Alternative Windows Server Administration Method to PowerShell?

StudentAdmin 65 Reputation points
2024-01-17T12:56:48.22+00:00

Hello all, I'm currently a student and exploring PowerShell. I understand CISA does not recommend disabling PowerShell, and I'm aware that adversaries can still use PowerShell through DLLs even if they can't invoke the PowerShell executable. However, just for purposes of my own knowledge, if an organization decided to disable PowerShell anyways, how would the administrators manage their servers? Would everything surround command prompt? What about servers with no GUI? Any help, information, or resources you can provide would be greatly appreciated!

Windows
Windows
A family of Microsoft operating systems that run across personal computers, tablets, laptops, phones, internet of things devices, self-contained mixed reality headsets, large collaboration screens, and other devices.
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Windows Server
Windows Server
A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.
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Windows Server PowerShell
Windows Server PowerShell
Windows Server: A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.PowerShell: A family of Microsoft task automation and configuration management frameworks consisting of a command-line shell and associated scripting language.
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  1. Ian Xue 39,286 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-01-19T02:12:42.91+00:00

    Hi StudentAdmin,

    Thanks for your post. Despite of the powershell command, you can manage a server in the following ways. It depends on your requirements.

    Best Regards,

    Ian Xue


    If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

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  1. Azar 26,180 Reputation points MVP
    2024-01-17T13:32:10.5266667+00:00

    Hey StudentAdmin

    indeed yes powerShell is a powerful and widely used tool for Windows Server administration, obviously as you asked it's not the only option available. Disabling PowerShell entirely might be an extreme measure, but lemme share you a few alternative methods for Windows Server administration. Classic Command Prompt (cmd.exe) is still hanging around for basic stuff, though it's not as fancy as PowerShell. Then there's the Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT), letting admins manage servers remotely from a Windows client.

    For servers without a GUI, you've got Server Core or Minimal Server Interface installations. They're a bit more command-line-heavy, but they get the job done. Task Scheduler can lend a hand in automating tasks, too.

    I'm saying this again disabling PowerShell might seem like a tough, that's an awesome question hope you find the ans useful.

    If this helps kindly accept the answer thanks much.


  2. Rich Matheisen 47,596 Reputation points
    2024-01-17T16:35:40.3733333+00:00

    You'd do it the way we did it before PowerShell existed. Most of the code I wrote prior (and even after) PowerShell was introduced was in Perl. Use SSH to access machines, FTP (or SFTP) to transfer data, ADSI (or LDAP) for AD work. While DNS integration with AD is nice the use of text-based zone files and master/slave servers does quite nicely. DHCP doesn't have to depend on Microsofts' code. Cmdlets aren't the only way to use web sites or REST -- Perl's been doing that for a long time. Perl also has excellent text manipulation. Object-oriented code is also possible although it suffers from the same shortcomings as PowerShell classes: there's no real privacy. I'll bet there are lots of Python examples, too. If neither of those are your cup of tea, there's still VB.


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