Using Windows PowerShell

Updated: November 15, 2012

Applies To: Windows PowerShell 2.0, Windows PowerShell 3.0

This section explains the basics of using Windows PowerShell. First, it describes the Get-Help cmdlet (pronounced "command-let"), which displays information about cmdlets and conceptual topics in Windows PowerShell. Then, it describes a few of the basic cmdlets, explains how to use cmdlet parameters, and shows how to format the output of the cmdlets to get the data required to create a useful display. Finally, it shows how to use aliases in Windows PowerShell, how to run traditional Windows applications in Windows PowerShell, and how to manage errors.

This section includes the following topics:

• Getting Help: Get-Help

• Using Cmdlets

• Using Cmdlet Parameters

• Running Commands

• Running Scripts

• Running Commands on Other Computers (Remoting)

• Using Functions

• Using Modules and Snap-Ins

• Using Aliases

• Running Windows Programs

• Learning About Objects: Get-Member

• Formatting Command Output

• Managing Errors