PowerShell Scripting

What is PowerShell Scripting?

PowerShell scripting refers to the practice of writing a series of PowerShell commands in a .ps1 file to automate tasks, execute logic-based workflows, or manage systems programmatically. Unlike typing individual commands in the PowerShell console, scripts enable you to create repeatable, consistent automation that can be saved, shared, and reused.

PowerShell scripts support variables, loops, conditionals, error handling, and can integrate with APIs and services such as Microsoft Graph, Azure, or Exchange. With scripting, tasks that would take hours manually can be done in minutes or seconds—reliably and at scale.

Why Use PowerShell Scripting?

PowerShell scripting brings several advantages to IT administrators and DevOps professionals:

• Automation at Scale Automate complex, multi-step tasks like provisioning users or generating reports.
• Consistency with precision and speed
• Time EfficiencyExecute thousands of actions in a fraction of the time it takes manually.
• Custom Workflows Implement logic like IF conditions, error handling, and loops to control flow.
• SchedulingCombine with Task Scheduler or Azure Automation to run scripts periodically.
• Version ControlStore scripts in Git for tracking changes and collaboration.

By adopting scripting, administrators not only improve operational efficiency but also build a library of reusable tools.

How to Use PowerShell Scripting to Manage Microsoft 365?

PowerShell scripting is a powerful way to manage Microsoft 365 environments. Here's how you can use it:

• Bulk User Management Automate creation, update, and removal of user accounts using loops and CSV imports.
• License Assignments: Write scripts to assign or remove licenses for hundreds of users based on department or group
• Report Generation: Generate reports for mailbox usage, sign-in activity, or security compliance.
• Teams & Groups Automation: : Create Teams, assign members, configure settings—scripted and repeatable.
• Error Handling: Automatically log failed operations and retry them intelligently.

Sample Graph PowerShell script that loops through a bunch of disabled user accounts and enables them, saving the admin from the tedious task of clicking into each and every user account and enabling the same in the Microsoft 365 admin center.

$users = Import-Csv "users.csv"
foreach ($user in $users) {
  Update-MgUser -UserId $user.UserPrincipalName -AccountEnabled $true
}

PowerShell scripting brings precision, scalability, and speed to Microsoft 365 administration—making it an essential skill for modern IT professionals.