Updated March 4, 2023
Introduction to PowerShell Administrator
PowerShell administrator is a person who is responsible for maintaining the overall windows-based servers of an organization. They are also responsible for maintaining the integrity of the data of the organization. They also play a pivotal role in maintaining the on-boarding and off-boarding of employees as they are the ones responsible for maintaining the active directory of the organization. PowerShell administrators are also known as windows administrators.
Different ways of Running as PowerShell Administrator
There is a major difference between running a cmdlet or a script in PowerShell in a normal mode from that of an administrator mode. It is because most of the operations require admin access and only a PowerShell administrator has the privilege to perform those operations.
The following are the different ways in which PowerShell can be run in admin mode:
- Search for PowerShell and right-click and select run as administrator.
- Open PowerShell using the run command. Once the PowerShell window is opened, type as Start-Process PowerShell -verb run as and press the enter key.
- By using task manager, create a new task. In the name, type PowerShell and check the “Create this task with administrative privileges” and press enter.
Roles and Responsibilities of PowerShell Administrator
Given below are the roles and responsibilities :
1. Check for patches
One of the main responsibilities of a PowerShell administrator is to check for the latest patches that are available and install them. This is a crucial part for any organization to prevent the resources from vulnerabilities attacks and other security related issues. Most of the organization’s patches are installed on a monthly basis to avoid any threats. Get-Hotfix cmdlet is used to find the patches. If we know the id of the patch, then that KB article value should be passed.
Example:
Code:
Get-Hotfix
Output:
It will display the list of all patches that are installed in the local computer.
2. Monitoring the disk space availability
The other important task of the PowerShell administrator is to monitor the available disk space in the system. This process will be tedious in case if there are multiple servers in the system and can’t be done manually. This job is automated by most of the admins with the help of a script which regularly checks for the disk space and sends a trigger based on the condition. These scripts are run using a task scheduler, which will run during non-business hours.
Example:
Code:
$ServerList= Import-csv -path "C:\serverlist.csv"
ForEach ($s in $ServerList)
{$reportlist=Get-WmiObject win32_logicaldisk -ComputerName $s -Filter "Drivetype=3" -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue | Where-Object {($_.freespace/$_.size) -le '0.2'}
$vi=($reportlist.DeviceID -join ",").Replace(":",""
If ($reportlist)
{
$Eto = "[email protected]"
$Efro = "[email protected]"
$username = '[email protected]'
$pwd = '#$5555'
$sub = "Disk space less than 20%"
$bdy = "In the server $s disk space is less than 20% in $vi"
$smser = "[email protected]"
$smmsg = New-Object System.Net.Mail.MailMessage($Efro,$Eto,$sub,$bdy)
$smtcli = New-Object Net.Mail.SmtpClient($smser, 587)
$smtcli.EnableSsl = $true
$smtcli.Credentials = New-Object System.Net.NetworkCredential($username, $pwd)
$smtcli.Send($smmsg)
}
}
Output:
3. Adding users from csv to an AD Group
Example:
Code:
write-host "Adding users from csv to a AD group"
Import-Csv “C:\vignesh\userlist.csv” | ForEach-Object {
$USPN = $_.SAN + “@test.com”
New-ADUser `
-DisplayName $_.DN `
-Name $_.”Na” `
-GivenName $_.”GN” `
-Surname $_.”SN” `
-SAN $_.”samname” `
-UserPrincipalName $USPN `
-Office $_.”Of” `
-EmailAddress $_.”emadd” `
-Description $_.”des” `
-AccountPassword (ConvertTo-SecureString “Tes$@123!” -AsPlainText -force) `
-ChangePasswordAtLogon $true `
-Enabled $true `
Add-ADGroupMember “testgroup” $_.”samname”;
write-host "User added successfully"
}
Output:
4. Check if patch is installed in a server or not
Example:
Code:
#list of servers to be checked
$servers = get-content -path C:\servers.txt
#list of patch id's
$patdet = get-content -path C:\padetails.txt
foreach ($ser in $servers)
{
foreach ($pa in $patdet)
{
Get-HotFix -id $pa -ComputerName $ser -OutVariable re -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
if ($re -ne $null) {
write-host "Patch $pa is present in the $($ser)"
}
else {
write-host "patch $pa is not present in the $($ser)"
}
}
}
Output:
In the above example, a list of servers is maintained in one csv and the list of patch ids to be checked for installation in maintained in another csv. For each of the servers mentioned in the csv, all the patch ids are checked if it is installed or not. The server details and patch id’s can be mentioned in the same csv but it would be convenient to have them in different csv’s.
5. Deleting IIS logs older than 10 days
Code:
Write-Host "Welcome to the iis logs archive example"
$iislogpath = Import-Csv "C:\Vignesh\logpath.csv"
foreach($path in $iislogpath)
{
write-host "The iis log location is" $path
$deleteddays = "-10"
$CurrentDate = Get-Date
$noofdays = $CurrentDate.AddDays($deleteddays)
Get-ChildItem $Path -Recurse | Where-Object { $_.CreationTime -lt $noofdays } | Remove-Item
Write-Host "log files older than 7 days are deleted "
}
Output:
In the above script, a list of log locations is mentioned in the text file. Then in each of the paths, the files that are greater than 7 days are deleted. This can also be scheduled in a task scheduler and can be run daily during non-business hours.
Conclusion
Thus, the article covered in detail who is a PowerShell administrator and what are his roles and responsibilities. The mentioned roles are only a few but there are more tasks than a PowerShell administrator does on his day-to-day activities. The roles are explained with appropriate examples. In some cases, the PowerShell administrator is also responsible for the overall infrastructure of an organization.
Recommended Articles
This is a guide to PowerShell Administrator. Here we discuss the introduction to PowerShell Administrator, 5 different ways of running administrator with roles and responsibilities. You may also have a look at the following articles to learn more –
- PowerShell Send Mail
- PowerShell Get-Service
- PowerShell Rename Folder
- PowerShell Functions
Windows PowerShell is a powerful command line shell and scripting language designed for system administrators and advanced users. It provides access to advanced system functions, enabling you to automate tasks , manage configurations , and troubleshoot issues efficiently & effectively. However, certain commands and scripts require administrative privileges to execute successfully. You can Run Windows PowerShell as administrator with elevated rights which ensures that you have full control over system operations, enabling hassle free execution of tasks that interact with crucial system components.
In this tutorial, I’ll explore the multiple methods to run Windows PowerShell with elevated rights on your Windows 11 PC.
Advantages of running Windows PowerShell as Administrator
On Windows 11, when you run a app with Administrator privileges, the system will allow you to execute commands and scripts that requires elevated permissions. This Elevated Mode can be really useful when you are working with System Settings, and Configuration, Software Installation, Configuring Software Policies , and more. Check out: How to Run Command Prompt as Administrator
Example:
If you wish to delete or modify system protected files , then it will only be possible if you execute the command by running Windows PowerShell as Administrator.
Disclaimer / Caution
Be cautious while running an app as administrator
Running Windows PowerShell as Administrator on Windows 11 grants it elevated privileges , which can potentially bypass system security restrictions. Please proceed with care and only run trusted applications in this mode. At Winsides.com, we advise our users to use Administrator privileges only when absolutely necessary to perform tasks requiring elevated rights. Misuse of administrative privileges may lead to
- System Vulnerabilities
- Data Loss
- System Instability,
- Security Concerns , etc
Different Methods to Run PowerShell as Administrator on Windows 11
There are several ways with which you can run PowerShell on Windows 11 with Administrator Privileges.
- Open Windows PowerShell as Administrator using the Start menu.
- How do you use Run Command to open PowerShell as Admin?
- Create PowerShell Task with Administrator Privileges.
- Create a dedicated Windows PowerShell Desktop Shortcut with Elevated Privileges.
Method 1: Run Windows PowerShell as Administrator using the Start menu
This is the most simplest method to open this application as Admin on Windows 11. To do so, kindly follow the below steps.
- Go to the Start menu , and search for PowerShell.
- Once you find the application, click on “ Run as Administrator “.
Run PowerShell as Administrator
- Now, User Account Control will prompt for your confirmation. If you would like to proceed further, you may click Yes.
- That is it. The system will now open Windows PowerShell with Administrative Privileges.
Method 2: How to Open PowerShell as Administrator using the Run Command
In this section, we will use the Run Command to open PowerShell with Elevated Privileges.
- Open Run Command. You can either use the Start menu or you can use the keyboard combination Win Key + R.
- On the Run, type the following command and the press CTRL + Shift + Enter. This process will inform system that we want to run this command as administrator.
powershell - The User Account Control will prompt for your confirmation. If you would like to proceed further, you may click Yes. Since, the command is about accessing PowerShell, then system will open PowerShell as Administrator.
Method 3: Create Task to run Windows PowerShell with Administrative Privileges
This method is quite intriguing.
- Go to the Task Manager. If you are using Windows 11, you can either use the the key combo CTRL + ALT + Delete , or you can just right-click on the taskbar and click Task Manager.
Right-click on the Taskbar and click on Task Manager
- Under Processes , click on Run new task. Create New Task dialog will open now.
Run New Task
- In that, type the following command
powershelland click on the checkbox “ Create this task with administrative privileges “.
Run Windows PowerShell with Administrator Privileges
- The system will now open Windows PowerShell as Administrator.
Windows PowerShell running as Administrator
Method 4: Create a dedicated Desktop Shortcut for PowerShell with Elevated Privileges
This is quite a work around. However, if you using PowerShell as Administrator frequently, then a desktop shortcut with Administrator privileges can be handy. You can always open PowerShell as Administrator. The following are the steps.
- Right-click on the Desktop and click New -> Shortcut.
Create New Shortcut
- Now, the Create Shortcut dialog box will open now. In “ Type the location of the item “, enter
powershell. Click Next.
Type the location of the item
- By default, the name of the shortcut will be PowerShell. Leave the field as it is. Click Finish.
By default, the system will name the shortcut as powershell
- You can now find the PowerShell created on the Desktop.
PowerShell Shortcut Created on the Desktop
- Right-click on the PowerShell Shortcut and then click on Properties.
Click on Properties
- Click on Advanced.
Click on Advanced
- The Advanced Properties will open now.
- Enable Run as Administrator by clicking on the checkbox. Finally, click Apply.
Run as Administrator
- That is it. Everytime you open PowerShell using this shortcut, UAC will prompt for your confirmation and then PowerShell will open as Administrator.
Windows PowerShell running as Administrator
Take away
Running Windows PowerShell as an administrator with elevated rights will unlocks its full potential, enabling you to manage system configurations , troubleshoot issues , and execute advanced scripts. By using any of the methods mentioned above, you can easily access PowerShell with administrative privileges on your Windows 11 PC. If you have any kind of queries related to the above topic and then feel free to comment us below. Find more tutorials on our homepage: WinSides.com.
To run a PowerShell script as an administrator, you can right-click on the PowerShell icon and select «Run as administrator,» or use the following code snippet to elevate your script programmatically:
Start-Process powershell -ArgumentList '-NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "C:\Path\To\YourScript.ps1"' -Verb RunAs
Understanding PowerShell Scripts
What is a PowerShell Script?
A PowerShell script is a text file containing a series of PowerShell commands that automate processes and tasks. Typically, these scripts are used for system administration tasks, such as managing user accounts, configuring network settings, or performing batch processing of files. The power of PowerShell scripts lies in their ability to interact directly with the Windows operating system and perform administrative tasks efficiently.
Why Run PowerShell Scripts as Administrator?
Running a PowerShell script as an administrator is essential when the script needs elevated permissions to perform specific actions. Certain tasks require administrative privileges, such as modifying system files, changing configurations, or accessing sensitive areas of the system. Understanding the need for admin rights will enable you to effectively manage your environment and automate tasks securely.
Run PowerShell Script as Administrator Without Prompt: A Guide
Prerequisites for Running PowerShell Scripts as Administrator
Checking Your PowerShell Version
To ensure compatibility with your scripts and features, it’s vital to verify your PowerShell version. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open PowerShell (you can search for it in the Start menu).
- Type the following command and press Enter:
$PSVersionTable.PSVersion
This command outputs the version number, allowing you to confirm you are using a supported version.
User Account Control (UAC) and Administrative Permissions
User Account Control (UAC) is a security feature that helps prevent unauthorized changes to your operating system. It may prompt you when you attempt to run PowerShell as an administrator. To check if your user account has administrative privileges, follow these steps:
- Go to Control Panel > User Accounts > User Accounts.
- Look for the label «Administrator» under your username.
If administrative privileges are necessary for running your scripts, it’s crucial to ensure you have the proper rights before executing commands.
How to Run PowerShell Script From Command Line Effortlessly
Methods to Run a PowerShell Script as Administrator
Using the Context Menu
One of the easiest ways to execute a PowerShell script as an administrator is through the context menu. Simply locate your script file, then:
- Right-click on the script (.ps1) file.
- Select «Run with PowerShell».
- If prompted by UAC, click Yes to allow it to run.
This method is straightforward and works well for ad-hoc script execution.
Code Snippet Example:
# Sample Script: MyScript.ps1
Write-Host "Hello, Administrator!"
Running PowerShell from the Start Menu
You can also open PowerShell directly from the Start menu with elevated privileges:
- Search for PowerShell in the Start menu.
- Right-click on the Windows PowerShell option.
- Select «Run as Administrator».
- Once the PowerShell window is open, navigate to the script location, and execute it using:
.\MyScript.ps1
This method allows you to run your scripts in an elevated session directly from the command line.
Creating a Desktop Shortcut to Run as Administrator
Creating a shortcut to run a PowerShell script as an administrator simplifies the process for future execution. Here’s how to set it up:
- Right-click on your desktop and select New > Shortcut.
- In the location field, enter:
powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "C:\path\to\MyScript.ps1" - Name your shortcut and click Finish.
- After creating the shortcut, right-click it and select Properties.
- Under the Shortcut tab, click Advanced… and check Run as administrator.
Now, double-clicking this shortcut will automatically run your script with elevated permissions.
Using the Command Line
If you prefer working from the Command Prompt, you can execute your PowerShell script as an admin with this command:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the following command:
powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "C:\path\to\MyScript.ps1"
This allows you to run the script without opening a PowerShell window first.
Task Scheduler
For running PowerShell scripts automatically with administrative rights, you can utilize Task Scheduler. Here’s how:
- Open Task Scheduler from the Start menu.
- Click Create Basic Task.
- Follow the wizard to name your task and select a trigger (e.g., daily).
- Under Action, select «Start a program». For the program/script, enter:
powershell.exe - In the Add arguments section, add:
-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "C:\path\to\MyScript.ps1" - Finally, in the Conditions tab, check «Run with highest privileges».
Your script will now run automatically with administrative rights at scheduled times.
Run PowerShell Script as Administrator from Batch File Explained
Best Practices for Running PowerShell Scripts as Admin
Ensuring Script Safety
Before running a script as an administrator, it is vital to validate its content and sources. Malicious scripts can compromise your system. Always:
- Review the script for potentially harmful commands.
- Run scripts from trusted sources only.
- Use a text editor to examine scripts before execution.
Logging and Monitoring Scripts
Logging script execution is crucial when performing administrative tasks. It helps in auditing what commands were run and by whom. You can enable logging in PowerShell by adding the following line at the beginning of your script:
Start-Transcript -Path "C:\path\to\logfile.txt"
This command will create a transcript of all command outputs and errors, aiding in any troubleshooting efforts.
Understanding Microsoft.PowerShell.Commands.Internal.Format.FormatStartData
Troubleshooting Common Issues
UAC Prompt Issues
If you’re facing persistent UAC prompts each time you run a script, consider adjusting UAC settings or using Task Scheduler, as discussed earlier, to bypass repeated confirmations.
Script Errors
Common errors might occur when running scripts as an administrator. If an error arises, PowerShell provides mechanisms for exception handling. Utilize a try-catch block for better control:
try {
# Your script code here
} catch {
Write-Host "An error occurred: $_"
}
This not only handles errors gracefully but also gives you insight into what went wrong.
Unlocking Windows PowerShell Scriptomatic For Quick Tasks
Conclusion
Understanding how to run PowerShell scripts as admin is crucial for effective system management. By following the outlined methods and best practices, you can leverage the power of PowerShell scripts while maintaining security and compliance. Experiment and practice with PowerShell to enhance your administrative skills, and remember to validate your scripts for safety!
Handy PowerShell Scripts for Everyday Tasks
Additional Resources
- Always refer to the official PowerShell documentation for in-depth information and updates on new features.
- Engage with online forums and communities to learn from other PowerShell users and share your experiences.
Nowadays, most users are aware of the Command Prompt that is present in all versions of Windows. Undoubtedly this is one of the most dominant tools on the Windows Operating System. However, Windows supports another powerful application, PowerShell, to perform a wide range of operations. Just sign in as an Administrator and you may run PowerShell to handle configuration and carry out task automation.
PowerShell is a task-based mechanization and a fully developed scripting tool that can accelerate the admin job. It instructs users to manage the device from the command line. In other words, you can say that PowerShell is an advanced form of CMD. Therefore in the coming days, it is quite possible that this tool can take the place of a command prompt. So here are the five easy methods by following you can Open PowerShell as an administrator in Windows 10.
6 Ways to open PowerShell as Admin on Windows 10
Here is how to open Windows PowerShell with admin rights on your computer –
1. Using Cortana or the Search bar
You can open this tool using the Search (Win + S) bar available on the Taskbar. Here’s what you need to do –
- Click on Cortana and type PowerShell.
- Look for the option “Run as Administrator” on the right pane and click on it.
- The User Account Control window will prompt next, hit Yes to authorize opening it.
- When Windows PowerShell starts, you may run whichever command you want to execute on your PC.
2. Using Run Command
- Press the Win + R hotkey to open the Run dialog box.
- Type PowerShell and click OK.
Note: Windows PowerShell will open in normal mode.
- Type the command Start-Process Powershell -verb runAs and press the Enter key.
- Its interface will switch to administrator mode.
- There will be a confirmation line regarding this request.
- Type Y and hit Enter to confirm this action.
3. By using the Command Prompt
- Press Win + S, and type Command Prompt.
- Right-click on the result and select Run as administrator.
- Provide permission on the UAC window by clicking Yes.
- On the running Window, type PowerShell and hit Enter.
- Well, the default structure on CMD will now change to the PowerShell way. You may see the Snapshot above.
4. By using the Power menu
This method will only work if you haven’t changed Windows PowerShell to Command Prompt sometime back on your PC. Let’s see how to open PowerShell using the Power Menu (Win + X) –
- Right-click on the Start button.
- Click on Windows PowerShell (Admin).
5. By using Task Manager
- Initially open the Task Manager by pressing ctrl + shift + Esc.
- Click on File, available in the top-left corner of the wizard.
- Hit the Run new task option.
- Now, type PowerShell in the void box and tick the checkbox below the void space.
6. By using the Start Menu
- Click on the start button; scroll down the menu list.
- Explore the drop-down menu in the Windows PowerShell folder.
- Now select this folder and it will expand.
- Right-click on the Windows PowerShell option and select Run as Administrator.
I hope you find this guide useful and all six methods also work on your computer. Let us know in the comment section if any method doesn’t work.
That would be all!
Many users are aware of the Command Prompt whereas a very small number of people know about Windows PowerShell. Instead of Command Prompt, you can work with Windows PowerShell which provides your more power and authority over your Windows 10 computer. Hence, in this article, we are here with tips for different ways to Run PowerShell as administrator in Windows 10 operating system as administrator.
Microsoft has originated shell called Windows PowerShell in order to handle configuration and carry out task automation. Windows PowerShell comes to your rescue when you have a bunch of administrative works to solve. For instance, you ask PowerShell to recognize the programs that are not performing accurately and kill them. Also in a network, you can ask PowerShell to exhibit you all the installed USB gadgets on one or many computers. Well, Windows PowerShell can really do lots of things. If you prefer to give a shot to it, read out different ways to run it in Windows 10 as administrator.
How to Run PowerShell as administrator in Windows 10
1. Through File Explorer
With this method, you can access Windows PowerShell to the location or place of any particular selected drive or folder.
- Launch File Explorer, travel to the section where your preferred drive or folder is lying.
- Tap on the folder to pick which you want to start in an elevated PowerShell and keypunch (press) File on the extreme left portion of the menu bar.
- From the arrived options, hit Open Windows PowerShell succeeding with Open Windows PowerShell as administrator.
- Done!
2. Through Task Manager
- Right-click on the deserted field of Taskbar and press the 3rd option from the bottom Task Manager.
- Task manager Window emerges. On the left uppermost corner of menubar, you find File. Tap on this option. A drop-down comes fourth. choose the first choice from upward which says Run new task.
- Create new task window will arrive now. In the text field, type powershell and select the option Create this task with administrative privileges.
- Click Ok to continue.
- PowerShell with administrator rights will be seen on your screen.
3. Through Taskbar Search
- Click Taskbar search icon, type PowerShell in the text field and hit Enter key.
- You will see Windows PowerShell option with its icon. Select Run as administrator from the right flyout.
- PowerShell will be launched with administrator privileges.
4. Through from File Explorer again, but this time by Right Click Context menu.
- Access File Explorer on your screen and take yourself to the underneath path –
C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0
- Look for powershell.exe lying in the middle part of the file explorer. Right-click on it and go with the option on the second place from the top which says Run as administrator.
- These are the 4 different ways you can Run PowerShell as administrator in Windows 10.
Via Power user menu
- Right click on Start lying at the bottom left corner of the screen. Select Windows PowerShell (admin).