PowerShell Execution Policy

What is PowerShell Execution Policy?

PowerShell Execution Policy is a safety feature that determines whether scripts can run on a system and under what conditions. It helps prevent the execution of untrusted or malicious scripts, offering a basic level of protection against unintentionally running harmful code.

Execution policies do not prevent users from reading or editing scripts—they only govern script execution behavior. PowerShell supports several execution policies, including:

• Restricted – No scripts allowed (default on Windows).
• AllSigned – Runs only scripts signed by a trusted publisher.
• RemoteSigned – Local scripts run freely; downloaded scripts require a digital signature.
• Unrestricted – All scripts can run, but downloaded ones prompt a warning.
• Bypass – No restrictions or warnings.

Why Use PowerShell Execution Policy?

Execution Policy is useful for maintaining a secure scripting environment while allowing flexibility for trusted scripts. Key benefits include:

• Security Control Prevents accidental or unauthorized execution of scripts.
• Environment Standardization: Ensures consistent behavior across systems in enterprise environments.
• Safe AutomationEncourages best practices like using digitally signed scripts.
• Compliance Supports audit and governance requirements in sensitive environments.

For Microsoft 365 admins, understanding execution policy is essential to safely run automation scripts for tasks like user management, license assignment, or reporting.

How to Set PowerShell Execution Policy to Execute Microsoft 365 Scripts?

To run Microsoft 365 scripts, the execution policy should typically be set to RemoteSigned or Bypass (especially in trusted automation environments).

To check the current policy:

Get-ExecutionPolicy

To set the policy for the current session only:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process

To change it system-wide (requires admin rights):

Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope LocalMachine

Note:: Avoid setting Unrestricted or Bypass system-wide unless necessary and secure.

Execution Policy ensures Microsoft 365 scripts run safely without compromising control—balancing productivity and protection.