PowerShell Tools Every System Admin Should Install in 2025

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Being a system admin in 2025 isn’t just about rebooting servers or resetting passwords. It’s about having the right tools in your PowerShell belt, ready to tackle tasks like a tech ninja. If you haven’t updated your toolkit lately, now’s the time!

Here’s a roundup of PowerShell tools every awesome sysadmin should have in 2025. Whether you’re managing 5 machines or 5,000, these tools will save time, reduce headaches, and maybe even earn you that extra coffee break.

Contents

1. PowerShell 7+

If you’re still using Windows PowerShell 5.1… well, it’s time to move on. PowerShell 7+ is faster, cross-platform, and loaded with features. Think of it as PowerShell 5.1’s cooler cousin who can hang out with Linux and macOS too.

Why use it?

  • Works on Windows, Linux, and macOS
  • Better performance and parallel processing
  • New syntax sugar for easier scripting

Little tip: Use pwsh instead of powershell in the terminal to launch the newer version.

2. Windows Terminal

This isn’t exactly PowerShell, but it’s where PowerShell lives. And wow, what a place! Windows Terminal lets you use tabs, customize colors, and even make it look like the Matrix. Neo would be proud.

Best parts:

  • Multiple tabs for multitasking madness
  • Custom profiles and themes
  • Emoji support (yes, now you can 💥 your way through scripts!)

3. PowerShellGet and PSGallery

Don’t write every function from scratch. PowerShellGet helps you find and install pre-built modules. Think of it like a PowerShell app store. And it pulls directly from the PowerShell Gallery, where scripts and modules go to be discovered.

Example: Need to manage Azure? Install the Az module with one command:

Install-Module -Name Az -Scope CurrentUser

Now you’re ready to cloud like a pro.

4. PSScriptAnalyzer

This tool is like a spellchecker for your code. It scans your scripts and offers tips to clean them up. Want clean, professional-grade scripts that don’t crash your boss’s laptop? You need this.

It will:

  • Detect code style issues
  • Suggest improvements
  • Help you follow best practices

5. PSReadLine

Remember all those times you retyped long commands because of a typo? Say goodbye to those days. PSReadLine adds syntax highlighting, better editing, and command history suggestions. It’s like auto-correct for your terminal.

Cool stuff it does:

  • Command completion
  • Syntax colors
  • Reverse search through history

6. Terminal-Icons

This one is all about flair. It adds pretty icons to your console output. File explorers suddenly look… fun! You’ll actually enjoy using ls or Get-ChildItem.

Install it with:

Install-Module -Name Terminal-Icons -Repository PSGallery

7. posh-git

If you’re using Git (and you should be), posh-git is your new best friend. It shows your branch, Git status, and even helps with command tab-completion.

Why it rocks:

  • Instant Git status in your prompt
  • Works with PowerShell 7+
  • Makes you look like a Git wizard

8. PowerShell Universal

This amazing tool turns your scripts into web UIs, APIs, and scheduled tasks. Yes—real dashboards from your PowerShell scripts. It’s like giving your scripts superpowers!

Use it for:

  • Admin portals
  • Automation dashboards
  • REST APIs with just a few lines

Seriously, this one deserves its own movie trailer.

Bonus Tip: Use Aliases Wisely

Shortcuts are great. But don’t overdo them. Remember, gp might mean Get-Process to you, but to someone else it could mean Get-Printer.

Wrap-Up

2025 is bursting with powerful tools for PowerShell fans. Whether you’re into scripting, automation, or just want your terminal to sparkle, there’s something here for you.

So install these tools, boost your productivity, and make PowerShell fun again. Happy scripting!