- by x32x01 ||
Windows used to lack the flexibility that Linux admins enjoyed through shell scripting. But that changed with the introduction of PowerShell - Microsoft’s powerful command-line and scripting tool designed for automation, configuration, and advanced system management. 
Built on the .NET Framework, PowerShell gives administrators access to COM (Component Object Model) and WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation), enabling complete control over the Windows environment.
Unlike the traditional Command Prompt, PowerShell supports cmdlets - small, specialized commands that perform single, well-defined tasks.
There are hundreds of cmdlets available, making it a true powerhouse for Windows users and IT pros.
8 Most Useful PowerShell Commands for Everyday Tasks
Let’s dive into some of the most practical and commonly used PowerShell cmdlets.
Forcefully closes a specific process - for example, Firefox - if it’s running.
Use Case: When an app freezes or refuses to close.
Pro Tip: Replace “Firefox” with any process name (like Chrome or Excel).
Lists all currently running processes in a neat table format.
Use Case: Monitor CPU/memory usage or identify resource-hogging apps.
Displays all security-related event logs on the system.
Use Case: Investigate failed login attempts or suspicious activities.
Exports event logs (or any data output) into a CSV file for reporting or analysis.
Use Case: Create log reports for audits or security reviews.
Lists all Windows services and their current statuses in a table.
Use Case: Check if essential services (like Windows Update or Print Spooler) are running.
Provides detailed documentation for any cmdlet - the built-in manual of PowerShell.
Use Case: Perfect for beginners learning PowerShell syntax and functions.
Pro Tip: Use Get-Help <cmdlet> -Examples to see real examples.
Displays system information such as the installed operating system version.
Use Case: Useful for inventorying system details or scripting OS reports.
Lists all local user accounts on your system.
Use Case: Review local users for security or administrative maintenance.
PowerShell gives you the same level of control that Linux admins enjoy, directly in Windows. Whether you’re managing processes, exporting logs, or automating daily tasks - these eight commands are your foundation.
Once you get comfortable, you can chain cmdlets together using pipelines (|) to create powerful scripts that save time and improve productivity.
Pro Tip: Run PowerShell as Administrator to avoid permission issues.
Want more advanced PowerShell automation scripts? I can create a follow-up tutorial showing how to combine these commands into a real-world admin workflow - would you like that?
Built on the .NET Framework, PowerShell gives administrators access to COM (Component Object Model) and WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation), enabling complete control over the Windows environment.
Unlike the traditional Command Prompt, PowerShell supports cmdlets - small, specialized commands that perform single, well-defined tasks.
There are hundreds of cmdlets available, making it a true powerhouse for Windows users and IT pros.
8 Most Useful PowerShell Commands for Everyday TasksLet’s dive into some of the most practical and commonly used PowerShell cmdlets.
1. Stop-Process
Forcefully closes a specific process - for example, Firefox - if it’s running. Code:
Stop-Process -Name Firefox 2. Get-Process
Lists all currently running processes in a neat table format. Code:
Get-Process | Format-Table
3. Get-EventLog
Displays all security-related event logs on the system. Code:
Get-EventLog -Log “Security”
4. Export-Csv
Exports event logs (or any data output) into a CSV file for reporting or analysis. Code:
Get-EventLog -Log “Security” | Export-Csv E:\security.csv
5. Get-Service
Lists all Windows services and their current statuses in a table. Code:
Get-Service | Format-Table
6. Get-Help
Provides detailed documentation for any cmdlet - the built-in manual of PowerShell. Code:
Get-Help Format-Table 7. Get-CimInstance
Displays system information such as the installed operating system version. Code:
Get-CimInstance CIM_OperatingSystem
8. Get-WmiObject
Lists all local user accounts on your system. Code:
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_UserAccount -Filter “LocalAccount=’True'”
Final Thoughts
PowerShell gives you the same level of control that Linux admins enjoy, directly in Windows. Whether you’re managing processes, exporting logs, or automating daily tasks - these eight commands are your foundation.Once you get comfortable, you can chain cmdlets together using pipelines (|) to create powerful scripts that save time and improve productivity.
Pro Tip: Run PowerShell as Administrator to avoid permission issues. Want more advanced PowerShell automation scripts? I can create a follow-up tutorial showing how to combine these commands into a real-world admin workflow - would you like that? Last edited: