When it comes to mastering your Windows 11 system, there’s one utility that bridges the gap between simplicity and power user capability: PowerShell. It’s not merely a fancier version of the Command Prompt — PowerShell is a full-fledged scripting and task automation environment that can save you time and change how you interact with your system.
Windows 11 leans heavily into this toolset, and whether you're managing files, digging into system processes, or even troubleshooting network issues, PowerShell has a cmdlet for that. Let’s explore the 15 essential PowerShell commands (technically called "cmdlets," short for command-lets) that every Windows 11 user needs to know. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s something to level up your game.
Think of PowerShell as the Swiss army knife of command-line interfaces (CLI). Developed by Microsoft, it goes beyond the static, text-based functionality of the Command Prompt. Beyond Windows, it’s also available on Linux and macOS, making it a versatile powerhouse across platforms. PowerShell uses
From task automation to advanced configuration, every Windows power user should have PowerShell in their toolkit.
1. Get-Help
When you’re unsure about a command, let the Get-Help cmdlet swoop in for the rescue. Think of this as a built-in encyclopedia for PowerShell.
2. Get-Command
Lost in the PowerShell universe? Get-Command is the tour guide that shows you all available cmdlets.
3. Get-ChildItem
Say goodbye to the
4. Get-Process
Need to pull up Task Manager data without leaving the CLI world? Get-Process has you covered.
5. Copy-Item
Simplifying file management, Copy-Item works like the “Copy” feature on steroids and lets you handle everything from individual files to entire directory trees.
Combine it with
6. Remove-Item
Want to clean house? Remove-Item takes care of files, folders, and even registry items.
Why use
7. New-Item
Creating a new file? Instead of hunting through file explorers, jumpstart a file or folder using New-Item.
Great for initializing text files or creating backup directories in seconds.
Beyond the Basics: Creating Your PowerShell Zen
Got other favorites? Share your PowerShell revelations with us on WindowsForum.com!
Source: Windows Central 15 Essential PowerShell commands every Windows 11 user should know
Windows 11 leans heavily into this toolset, and whether you're managing files, digging into system processes, or even troubleshooting network issues, PowerShell has a cmdlet for that. Let’s explore the 15 essential PowerShell commands (technically called "cmdlets," short for command-lets) that every Windows 11 user needs to know. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s something to level up your game.
What is PowerShell and Why Should You Use It?
Think of PowerShell as the Swiss army knife of command-line interfaces (CLI). Developed by Microsoft, it goes beyond the static, text-based functionality of the Command Prompt. Beyond Windows, it’s also available on Linux and macOS, making it a versatile powerhouse across platforms. PowerShell uses .NET libraries under the hood and runs on cmdlets, small units of functionality that perform specific tasks.From task automation to advanced configuration, every Windows power user should have PowerShell in their toolkit.
Table of the Top Cmdlets You’ll Love
| Let’s start digging through the must-know PowerShell commands you’ll encounter more often than you think. | Cmdlet Name | Alias | Key Use | Why It’s Cool |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Get-Help | - | Fetches help for cmdlets | Like a built-in tutor when you need info on commands. | |
| Get-Command | - | Lists all available commands | Discover everything PowerShell has to offer, even commands you forgot. | |
| Get-ChildItem | dir, ls, gci | Lists items in directories | Combines familiarity with extended filter options. | |
| Get-Process | gps, ps | List and manage system processes | Spy on or manage system performance with ease. | |
| Copy-Item | cp, copy, cpi | Copies files and folders | Recursively backup or move files in bulk. | |
| Remove-Item | rm, del | Deletes files, folders, and registry | A one-stop delete solution, with built-in confirmations for safety. | |
| New-Item | ni | Creates new files, folders, or keys | Generate files or directories with content directly. | |
| Get-Service | gsv | Retrieves service statuses | Ideal for troubleshooting pesky Windows services. | |
| Clear-Host | cls, clear | Clears the PowerShell console output | A neat and clutter-free workspace is just one command away. | |
| Set-Location | cd, chdir | Changes the working directory | Facilitates clean navigation, just like "cd" in Command Prompt. | |
| Get-History | h, ghy | Displays command history | Revisit your workflow commands with ease. | |
| Get-Content | gc, cat, type | Reads content from files or streams | Perfect for reading log files or configuration data in bulk. | |
| Test-Connection | ping, tnc | Network diagnostics | It’s “ping,” but on steroids for network troubleshooting. | |
| Get-NetIPConfiguration | - | Information on network adapter configs | Quickly dig into your PC's IP settings in detail. | |
| Get-NetIPAddress | - | Retrieve network IP addresses | Filters IP configs down to usable pieces like IPv4 or IPv6 info. |
1. Get-Help 
When you’re unsure about a command, let the Get-Help cmdlet swoop in for the rescue. Think of this as a built-in encyclopedia for PowerShell.Usage:
Code:
Get-Help Get-ProcessWhat it Does:
- Displays assistance for any command, parameter, or part of a script.
- Add
-Fullfor every gritty detail or-Onlinefor web-based documentation.
Pro Tip:
RunUpdate-Help once to download the latest help files directly from Microsoft’s servers.2. Get-Command 
Lost in the PowerShell universe? Get-Command is the tour guide that shows you all available cmdlets.Usage:
Code:
Get-Command -CommandType CmdletWhy It’s Handy:
- Quickly search for commands by keywords.
- Filter results to show cmdlets, functions, aliases, or scripts.
Get-Command *-Item.3. Get-ChildItem 
Say goodbye to the dir and ls commands of yesteryear. Get-ChildItem does more than just listing file/directories—it gives you filtering and recursive options.Usage:
Code:
Get-ChildItem -Path "C:\Windows" -Recurse -Filter *.exeStandout Features:
- Filter files by type with wildcards like
*.txt. - Output only specific fields using
Select-Object.
4. Get-Process 
Need to pull up Task Manager data without leaving the CLI world? Get-Process has you covered.Usage:
Code:
Get-Process -Name "chrome"Why You’ll Use It:
- Retrieve CPU/memory details without clicking anything.
- Kill unresponsive apps with companion commands like
Stop-Process.
5. Copy-Item 
Simplifying file management, Copy-Item works like the “Copy” feature on steroids and lets you handle everything from individual files to entire directory trees.Usage:
Code:
Copy-Item -Path "C:\Docs" -Destination "D:\Backup" -Recurse-Filter for smart backups like .docx files only.6. Remove-Item 
Want to clean house? Remove-Item takes care of files, folders, and even registry items.Cautionary Usage:
Code:
Remove-Item -Path "C:\Temp" -Recurse -Confirm-Confirm? Because deleting entire directories can lead to some colorful language if accidental.7. New-Item 
Creating a new file? Instead of hunting through file explorers, jumpstart a file or folder using New-Item.Usage:
Code:
New-Item -Path "C:\Test" -ItemType File -Value "Hello, world!"Additional Gems Worth Your Time
- Test-Connection: Think of it as "ping + diagnostics." Fancy!
- Get-Content: View config and log files instantly.
- Get-History: Reuse complex commands even later.
- Get-NetIPConfiguration: Dig into network details for speedy troubleshooting.
Beyond the Basics: Creating Your PowerShell Zen 
- Automating these with PowerShell scripts will save you both time and wrist strain.
- Batch process multiple tasks like backups or deploy services by chaining these cmdlets via pipelines (
|). - Configure aliases for favorite commands (
Set-Aliasanyone?) to breeze through repetitive tasks.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re dabbling with PowerShell for file management or diving into automation for work, these 15 cmdlets open the door to a world of efficiency within Windows 11. Master these now, and you'll be wielding your PC like a true sysadmin in no time.Got other favorites? Share your PowerShell revelations with us on WindowsForum.com!
Source: Windows Central 15 Essential PowerShell commands every Windows 11 user should know
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