys to managing values, this tutorial on using PowerShell to modify the Windows Registry covers essential tips and safeguards to keep your system secure.

Visual Appeal: Exploring Visual Studio Code as a PowerShell ISE Alternative

9. PowerShell Error Handling: Learn These Key Techniques

Watch this tutorial to master error handling in PowerShell. You will learn practical techniques like suppressing non-fatal errors, using Try-Catch blocks, and highlighting issues with warning messages to keep your scripts running smoothly.

Squash a Bug: Using ChatGPT as a PowerShell Debugging Tool

10. How To Use PowerShell for Active Directory Help

Learn how to upgrade a basic PowerShell password generator into a robust tool for automating Active Directory password assignments. This tutorial explores converting scripts into functions, creating modules, integrating policy configurations, and more to streamline AD workflows.

Track Down the Truth: Tracking Down Lost Disk Space: A PowerShell Solution

More PowerShell Tutorials and Tips from 2024: