⚙️ Using PowerShell & Command-line Scripts Safely

Category: Windows 11 • PowerShell & Command-line Scripts

Author: jmarket (PCHF Founder)

Verified by: PCHF Staff • October 2025

Overview

Windows 11 includes several advanced administrative tools such as PowerShell, DISM, and Command Prompt.
These tools provide system administrators and technicians with extensive control over Windows maintenance, deployment, and troubleshooting tasks.
The scripts shared in this section are verified by PCHF Staff and sourced only from trusted or official Microsoft origins.

Before running any command-line or PowerShell scripts, please review the following safety guidelines.

✅ Understanding Execution Policy

By default, Windows restricts the execution of PowerShell scripts to protect against potentially malicious code.
If you encounter an error such as:

running scripts is disabled on this system

you can enable safe local script execution using the following command:

	
Code:
	
Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser

This configuration allows locally created or digitally signed scripts to run while maintaining protection against remote unsigned scripts.

To revert back to default restrictions, use:

	
Code:
	
Set-ExecutionPolicy Restricted -Scope CurrentUser

🔐 Run Scripts with Administrative Rights

Many PowerShell and maintenance commands — such as

DISM

SFC

• Right-click Windows PowerShell → select Run as Administrator.


• Confirm the User Account Control (UAC) prompt.


• Execute commands exactly as written in the guide or script post.

Running scripts as Administrator ensures full access to system components and prevents partial operations or permission-related errors.

📁 Saving and Executing Scripts

1. Copy the script text from a verified PCHF thread.


2. Paste it into Notepad or Visual Studio Code.


3. Save the file with a .ps1 extension (for example, Repair-Windows.ps1).


4. To run the script, right-click the file → select Run with PowerShell, or execute manually:

.\ScriptName.ps1

All PCHF example scripts are written for Windows PowerShell 5.1+ and are compatible with PowerShell 7.x on Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025.

🧱 Best Practices

• Always review what a script does before running it — never execute unknown code.


• Avoid copying commands from unverified sources, particularly random videos or forums.


• All scripts published on PCHF are non-destructive and focus on safe diagnostics or maintenance.


• When testing automation scripts, use a sandbox, VM, or non-critical environment first.


• Maintain regular backups before performing any major repair or cleanup operations.

💬 Need Help?

If you’re unsure what a command does, or if a script produces an error message:

• Create a new thread under Windows 11 Support.


• Include the full script name, output, and error message.


• Our Tech Response Team will review and assist with step-by-step guidance.

📘 Applicable Scope

This guidance applies to all PowerShell and Command-line content published under:

Articles → Resource & Downloads → PowerShell & Scripts

Last reviewed: October 2025

Verified by: PCHF Staff

All example code and scripts are provided for educational and maintenance use only.
Always verify execution context and system compatibility before applying changes to production systems.