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From automation to system management, these are the PowerShell commands IT pros should know and use in 2026.
If you work in IT, chances are PowerShell is already part of your daily routine. You might use it to check a service, pull system information, or automate a task that would otherwise take several clicks.
Over time, PowerShell becomes less about memorizing syntax and more about knowing which commands get the job done.
PowerShell now runs Windows, Linux, and macOS, but a core set of commands remains consistent across all platforms. These commands form the foundation of scripting, troubleshooting, and system management.
Here are 10 PowerShell commands to use in 2026.
The Get-Help cmdlet displays information about PowerShell concepts and commands, including cmdlets, functions, Common Information Model (CIM) commands, workflows, and related topics.
In practice, this means that when you’re midway through a task and forget how a cmdlet behaves or which parameter you need, you can get accurate guidance without leaving the shell.
The Get-ChildItem cmdlet retrieves items from a specified location, including files, directories, registry keys, and other provider-backed storage. If the location is a container, such as a folder or registry hive, the cmdlet displays all items contained within it, known as child items.
Because it works across different PowerShell providers, Get-ChildItem goes beyond simple file listing. For example, an administrator might use it to scan log folders, confirm whether configuration files exist, or search recursively for specific file types during troubleshooting.
The Set-Location cmdlet sets the current working location in a PowerShell session to a specified path, such as a directory, subdirectory, registry location, or other provider path. It supports both file system paths and PowerShell provider paths.
While straightforward, the cmdlet plays an essential role in script execution and navigation. When switching between script directories, system folders, or mounted drives, using Set-Location helps ensure commands run in the intended context.
The Get-Process cmdlet retrieves information about processes running on the local computer. By default, it displays details such as process names, IDs, CPU usage, and memory consumption. The cmdlet is commonly used for performance checks and diagnostics, and it allows administrators to control the type and amount of information displayed through parameters and pipelines.
For example, when a system feels sluggish or unresponsive, Get-Process offers a quick way to identify which processes are consuming resources before taking action.
The Stop-Process cmdlet stops one or more running processes. Using this command, you can specify a process by process name or process ID (PID), or pass a process object to Stop-Process.
It gives administrators a controlled method for ending unresponsive or misbehaving applications. For example, during maintenance or troubleshooting, the Stop-Process cmdlet can be used to resolve issues without forcing a full system restart.
The Get-Service cmdlet retrieves the status of services on a system, showing whether they are running, stopped, or paused. When run without parameters, it lists all services on the local computer.
The cmdlet is commonly used after updates or reboots to verify that essential services started correctly and to quickly identify services that require attention.
The Start-Service and Stop-Service cmdlets allow administrators to control service state directly from PowerShell. The Start-Service cmdlet starts specified services by sending a start message to the Windows Service Controller. If a service is already running, the message is ignored.
Meanwhile, the Stop-Service cmdlet sends a stop message to the Windows Service Controller for each of the specified services. You can identify services by their service names or display names, or pass a service object using the InputObject parameter.
These cmdlets are often used in scripts that automate maintenance tasks, such as stopping services before applying changes and restarting them afterward, helping ensure consistency across systems.
The Get-EventLog cmdlet retrieves events from Windows event logs on local or remote computers, including application, system, and security logs.
Although it is considered a legacy cmdlet in modern PowerShell, it remains useful for quickly reviewing events during troubleshooting, such as when investigating reported issues or errors after configuration changes.
The Export-Csv cmdlet converts PowerShell objects into a CSV file, with each object represented as a row of comma-separated property values. This makes it easy to create spreadsheets or share data with other programs that support CSV files.
The cmdlet is widely used for reporting, auditing, and documentation. For example, an administrator might export system inventory data or service statuses into a CSV file to share with another team or analyze in a spreadsheet.
The Select-Object cmdlet allows you to choose specific properties, limit output, or reshape data flowing through a pipeline. It can also select unique objects, return a specified number of objects, or select objects based on their position in a collection.
This makes it especially useful for managing large or noisy output. For example, when preparing data for reports or automation, Select-Object helps narrow results down to only the information that matters.
Microsoft positions PowerShell as a cross-platform automation tool that blends command-line shell, scripting language, and configuration management, built on modern .NET for cloud, on-premise, and hybrid environments.
While some legacy Windows-only cmdlets are phased out, core fundamentals endure. Mastering them equips you to adapt scripts, automate workflows, and confidently manage evolving systems.
For a quick reference on PowerShell, check out TechRepublic’s ultimate guide for beginners.
Kezia Jungco is a staff writer with five years of hands-on experience testing and analyzing generative AI platforms, chatbots, and NLP tools. She writes in-depth coverage for both enterprise and consumer audiences, focusing on artificial intelligence, data analytics, CRM solutions, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and emerging tech trends. Her work appears in TechRepublic, eWEEK, Datamation, TechnologyAdvice, and Selling Signals.
