Top 10 PowerShell Tips and Tricks of 2024 (So Far)

PowerShell continues to evolve, offering innovative solutions and improvements that cater to a wide range of scripting needs. In 2024, we’ve explored many aspects of PowerShell, from boosting its capabilities to automating complex tasks and fixing common issues.

In this midyear roundup, we highlight our top 10 PowerShell tips and tricks so far.

1. How To Use PowerShell To Create PDF File

PowerShell is great for exporting data to files but lacks native support for creating PDF files. PowerShell expert Brien Posey provides methods for converting text data to PDF format using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Edge, or a pre-built script.

Related: How To Create and Append a Text File in PowerShell

2. Solving the PowerShell GUI Paradox (With Example Scripts)

This article discusses the challenges and solutions for creating graphical user interfaces in PowerShell. While PowerShell isn’t designed natively for GUIs, you will learn that tools like Windows Forms can overcome these limitations.

Related: PowerShell GUI Examples: How To Add a Slider to Your Scripts

3. PowerShell Modules vs. Dot Sourcing: Which Approach Is Better?

Brien Posey compares PowerShell modules and dot sourcing, examining their benefits and drawbacks in different types of scripting projects.

Related:Microsoft in 2024: Top Stories (So Far)

Related: How To Create Your Own PowerShell Cmdlets (Video Tutorial)

4. How To Use PowerShell for Automated Event Response

PowerShell can automate tasks by responding to system events. This approach involves setting up tasks within the Windows Event Viewer to trigger PowerShell scripts, enabling automated responses to specific events.

5. PowerShell: How To Generate a Random Password (Revised Script)

Brien Posey shares an improved version of his PowerShell script for generating complex, random passwords. The new version offers greater flexibility and interactivity.  

Related: Using PowerShell for Brute-Force Password Cracking (Example Script)

6. How To Use PS2EXE To Convert PowerShell Scripts Into EXE Files

In this tutorial, Brien Posey demonstrates PS2EXE, a utility that converts PowerShell scripts into executable applications. He highlights key features, security considerations, and how to use a PS2EXE GUI frontend for a more user-friendly experience.

7. How To Use PowerShell for Active Directory Password Help

Brien Posey adapts a PowerShell script to enable Active Directory password automation. He explains the process of extracting security policy information, converting passwords into secure strings, and assigning passwords to Active Directory users.

Related:Cybersecurity in 2024: Top Stories (So Far)

8. PowerShell Error Handling: Learn These Key Techniques

Explore essential techniques for managing errors within PowerShell scripts. This video tutorial covers methods such as suppressing non-fatal errors, setting up Try and Catch blocks, and using warning messages to streamline script execution.

9. PowerShell Parameter Validation: Ensuring Valid Input for Functions

Readers will learn how to validate parameters in PowerShell functions, ensuring correct input values via two methods: the -Contains operator and the ValidateSet attribute. The tutorial provides detailed scripts and explanations for both techniques.

Related: How To Use Dynamic Parameters in PowerShell Functions

10. How To Use PowerShell To Edit the Windows Registry

PowerShell is a versatile alternative to the Registry Editor for modifying the Windows Registry, but it requires careful handling. Brien Posey details how to create, read, and adjust values using a concise set of commands.

Read more articles on PowerShell published this year:

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