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PowerShell (POSH) is a a task automation command-line shell and scripting language created by Microsoft. It became part of the FOSS community in 2016 and is now available across Windows, Linux, and macOS

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1
 
 

This is the final edition of PowerShell Weekly for 2024. Since this newsletter is hand-curated, I always take the last week of the year off to rest and reflect. I’ll return in the New Year with fresh content and my annual year-in-review, covering all the major PowerShell highlights from 2024.

Announcements!

  • Announcing a free GitHub Copilot for VS Code
    We're excited to announce an all new free plan for GitHub Copilot, available for everyone today in VS Code. All you need is a GitHub account. No trial. No subscription. No credit card required.

Blogs, Articles, and Posts

Projects, Scripts, and Modules

Books, Media, and Learning Resources

  • PowerShell Universal Christmas Edition - Adam Driscoll & Constantin Hager
    In this lecture, Adam Driscoll and Constantin Hager guide the audience through the PowerShell Universal Christmas edition, demonstrating the latest features and functionalities of version 5.1. The session is organized into two main demos, focusing on practical applications of PowerShell and how attendees can utilize these updates in their own projects. The first half of the presentation features Constantin who shares his user management application, utilizing the Request API to query and display user data in a seamless table format.

Community

  • Miriam Wiesner on Identity Hygiene, Security Tools, and Finding Balance
    In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we sit down with Miriam Wiesner, a Senior Security Research Program Manager at Microsoft, to dive into the fascinating world of security and identity hygiene. Miriam shares her expertise on the GraphAPI and the critical importance of maintaining proper identity hygiene in today's digital landscape.

Events

Check out psweekly.dowst.dev for all past editions as well as a searchable archive.

2
 
 

Blogs, Articles, and Posts

  • Install and integrate Microsoft AI Shell with a PowerShell module
    Microsoft’s new AI Shell integrates AI into command-line workflows, featuring the Azure OpenAI Agent and Copilot in Azure Agent for tasks like PowerShell scripting and cloud automation. You can install AI Shell (aish.exe) as a standalone app or PowerShell module to streamline coding, error resolution, and resource management on Windows, macOS, or Linux.
  • Jingle All the Way to Savings: Automate Azure Bastion with Azure Automation!
    In my blog post contribution for this year’s Festive Tech Calendar, I’ll show you how to reduce Azure costs by automating the runtime of your Azure Bastion host(s) with Azure Automation.
  • Setting Up VS Code for PowerShell Development: A Beginner’s Guide
    Learn how to set up Visual Studio Code (VS Code) for PowerShell development in this step-by-step guide. You'll learn how to install VS Code, configure the PowerShell extension, set up the integrated terminal, and explore key features to enhance your PowerShell scripting experience.
  • How to Rename Multiple Files Using PowerShell?
    Recently, I got a requirement to rename numerous report files in a project. PowerShell script is the best option for it. In this tutorial, I will explain how to rename multiple files using PowerShell. Rename Multiple Files Using PowerShell Recently, I was working on a project for a client in New York City.
  • PowerShell Function for the cmd.ms website
    I'm a big fan of the cmd.ms website because it has all the links to quickly jump to a specific blade in a portal instead of clicking multiple parts of a Microsoft Management portal to get there. In this blog post, I will show you how to use a PowerShell function to open one or multiple management websites from the command line.
  • Prevent users from switching and migrating to new Outlook using PowerShell and Microsoft Intune
    Prevent future automatic migration to the new Outlook. In this post, I’ll share the PowerShell script I’m using to prevent users from migrating to the new Outlook if your environment isn’t quite ready for it.
  • It's always DNS
    A story of when it was actually DNS.

Projects, Scripts, and Modules

Books, Media, and Learning Resources

  • Windows PowerShell Use Cases in 1 Hour
    In this video, dive into essential PowerShell use cases, including file management, system administration, and basic networking. Learn how to manage files, perform essential administrative tasks, and execute networking commands for tasks like testing up connections, all through PowerShell scripts. This tutorial is perfect for beginners aiming to improve their IT skills and handle various everyday tasks with PowerShell efficiently.
  • PowerShell Collaboration Unleashed! [OC]
    Learn how to use JupyterHub to create shared environments for seamless scripting & collaboration—accessible from any browser.

Community

  • PowerShell Evolution with Sean Wheeler: What's new in PS 7.5, AIShell, & More!
    In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we welcome back Sean Wheeler, Lead Documentarian at Microsoft for PowerShell, to catch up on the latest developments in the PowerShell ecosystem. Sean dives into the updates with PSResourceGet, the powerful enhancements in PowerShell 7.5, and the groundbreaking potential of the AI Shell project, designed to transform command-line experiences with artificial intelligence. We also get a recap of Sean’s experience at SpiceWorld, highlighting community insights and key takeaways from the event. Packed with expert tips and exciting news, this episode is a must-listen for PowerShell enthusiasts and IT pros alike!

Fun

Events

Check out psweekly.dowst.dev for all past editions as well as a searchable archive.

3
 
 

Hey c/PowerShell community!

I’m excited to announce the launch of my new YouTube series, PowerShell Collaboration Unleashed!.

In the first part, we dive into The Littlest JupyterHub— an awesome tool for creating shared environments on a single server. These environments are accessible from any web browser, allowing you to create, run, and share scripts effortlessly.

Here’s what you’ll learn in the first part of the series:

  • An intro to JupyterHub and why it’s a game-changer for collaboration.
  • How to provision an Ubuntu server for The Littlest JupyterHub.
  • Installing and configuring The Littlest JupyterHub and support for dotnet and PowerShell.
  • Setting up shared environments you can start using right away.

Future videos will cover topics like setting up SSH, adding AzureAD/Entra ID authentication, connecting to external resources, securing secrets, logging, and integration with source control.

If you’re passionate about scripting, automation, or simply improving team collaboration, this series is for you!

I would love to hear your thoughts, feedback, questions, or ideas for future topics in this series.

4
 
 

Announcements!

  • PowerShell VSCode Extension v2024.5.2-preview
    New PowerShell VSCode extension preview release v2024.5.1! This includes the breakpoint performance improvement I developed, you should see stepping through code work much faster. Please try to break this feature before release!

Blogs, Articles, and Posts

  • PowerShell: How to configure a custom PSSessionconfiguration
    A remote session can be set up with the help of PSSession. The predefined remote session is used by default. However, we can also create our own session configurations and then connect
  • Install and manage VM watch on Azure Virtual Machines
    Microsoft announced the public preview of VM watch, a new in-VM service designed for Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) and Virtual Machine Scale Sets (VMSS). This service aims to enhance VM health monitoring by offering standardized, lightweight, and flexible in-VM health checks that connect seamlessly with Azure's monitoring and AIOps systems.
  • How to Create a PowerShell Module: A Beginner’s Guide
    PowerShell modules are essential for scriptwriters and system administrators to organize and reuse their code. A module is a package of related functions, cmdlets, and resources bundled together for easy sharing and deployment. Creating a custom PowerShell module allows you to centralize functionality, streamline code reuse, and distribute your work to others.
  • How To Check If File Modified In Last 24 Hours Using PowerShell?
    One of my team members recently wanted to check if a file has been modified in the last 24 hours. I suggest using PowerShell as it provides different methods to check. In this tutorial, I will explain how to check if a file has been modified in the last 24 hours using PowerShell with examples.
  • How to compare all files in two folders using PowerShell
    When I am investigating or troubleshooting any issue, I always hope to have access to any log, source control, build artifacts, and pipelines. However, some scenarios are not related to software development where the only resources that I have immediate access to are folders and the files contained, and also the same ones but
  • How to Replace Carriage Returns in Strings Using PowerShell?
    There will be times when you want to replace carriage returns in strings using PowerShell. In this tutorial, we will learn how to replace carriage returns in strings using PowerShell. To replace a string containing a carriage return in PowerShell, use the -replace operator with the carriage return escape sequence `r. For example, $string -replace “r”, “replacement text”will replace

Projects, Scripts, and Modules

  • v0.0.13 EntraFIDOFinder is out
    New Version of EntraFIDOFinder is out and i’ve added a better way to find out which version of FIDO they are using too. I’ve updated it for the PowerShell version and the webversion. Enhancements I did notice that there is a difference for AAGUID 30b5035e-d297-4ff7-b00b-addc96ba6a98 where on Microsofts website it says it should be compatible
  • PSAppDeployToolkit 4.0.2
    The all-new and vastly improved PSAppDeployToolkit v4 is here!

Community

  • Turning the tables. An interview with Andrew Pla
    In this episode, we turn the tables and interview Andrew Pla. We explore Andrew's back story, find out how he got started in IT, and discover where his love of PowerShell comes from. We also discuss his journey from community member to advocate to PowerShell MVP. Get to know Andrew Pla!
  • OnRamp Scholarship Application Now Open
    Are you an entry-level IT professional looking for an immersive introduction to PowerShell, DevOps, and the broader tech community? The OnRamp program at the PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit is designed just for you, and scholarship applications are now open!
  • BlueSky PowerShell Community Starter Pack
    PowerShell and automation enthusiasts who love to share what they know - through code, content, teaching, or lending a hand to others. They strive to make tech accessible to everyone and support each person's learning path with enthusiasm and respect.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
  • Inside IT Automation E18
    Joe Houghes talks about VMware, PowerCLI, PowerShell and more

Events

Check out psweekly.dowst.dev for all past editions as well as a searchable archive.

5
 
 

Blogs, Articles, and Posts

  • PowerShell Automatic Variables: Special Variables Built into PowerShell
    Learn about PowerShell's automatic variables - built-in special variables that serve specific purposes. Discover how to work with history limits, constants, exit codes, and null values.
  • Install and manage VM watch on Azure Virtual Machines
    Microsoft announced the public preview of VM watch, a new in-VM service designed for Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) and Virtual Machine Scale Sets (VMSS). This service aims to enhance VM health monitoring by offering standardized, lightweight, and flexible in-VM health checks that connect seamlessly with Azure's monitoring and AIOps systems.
  • How to Verify a File Hash (Checksum) on Windows
    Checking a downloaded file’s hash (checksum) allows verifying its integrity and ensuring that the file contents have not been modified. Administrators commonly use MD5/SHA256 checksum verification for downloaded OS distros…
  • Use PowerShell to check if (shortened) URL link is safe
    It just happens a lot: you receive a (shortened) URL and are unsure if it's safe to open. Sometimes, I open it in Windows Sandbox or use the urlscan.io website. In this blog post, I will show you how you can automate the check of a URL and see if it's safe or not :)
  • Activating PIM Roles that require MFA or Conditional Access Authentication Context with PowerShell
    For some time, I’ve been activating and scheduling activations for Azure roles under Privileged Identity Management (PIM) using the Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK. However recently we secured these role activations to require a conditional access authentication context with MFA. This basically requires me to MFA when I activate a role with PIM. Problem is, by … Continue reading Activating PIM Roles that require MFA or Conditional Access Authentication Context with PowerShell →
  • Loading PowerShell Custom Functions: Profiles, Dot-Sourcing, and Modules
    PowerShell is a versatile scripting environment that allows users to extend its capabilities by creating custom functions. Once written, you can load these PowerShell custom functions into your session or environment for reuse. Here are four common methods to load custom functions in PowerShell.

Projects, Scripts, and Modules

Community

  • Jordan Returns: A Fun Dive into Life, PowerShell, and Beyond
    In this special episode, we catch up with our former cohost, Jordan, and hear about his journey since leaving the PowerShell Podcast. Jordan shares an exciting life update, offers invaluable advice on how PowerShell has shaped his career and participates in our fun "This or That" segment.

Fun

Events

Check out psweekly.dowst.dev for all past editions as well as a searchable archive.

6
 
 

Announcements!

Blogs, Articles, and Posts

  • How to Query REST APIs with PowerShell: A Practical Guide
    Learn how to use PowerShell to query REST APIs, parse JSON responses, and build a reusable tool for working with web services. This hands-on tutorial covers Invoke-RestMethod, error handling, and creating custom output objects.
  • GitHub Actions and PowerShell: The Underdog
    Remember how I mentioned how GitHub actions are underrated? I’m going to show at a high level how GitHub Actions with PowerShell can save you time and be more efficient. What does it do? It does that automatically once every day, I could do it more, but didn’t think it was necessary.
  • PowerShell Copy-Item with Folder Structure
    In this tutorial, I will explain how to use PowerShell’s Copy-Item cmdlet to copy files and folders while maintaining their original structure. This is a common task for system administrators and developers who need to manage file systems efficiently. You will learn here how to use the PowerShell Copy-Item cmdlet to efficiently copy files
  • Using the Fluent Theme in WPF with PowerShell and .Net 9
    For a long time, adding a modern design theme to your WPF project typically meant adding a 3rd party library to provide the styling, such as MahApps Metro, or WPF UI. With the release of .Net 9, a Fluent theme is finally coming to WPF! There are still areas where 3rd party libraries will be … Continue reading Using the Fluent Theme in WPF with PowerShell and .Net 9
  • Conditional Access Gallery - Point, Select, and Deploy in Minutes
    With my new Conditional Access Gallery tool Invoke-DCConditionalAccessGallery in DCToolbox you can pick and choose from any of 25+ available Conditional Access templates included, and the tool will auto-deploy them in your tenant (report-only mode), automatically create all dependencies like groups, named locations, and terms of use agreements, and finally document your new policy design
  • Upgrading your Azure Function Apps to run on PowerShell 7.4
    PowerShell language worker for Azure Functions. Contribute to Azure/azure-functions-powershell-worker development by creating an account on GitHub.

Projects, Scripts, and Modules

  • PowerHuntShares
    PowerHuntShares is an audit script designed in inventory, analyze, and report excessive privileges configured on Active Directory domains.

Books, Media, and Learning Resources

  • PwshSpecteConsole with Shaun Lawrie
    Shaun Lawrie talks to the Pacific Powershell User Group about PwshSpectreConsole.
  • GitHub Pages with PowerShell
    The Pacific Powershell User Group talks about GitHub Pages and PowerShell and demonstrates PSJekyll.
  • Get-EventSession
    Script to assist in downloading Microsoft Ignite, Inspire, Build or MEC contents or return session information for easier digesting.

Community

  • Growth, Grit, and Community with Steven Judd & Kevin Laux
    In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we sit down with Steven Judd and Kevin Laux for insights and inspiration from the PowerShell community. Steven shares his experiences overcoming the hurdles of live demos, recounts the highlights of PowerShell Saturday NC, and reveals the story behind his iconic bling and love for puns. He delves into the importance of "practice makes progress," encouraging listeners to embrace growth through consistent effort. Kevin Laux joins the conversation to discuss his journey with PowerShell, his role with the Research Triangle PowerShell User Group (RTPSUG), and the impact of community involvement.

Fun

Check out psweekly.dowst.dev for all past editions as well as a searchable archive.

7
 
 

Blogs, Articles, and Posts

  • Powershell and the Left Hand Side
    A new article, to talk about an important notion in Powershell, the Left Hand Side (LHS) notion.
  • Manage PIM Role Assignments with PowerShell
    This article describes how to create eligible and active PIM role assignment requests using cmdlets from the Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK.
  • How to install PowerShell 7 and essential tools on macOS
    As you prepare for the OnRamp track at the PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit, this guide walks you through installing the essential tools on your macOS system, if that's your preferred operating system. You'll learn to install PowerShell version 7, Visual Studio Code, and the PowerShell extension for VS Code to ensure your system is prepared for the event.
  • GitHub and PowerShell: The Underdog
    Remember how I mentioned how GitHub actions are underrated? I’m going to show at a high level how GitHub Actions with PowerShell can save you time and be more efficient. What does it do? It does that automatically once every day, I could do it more, but didn’t think it was necessary.
  • Install and enable SSH on Windows Server 2025
    Windows Server 2025 comes with SSH pre-installed, making secure remote server management easier for administrators. This is especially helpful when accessing servers from macOS or Linux machines or Windows computers not part of the Active Directory domain, as enabling PowerShell remoting can be complicated in this scenario. By default, SSH on Windows Server 2025 uses password authentication, which you should change to public key authentication for enhanced security.
  • Introducing a Custom 'map' Function in PowerShell for Functional Programming
    I built the custom map function to enable processing multiple arrays with ease. Simplify your scripts by applying transformations simply and flexibly.
  • How Can You Effortlessly Restart or Shutdown Windows Using PowerShell Commands?
    In Windows PowerShell, you have two main commands for controlling shutdown and restart functions: Restart-Computer and Stop-Computer. Each command can
  • New PowerShell Threat: Infiltrating Networks with Advanced Techniques
    In a recent discovery, Cyble Research and Intelligence Lab (CRIL) detailed a complex, multi-stage PowerShell campaign that employs several advanced techniques to infiltrate networks, maintain persistence, and enable covert communications.

Projects, Scripts, and Modules

  • CMHealthcheck v 1.0.30
    ConfigMgr healthcheck reporting
  • linuxtools v 1.0.12
    An experimental PowerShell module for Linux nerds. Because: why not?
  • PSBluesky
    A set of PowerShell 7 commands that use the BlueSky API. You can skeet and upload images from a PowerShell prompt as well as view your feed and timeline.

Community

Fun

Check out psweekly.dowst.dev for all past editions as well as a searchable archive.

8
 
 

Blogs, Articles, and Posts

Projects, Scripts, and Modules

Books, Media, and Learning Resources

Community

Check out psweekly.dowst.dev for all past editions as well as a searchable archive.

9
 
 

Script is made to control Veeam VBR
Thanks for taking a look at my massive feature creep ;)

<#
    .SYNOPSIS
        Startet ein Veeam VBR Job

    .DESCRIPTION
        Startet einen VBR Job basierend auf den Namen.
        Ursprünglicher Zweck war ein Verknüpfung von Jobs (z.B. als Pre-Execution Skript)

    .PARAMETER JobName
        Job-Name des Backup Jobs

    .PARAMETER JobType
        Typ des Backup Jobs
        Erlaubte Typen: VAW, VAL, VMware,
        Nicht erlaubte: Typen: HyperV, PVE

        $Get-VBRBackup | Select-Object -Property Name,TypeToString,JobType
        Backup              Pretty                  Verbose                 Typ im Skript   Notizen
        ########################################################################################################
        Backup Copy Job     Backup Copy             SimpleBackupCopyPolicy  /               /
        VAW Managed SRV     Windows Agent Backup    EpAgentBackup           VAW             CMDlet deprecated for Agent backups
        VAW Managed PC      Windows Agent Policy    EpAgentPolicy           VAW             CMDlet deprecated for Agent backups
        VAL Managed SRV     Linux Agent Backup      EpAgentBackup           VAL             CMDlet deprecated for Agent backups
        VAL Managed PC      Linux Agent Policy      EpAgentPolicy           VAL             CMDlet (probably) deprecated for Agent backups # UNGETESTET WERTE! 
        Proxmox VE          Proxmox Backup          VmbApiPolicyTempJob     PVE             Nicht nutzbar mit Powershell via Start-VBRJob
        VMware              VMware Backup Backup    Backup                  VMware
        Hyper-V

    .EXAMPLE
        Start-VeeamJob.ps1 -JobName 
        passes F1234567-1abc-1234-ab1c-1a2345b6c78d to $JobName
        
    .NOTES
        Author  : Appoxo
        Version : 2.0
    
    .LINK
        Job-ID auslesen:
            Get-VBRComputerBackupJob | Where-Object Name -CLike "*Name*" | Select-Object -Property Id, Name
#>

[CmdletBinding()]
Param(
    [Parameter(Mandatory = $true,
    HelpMessage = "Enter Job-Name of the VBR-Job")]
    [String]
    $JobName,

    [Parameter(Mandatory = $true,
    HelpMessage = "Art des VBR-Jobs. Die Bezichnung ist NICHT canse-sensitiv!")]
    [string]
    $JobType
)

Begin {
    Write-Host "Script started successfully"
    $ExitCode = 0  

    #TimeStamp Logging:
    function Get-TimeStamp {return "{0:yy/MM/dd} {0:HH:mm:ss}" -f (Get-Date)}
    
    <#
    #Debug Values:
    $JobName = "L1 Backup Appoxo-PC2 (Games)"
    $JobType = "VAW"
    #>

    # Variablen
    $workingDir = "C:\Skripte\SkriptLogs"
    $log = "$($workingDir)\Log-StartVeeamJob.log"
    $JobDetails = Get-VBRBackup | Where-Object Name -EQ "$($JobName)"
    $timeout = 9

    # Vorbereitung
    if ($JobType -in @("VAW","VAL","VMware")){
        Write-Host "Valid backup type selected"
        $JobTypUnbestimmt = 0
    }
    else {
        Write-Host "Invalid backup type selected. Please choose something else :)"
        $ExitCode = 1
        exit $ExitCode
    }

    if (Test-Path -Path $workingDir) {
    } else {
        New-Item -ItemType Directory -Path "$workingDir"
    }

    if (-not (Test-Path -Path $log -PathType Leaf)) {
        New-Item -ItemType file -Path $log
        Add-Content -Path $log "Log zur Überprüfung der Start von VBR-Jobs"
    }
}

Process {
    Write-Host "You passed the following information:"
    $data = @([PSCustomObject]@{"Job Details"="$($JobDetails.Name)"; "Selected Job Type"="$($JobType)"})
    $data | Format-Table -AutoSize
    Write-Host "The following Job-ID was found for this job: $($JobDetails.JobId)"

    Write-Host "If there is an error please abort NOW." 
    while ($timeout -gt 0) {
        Write-Host -NoNewline "`rThe script starts in $($timeout)"
        Start-Sleep -Seconds 1
        $timeout--
    }
    Write-Host "Starting script now!"
    Write-Output "$(Get-TimeStamp) Start des Backup Job Skripts. Für den Job '$($JobDetails.Name)' wurde die Job-ID $($JobDetails.JobId) gefunden!" | Add-Content -Path $log

    try{
        $startTime = Get-Date
        Write-Host "Validating input... This may take a while"
        if((($JobType -in @("VAW","VAL"))) -AND (($JobDetails.JobType -in @("EpAgentBackup","EpAgentPolicy")))) {
            Write-Host "Valid backup type '$($JobDetails.TypeToString)' was found. Starting now!"
            Start-VBRComputerBackupJob -Job $JobName | Select-Object -OutVariable JobResult
        }
        elseif (($JobType -in @("VMware")) -AND (($JobDetails.JobType -in @("Backup")))) {
            Write-Host "Valid backup type '$($JobDetails.TypeToString)' was found. Starting now!"
            Start-VBRJob -Job $JobName | Select-Object -OutVariable JobResult
        }
        elseif (($JobType -in @("PVE")) -AND (($JobDetails.JobType -in @("VmbApiPolicyTempJob")))) {
            Write-Host "Der Job des Typs $JobType ist aktuell nicht implementiert"
            $ExitCode = 1
            exit $ExitCode
            <#
            Write-Host "Valid backup type '$($JobDetails.TypeToString)' was found. Starting now!"
            Start-VBRJob -Job $JobName | Select-Object -OutVariable JobResult
            #>
        }
        else {
            Write-Host "Invalid backup type '$($JobDetails.TypeToString)' was found. Please restart the script!"
            Write-Output "$(Get-TimeStamp) Bestimmung des Typs für den Job '$($JobDetails.Name)' nicht erfolgreich. Angegeben wurde '$($JobType)'" | Add-Content -Path $log
            $ExitCode = 1
            $JobTypUnbestimmt = 1
        }

        # Job Result report
        if(($JobTypUnbestimmt -EQ 0) -AND ($JobResult.State -EQ "Stopped") -AND ($JobResult.Result -EQ "Success")){
            Write-Host "Execution of the Job '$($JobName) was successful"
            Write-Output "$(Get-TimeStamp) Backup Job $($JobDetails.Name) erfolgreich ausgeführt" | Add-Content -Path $log
            $ExitCode = 0
        } else{
            Write-Host "Execution of the Job '$($JobName) encountered an error. Please check the VBR-Console"
            Write-Output "$(Get-TimeStamp) Fehler beim ausführen vom Backup Job '$($JobDetails.Name)'" | Add-Content -Path $log
            $ExitCode = 1
        }
        #Stats
        $endTime = Get-Date
        $executionTime = $endTime - $startTime
    } catch {
        Write-Host "Something went wrong during execution"
        Write-Host $_  # This prints the actual error
        Write-Output "$(Get-TimeStamp) Error: $($_)" | Add-Content -Path $log
        $ExitCode = 1 
    }
}

End {
    Write-Output "$(Get-TimeStamp) Skript abgeschlossen für $($JobDetails.Name) Job-ID $($JobDetails.Id)" | Add-Content -Path $log
    Write-Host "Script ended."
    $seconds = "{0:N2}" -f $executionTime.TotalSeconds
    $minutes = "{0:N2}" -f ($executionTime.TotalSeconds / 60)
    Write-Host "Time for stats! The script took $($seconds) seconds or $($minutes) minutes)"
    exit $ExitCode
}
10
 
 

Announcements!

Blogs, Articles, and Posts

  • GitHub Copilot in Windows Terminal
    GitHub Copilot users can now use the power of GitHub Copilot to get command suggestions and explanations without leaving the terminal with Terminal Chat in Windows Terminal Canary 🚀 This is available for all GitHub Copilot Individual, Business, and Enterprise customers. To get started, sign up for a GitHub Copilot free trial and check out […]
  • Creating an AWS SSL Certs from Scratch (CLI and PowerShell)
    Learn how to create SSL certificates in AWS Certificate Manager using the AWS CLI. This tutorial walks through setting up permissions, requesting a certificate, and verifying its creation.
  • Export Complex PowerShell Objects to CliXML: A Practical Guide
    Learn how to export complex, nested PowerShell objects to CliXML while preserving their structure and relationships. Follow along with a real-world example using workout program data.
  • Dell Command Update – Install & Manage via PowerShell
    So if you haven’t read my last post yet, Dell Command Update – pulling back the curtains – GARYTOWN ConfigMgr Blog, you should, as I go into how Dell Command Update (DCU) gets it’s feed of information under the hood. That is the basis for a lot of things I’ll be doing. In this post, ... Read more
  • Popping Toast Notifications in PowerShell Core
    If you’ve ever popped a toast notification in PowerShell using the Windows Runtime (WinRT), you’ve probably discovered that, whilst it works fine in PowerShell 5, it doesn’t work at all in PowerShell Core (5/6/7+). That’s because the WinRT assemblies are not included in PowerShell Core – WinRT is an exclusively Windows thing
  • Powershell - Managing disks, partitions and volumes
    How to manage disks, partitions and volumes in Powershell
  • How to bypass Microsoft Graph PowerShell access restrictions
    Learn how to bypass Microsoft Graph PowerShell access restrictions and gain full directory access using PowerShell.

Projects, Scripts, and Modules

  • Show-PSRunObject: function to inspect objects
    Example function to inspect objects interactively. It shows what methods and properties the passed object has. You can go down/up the object hierarchy with key presses.
  • WinPostInstall
    Windows Post Install script written in PowerShell
  • PSBluesky
    If you are a Bluesky user, I'm working on a PowerShell module so that you can do things like post from a PowerShell prompt. Not ready to publish to the PSGallery, but the module is stable enough for you to kick the tires.
  • PSAPIClient v 1.1.0
    This Powershell module is a wrapper for the use of one or more API(s). Each API can be configured and addressed independently. This allows easy use of multiple APIs within a session.

Books, Media, and Learning Resources

  • Learning PowerShell using Microsoft Learn
    This week, I posted a link to the PowerShell courses/learning paths on Microsoft Learn for PowerShell; I did that because there is so much material to learn from and use as a reference/help system. In this blog post, I will show you your options at Microsoft Learn to improve your PowerShell skills.

Community

Fun

Check out psweekly.dowst.dev for all past editions as well as a searchable archive.

11
 
 

Blogs, Articles, and Posts

  • Automating VM Deployment in Azure with PowerShell
    Learn how to automate the deployment of a Windows VM on Azure using PowerShell. This guide covers network setup, NSG rules, and IIS installation.
  • Get Active Directory ports with PowerShell
    Active Directory services communicate over specific ports needed for authentication, replication, and other directory services. Knowing these ports is crucial for configuring firewalls, ensuring secure communication, and troubleshooting network issues related to Active Directory services. This post will teach you how to get the Active Directory ports with PowerShell.
  • How to Set Directory Synchronization Features with the Graph
    Directory synchronization features control how the Entra Connect tool works when synchronizing accounts from Active Directory to Entra ID. The current advice is to use a cmdlet from the depreciated MSOL module to update settings. This article explains how to do the job with the Graph APIs, including cmdlets from the Entra PowerShell module.
  • Automating Sign-In Analysis with PowerShell and Microsoft Graph
    In this article, we'll walk through how to explore and analyze Conditional Access data in Microsoft Entra using the Developer Tools in your browser. The purpose of this walkthrough is to demonstrate how you can identify and extract the necessary Microsoft Graph API calls directly from the Entra portal, providing a foundation for automating this process with PowerShell.
  • List all EEEU and Anonymous links for SharePoint and OneDrive!
    A colleague of mine asked me before the weekend if I knew if there was a way to list all Everyone Except External Users and Anonymous links for OneDrive for Business. He had written a PowerShell script but had some errors.
  • Practical PowerShell: The Dark Power of Dynamic Parameters
    In this episode of Practical PowerShell, we dive into the dark power of dynamic parameters, and how to use them within in functions and scripts.

Projects, Scripts, and Modules

Community

Events

Check out psweekly.dowst.dev for all past editions as well as a searchable archive.

12
 
 

Blogs, Articles, and Posts

  • Convert to Azure Premium SSD v2 Disks with PowerShell
    Azure Premium SSD v2 disks, currently in public preview, provide enhanced throughput and IOPS at a lower cost than earlier versions. You can convert existing disks to Premium SSD v2 using PowerShell. However, it's crucial to understand the specific limitations and requirements beforehand.
  • Manage Your SharePoint Online Environment with PnP PowerShell
    In this article, we explain how to get started using PnP PowerShell, and review some practical examples of where the module can immediately add value for tenant administrators.
  • Duplicate Drivers from a ConfigMgr Boot Image
    When creating new boot images in ConfigMgr, you often want to copy drivers from an older boot image. If you have many drivers added, it's way quicker to do that in PowerShell compared to comparing drivers in the boot image drivers tab.
  • Query WinGet software installer data with PowerShell
    I'm a big fan of WinGet, and the software available in their ecosystem is growing daily. Still, I'm always curious about what WinGet will download and how it does the silent install of the specified software. In this blog post, I will show you an easy way of retrieving that data :)
  • Automating Performance Monitor in Windows
    For advanced scenarios where you need to automate running Perfmon at scale
  • Type less by using PowerShell type accelerators
    I had heard the PowerShell term “type accelerators” a few times, but never really knew what that meant. I finally decided to check out the about_Type_Accelerators docs and it turns out they’re simply aliases for .NET types.

Projects, Scripts, and Modules

Books, Media, and Learning Resources

Community

  • Exploring Redfish Protocol, Data Science, and PowerShell with Blake Cherry & Danny Stutz
    In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, I sit down with Blake Cherry to discuss the Redfish Protocol and its impact on simplifying data center hardware management, drawing insights from his talk at PowerShell Saturday, NC. We explore how Redfish is reshaping IT systems at scale. I also speak with Danny Stutz, who dives into the intersection of PowerShell and Data Science, covering topics like AI, data analysis, and K-means clustering, all applied to real-world use cases using PowerShell. Whether you're managing hardware or looking to integrate advanced data science techniques into your scripts, this episode has something for everyone!
  • OpenAI for PowerShell with Doug Finke
    You should be writing tests for your PowerShell scripts... but how to get started? Doug talks to RunAsRadio about using ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot to explore different aspects of PowerShell, including testing!

Events

  • PowerShell AI Build Hour - Doug Finke
    Friday, October 25, 2024 at 12:30 PM EDT - Ready to go from zero to app hero? I'll live demo building an app using the new OpenAI Canvas—the interface that transforms writing and coding into an interactive adventure. This isn't just chat; it's creating real-world projects, start to finish.

Check out psweekly.dowst.dev for all past editions as well as a searchable archive.

13
 
 

Blogs, Articles, and Posts

Books, Media, and Learning Resources

Community

  • Culinary to Command Line: Catching Up with Drew McClellan
    In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we welcome back the "bestsest in the midwestest" Drew McClellan, who shares his recent promotion from Jr. Sysadmin to SysAdmin II. Drew talks about how he uses PowerShell in his daily role, tackling new software implementations and projects, and his approach to continuous learning. We also dive into how the OnRamp experience at PowerShell Summit helped prepare him. As a bonus, Drew, a chef for 10 years, dishes out some recipe recommendations to Andrew!
  • Shorten The Code - Results and Learnings with Well-known Community Members
    Xavier Clinquart from the Belgian PowerShell User Group has analyzed all scripts, and now it is time to take a look at the best ones. Together with well-known members of the PowerShell community, we will talk about the results and learnings of this fun competition.

Fun

Check out psweekly.dowst.dev for all past editions as well as a searchable archive.

14
 
 

Blogs, Articles, and Posts

  • Restore classic context menu in Windows 11 Explorer using Group Policy or PowerShell
    Alongside the revamped Start Menu, one of the most noticeable changes in Windows 11 is the redesigned context menu in File Explorer. However, these modifications are not merely aesthetic – they also restrict its functionality. You can deploy a registry key using Group Policy Preferences to restore the classic context.
  • How to Create Azure Service Principals in PowerShell
    Learn how to create Azure service principals using PowerShell, enabling secure automation for managing Azure resources like virtual machines.
  • Microsoft Retires the Revoke-SPOUserSession Cmdlet
    Unsurprisingly, Microsoft announced the deprecation of the Revoke-SPOUserSession cmdlet for November 2024. The cmdlet is replaced by the Revoke-MgUserSignInSession cmdlet, which works across Microsoft 365 rather than just SharePoint Online. All of this happened while the 2nd annual PowerShell Script-Off happened at TEC 2024 and competitors struggled with what to do to secure a user account for an ex-employee.
  • GitHub Copilot Password Warning
    Did you know that GitHub Copilot is now sensing hard coded credentials and giving you a warning? It’s not perfect, but even if something looks like hard coded creds it will flag it, as on another script I had, it contained numbers that looked like they could be private, and it gave me a warning
  • Using Get-Content in PowerShell
    I use Get-Content a lot (or cat, gc, and type as its alias) to display or track the contents of a file. There are different parameters for it, and in this blog post, I will show you what you can do with those :)
  • Customize your Windows 11 (23H2 and onwards) taskbar during OSD with ConfigMgr using just PowerShell
    Approximately two years ago, I authored a blog post detailing how to customize the taskbar in Windows 11.
  • Running PSScriptAnalyzer in GitHub Actions
    I was working on a project recently that has some PowerShell scripts and I wanted to add some kind of linting for PRs, as you do. The go-to for PowerShell seems to be PSScriptAnalyzer and it's something I've already setup in VS Code. Great! The next step was to setup
  • PowerShell Potluck - September 2024
    Welcome back to another PowerShell Potluck, and you didn't have to bring a thing, other than a little curiosity and a willingness to try new things.

Projects, Scripts, and Modules

  • EntraFIDOFinder – New PowerShell Module
    After so much interest from my post on Friday, I figured I’d do one better and make a PowerShell module that does it for you. So now you will be able to find which FIDO2 keys are attestation compatible with Entra right from your terminal. In the very near future I will have individual functions

Books, Media, and Learning Resources

Community

  • PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit 2025: Call for Papers Now Open!
    PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit 2025: Call for Papers Now Open! Calling all innovators, problem-solvers, and thought leaders in the PowerShell and DevOps realm!
  • Spectre Console and TUI Magic with Shaun Lawrie
    On this episode of The PowerShell Podcast, we sit down with Shaun Lawrie to discuss terminal user interfaces (TUIs) and his work on the PWSHSpectreConsole project. Shaun shares insights into the world of TUIs, offers valuable career advice, and talks about his journey in tech. Tune in for practical tips and an in-depth look at what it takes to thrive in the PowerShell ecosystem.

Fun

  • PowerShell ASCII Art
    I posted my Windows Terminal this week on social media channels, including LinkedIn, and received some responses about the login banner screen. In this blog post, I will show you an easy way to pimp your PowerShell Console ;)

Check out psweekly.dowst.dev for all past editions as well as a searchable archive.

15
 
 

Blogs, Articles, and Posts

  • Build dynamic JSON with PowerShell
    I recently did a Contacts Sync with GRAPH Api and PowerShell to create Contacts in a Shared Mailbox and USer Contact Folder. At this time, it was needed to build dynamic JSON related to existing Values, so I looked for some posts on how to build dynamic JSON with PowerShell.
  • How to install PowerShell 7 and essential tools on Linux
    As you prepare for the OnRamp track at the PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit, this guide walks you through installing the essential tools on your Ubuntu Linux system if that's your preferred operating system. You'll learn how to install PowerShell version 7, Visual Studio Code, and the PowerShell extension for VS Code to ensure your system is prepared for the event. If you're using Windows 11, refer to the companion article, How to install PowerShell 7 and essential tools on Windows 11. A future article covers installations on macOS.
  • Installing the Entire Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK Seems Like the Right Idea
    An article described some benefits that could be gained from not installing the complete Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK. The question is whether the claimed benefits are more theoretical than actual. It’s hard to say because it all depends on how someone uses the SDK for development or to run scripts. Anyway, it’s a topic worth discussing.
  • How to Authenticate to Azure Using PowerShell (User and Device Authentication)
    Learn how to authenticate to Azure using PowerShell, including module installation, interactive and device login methods, verifying sessions, and managing multiple subscriptions.
  • Passkey Provider AAGUIDs PowerShell Module
    The FIDO2 specification requires each security key vendor to provide an Authenticator Attestation GUID (AAGUID) during registration. An AAGUID is a 128-bit identifier indicating the key type, such as the make and model. Passkey providers on desktop and mobile devices are also expected to provide an AAGUID during registration.
  • PowerShell Confirm Parameter: Best Practices for Safe Scripting
    The PowerShell Confirm parameter is an essential safeguard that prompts users before performing potentially destructive actions. This article will explore how to implement the -Confirm parameter in custom PowerShell functions to make them more robust and user-friendly. What is the PowerShell Confirm parameter?
  • Outlook Email Mover
    The way I manage my email might seem a bit strange. Due to working in IT, I get lots of emails. Some emails need action, some are regular emails, and some are notifications I want to know about as soon as they happen. I feel like a normal person would make an Outlook rule to…
  • SQL Query Stats via Powershell
    Checking query runtimes via PowerShell

Projects, Scripts, and Modules

  • PowerShellRun
    Terminal Based Launcher and Fuzzy Finder for PowerShell.

Books, Media, and Learning Resources

Community

  • Innovating with PowerShell: Micah Shonyo’s Path to C# Mastery
    In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we sit down with Micah Shonyo to explore his inspiring journey into PowerShell, from his early days learning the language to his current projects. We dive into the story behind his Microsoft Cluster Management module, discussing what motivated him to create it and how it helps sysadmins. Micah also shares how learning PowerShell opened the door for him to start using C#, blending scripting with development to elevate his technical skills. We wrap up the conversation with insights into his career goals and aspirations for the future.
  • Inside IT Automation E16
    The History of PowerShell with Jeffrey Snover

Fun

Events

Check out psweekly.dowst.dev for all past editions as well as a searchable archive.

16
 
 

Blogs, Articles, and Posts

  • Get-Mailbox Versus Get-ExoMailbox
    Microsoft's advice is to use the Get-ExoMailbox cmdlet instead of its older Get-Mailbox counterpart. Generally, this is good advice that you should follow. However, the older cmdlet can do a job in certain circumstances, so don’t write it off completely. More importantly, make sure that filtering of objects is done using server-side filters. This will improve script performance significantly.
  • Simple Tip for GitHub Copilot
    If you have GitHub Copilot, you may or may not know about this little tip, but wanted to let you know just in case. It has saved me so much time and it can be applied to a lot of scenarios.
  • Query the required permissions of a Microsoft Graph cmdlet
    Microsoft Graph can be difficult sometimes. There are loads of PowerShell Microsoft Graph Modules and cmdlets that require different permissions. In this blog post, I will show you how to query the permissions for a cmdlet, multiple cmdlets, or all cmdlets from a specific Microsoft Graph module.
  • Exploiting Exchange PowerShell After ProxyNotShell: Part 3 – DLL Loading Chain for RCE
    As you may know, I recently presented my Exchange-related talk during OffensiveCon 2024. This series of 4 blog posts is meant to supplement the talk and provide additional technical details. In this article, part 3 of the series, I describe a chain of 3 vulnerabilities that led to remote code exec
  • Attacking PowerShell CLIXML Deserialization
    In this article, we will learn that using PowerShell’s CLIXML deserialization could lead to undesired effects, including remote code execution. We will also see that widely used solutions, like PowerShell Remoting and PowerShell Direct (Hyper-V), rely on such deserialization and could make you vulnerable to this kind of attack.

Projects, Scripts, and Modules

  • Tabby
    Tabby (formerly Terminus) is a highly configurable terminal emulator, SSH and serial client for Windows 10, macOS and Linux

Books, Media, and Learning Resources

  • PowerShell Advanced Functions: Getting Started Guide
    Advanced functions take your PowerShell development to the next level, letting you create cmdlet-like scripts with advanced features. In this article, we’ll dive into what makes cmdlets and advanced functions essential in PowerShell, with examples and tips to help you master them. What is a cmdlet? A PowerShell cmdlet (pronounced “command-let”) performs a specific task
  • PnP PowerShell Changed!!! ACT NOW
    In this video, I will show you about a big change in the way PnP PowerShell will work going forward. You might be facing an issue right now when you are working with PnP PowerShell. Watch this video to know how you can resolve this and get going.
  • Harness AI to Analyze Your Workflow with Custom PowerShell Scripts
    In this video, Doug Finke, a 16-time Microsoft MVP, showcases his PowerShell function GetWhatIWorkedOn. This tool helps you effortlessly track and summarize the files you've worked on over any specified period. By scanning multiple directories, it lists all the files you've modified, giving you a clear picture of your recent activities.

Community

  • Building Modern PowerShell Solutions: Justin Grote on TUIs, .NET, and Module Magic
    In this episode, we chat with Justin Grote about his work with PwshSpectreConsole and the power of TUIs in PowerShell scripting. Justin takes us through his impressive collection of PowerShell modules—ModulePath, GallerySync, and ModuleFast—and how they enhance the PowerShell experience. We also explore the advantages of .NET's Common Language Runtime (CLR) in PowerShell, using Spectre.Console as a prime example. Finally, Justin shares his thoughts on transitioning from Windows PowerShell to PowerShell 7 and the performance and feature benefits that come with the upgrade.
  • Scriptember Live: "PowerShell Is Fun - Episode 2" with Microsoft MVP Harm Veenstra
    In this live stream, we'll talk about how to have fun with PowerShell while improving IT automation tasks and processes.

Fun

  • Friday the 13th PowerShell Fun
    Well here are once again and another Friday the 13th. I love these days because I feel challenged to come up with 13 PowerShell related tidbits which I hope you'll find fun and maybe even a little educational. Manage and Report Active Directory, Exchange and Microsoft 365 withManageEngine ADManager Plus - Download Free Trial Exclusive...

Check out psweekly.dowst.dev for all past editions as well as a searchable archive.

17
 
 

Blogs, Articles, and Posts

  • PowerShell: When to use Add-Type and New-Object ?
    In this blog post, I will discuss when you need to add classes with Add-Type and when you can provide classes with New-Object. I would say, let’s get started.
  • Managing DHCP Leases and Reservations with PowerShell
    In this tutorial, we'll explore how to manage DHCP leases and reservations using PowerShell. Effective lease and reservation management is crucial for maintaining a smooth-running network, preventing IP address conflicts, and ensuring that critical devices always receive the same IP address.
  • Windows device provisioning with Workspace ONE, part 2: Apps and policies
    In the first part, I got to the point where I could successfully get a device into a managed state, but that doesn’t mean the device is actually usable.
  • PowerShell: A Microsoft 365 Admin Roles Membership Report
    Manually reviewing the membership roster for each of the dozens of RBAC roles in a Microsft 365 tenant is quite
  • Creating a development Windows Sandbox using PowerShell and WinGet
    As I mentioned before, I like Windows Sandbox! However, since Windows 11 24H2, Windows Sandbox has been missing two things I often use: Notepad and Windows ISE. In this blog post, I will show you how to start Windows Sandbox and automatically install your preferred editors and tools using WinGet and PowerShell.
  • Understanding Get-EXORecipient
    This guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to effectively manage your Office 365 mailbox using the Get-EXORecipient. Understanding Exchange Recipient Type Details When managing an Exchange environment, understanding the different types of recipients is crucial for effective administration. Exchange Online supports a variety of recipient types, each serving different purposes...

Projects, Scripts, and Modules

  • Azure AD Incident Response PowerShell Module
    The Azure Active Directory Incident Response PowerShell module provides a number of tools, developed by the Azure Active Directory Product Group in conjunction with the Microsoft Detection and Response Team (DART), to assist in compromise response.

Books, Media, and Learning Resources

  • Inside IT Automation l E07
    Xavier Clinquart talks about PowerShell, the PoSh community and more.
  • Build a PowerShell Menu in 5 minutes
    In this video, we break down the concept of switch statements and how they can be utilized to create an interactive menu for users. We'll start with the basics of setting up a script, defining functions, and understanding how to handle user inputs in PowerShell.

Community

  • Exploring Cybersecurity with PowerShell and John Hammond
    In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we sit down with renowned security researcher John Hammond. Recorded in person in Utah, we delve into John's unique insights on PowerShell and its role in cybersecurity. John shares his experiences with PowerShell attacks, discussing how it’s used in various malware and the importance of implementing security features like constrained language mode and script block logging. He highlights practical tips for making PowerShell environments more secure and emphasizes the need for continuous learning and experimenting within safe environments. We also explore how to transition into security-focused roles, with John providing valuable advice for those looking to combine their PowerShell skills with a career in cybersecurity.

Fun

Check out psweekly.dowst.dev for all past editions as well as a searchable archive.

18
 
 

I recently created a YouTube channel where I do deep dives into creating automations with PowerShell. Instead of just publishing the solutions I take you through the entire development process.

In this video I go through creating an uptime monitor for multiple IP addresses that can ping each IP every minute. I go through the evolution of trying Test-NetConnection, then giving up and using dotnet objects for asynchronous execution. And finally, how to put that all together and get your results.

This is only my fourth video, so any and all feedback on it is welcome.

19
 
 

Note: I'm a beginner to Powershell and a bit more familiar with Bash (though still a beginner for that too).

*I have multiple PDF files and I want to rename each file based on a list of names found in an Excel/CSV (could be a text file if easier) file.

*The list begins at the A2 cell and the A1 cell has the header 'name'.

*The files are in sequential order and match the order of the list of names.

Thanks for your help!

20
 
 

I started a project to interact with Lemmy via PowerShell. The current code was built off the Lemmy API documentation. This is a very alpha release, so please create issues in GitHub for anything you find. If anyone wants to help contribute to it please let me know.