PowerShell 7: New Features and Migration Tips

The evolution of command-line scripting has reached a pivotal moment with PowerShell 7, representing not just an incremental update but a fundamental transformation in how system administrators and developers interact with their infrastructure. This cross-platform powerhouse has redefined what's possible in automation, bringing together the best of Windows PowerShell's legacy with modern development practices that reflect today's cloud-first, multi-platform reality. For organizations still running older versions, understanding what PowerShell 7 offers isn't just about keeping up with technology—it's about unlocking capabilities that can dramatically improve productivity and operational efficiency.

PowerShell 7 is the latest major release of Microsoft's task automation and configuration management framework, built on .NET Core rather than the traditional .NET Framework. This architectural shift enables true cross-platform functionality across Windows, Linux, and macOS, while introducing performance improvements, new operators, and enhanced compatibility with existing scripts. The promise here extends beyond mere compatibility; it encompasses a vision where your automation scripts work consistently regardless of the underlying operating system, where performance bottlenecks dissolve, and where modern development workflows integrate seamlessly with infrastructure management.

Throughout this exploration, you'll discover the specific features that set PowerShell 7 apart from its predecessors, understand the practical implications of migrating your existing scripts and workflows, and gain actionable strategies for implementing this transition in your environment. Whether you're managing a handful of servers or orchestrating cloud-scale infrastructure, the insights ahead will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about adoption timelines, compatibility considerations, and the tangible benefits waiting on the other side of migration.

Cross-Platform Compatibility: Breaking Down Operating System Barriers

The most transformative aspect of PowerShell 7 lies in its genuine cross-platform nature. Unlike Windows PowerShell, which remains tethered to Windows operating systems, PowerShell 7 runs natively on Linux distributions and macOS, creating unprecedented opportunities for unified automation strategies across heterogeneous environments. This capability stems from the underlying .NET Core architecture, which provides a consistent runtime experience regardless of the host operating system.

For organizations managing mixed infrastructure, this means developing a single set of automation scripts that function identically whether targeting Windows Server, Ubuntu, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, or macOS systems. The practical implications are substantial: reduced maintenance overhead, consistent operational procedures, and the ability to leverage PowerShell's rich ecosystem of cmdlets and modules across your entire infrastructure footprint.

"The shift to cross-platform support fundamentally changes how we approach infrastructure automation, eliminating the need to maintain separate toolchains for different operating systems while providing a unified language for configuration management."

Installation processes have been streamlined for each platform. On Windows, PowerShell 7 installs side-by-side with Windows PowerShell, ensuring backward compatibility while allowing gradual migration. Linux users can leverage package managers specific to their distribution, whether apt for Debian-based systems, yum for Red Hat variants, or snap for universal Linux package management. macOS users benefit from Homebrew integration, making installation as simple as a single command.

Platform-Specific Considerations

While PowerShell 7 provides cross-platform functionality, certain considerations remain platform-specific. File system paths, for instance, use forward slashes on Linux and macOS versus backslashes on Windows. PowerShell 7 handles this gracefully through path normalization, but scripts directly manipulating path strings may require adjustment. Similarly, cmdlets interacting with Windows-specific features like the registry or Active Directory naturally remain Windows-exclusive, though PowerShell 7's module system makes these dependencies explicit and manageable.

Environment variables follow platform conventions, meaning scripts accessing system paths or configuration values should use PowerShell's automatic variables and cmdlets rather than hardcoded values. The $IsWindows, $IsLinux, and $IsMacOS automatic variables enable platform-specific logic within scripts, allowing a single script to adapt its behavior based on the execution environment.

Performance Enhancements That Actually Matter

Beyond cross-platform capabilities, PowerShell 7 delivers measurable performance improvements that impact daily workflows. The transition to .NET Core brings inherent performance benefits, with faster startup times, reduced memory consumption, and improved execution speed for many common operations. These aren't marginal gains—real-world testing shows script execution time reductions of 20-30% for typical administrative tasks, with even greater improvements for I/O-intensive operations.

The pipeline, PowerShell's signature feature for chaining commands together, benefits from optimization work that reduces overhead when passing objects between cmdlets. For scripts processing large datasets or performing iterative operations, these improvements compound, resulting in noticeably faster completion times. Memory management has also been refined, with more efficient garbage collection and reduced memory footprint for long-running scripts and background jobs.

Parallel processing capabilities introduced through the ForEach-Object -Parallel parameter represent a game-changing addition for operations that can benefit from concurrent execution. This feature allows processing collections in parallel with configurable throttle limits, dramatically reducing execution time for tasks like processing multiple files, querying multiple remote systems, or performing batch operations against cloud resources.

Practical Performance Optimization Strategies

To maximize these performance benefits, scripts should be structured to leverage PowerShell 7's strengths. Using native cmdlets rather than external executables reduces process creation overhead. Leveraging the pipeline efficiently, avoiding unnecessary object creation, and utilizing streaming where possible all contribute to optimal performance. The Measure-Command cmdlet becomes an invaluable tool for identifying bottlenecks and validating that migrations actually deliver expected performance improvements.

New Operators and Language Features

PowerShell 7 introduces several new operators and language enhancements that make scripts more concise and expressive. The ternary operator, a long-requested feature, provides inline conditional logic: $result = $condition ? $valueIfTrue : $valueIfFalse. This simplifies code that previously required multi-line if-else constructs, improving readability for straightforward conditional assignments.

The null-conditional operators (?. and ?[]) address a common pain point when working with potentially null objects or collections. These operators allow safe member access and indexing, returning null if the object is null rather than throwing an error. This eliminates the need for verbose null-checking code, making scripts cleaner and more maintainable.

"Language enhancements like the ternary operator and null-conditional access transform how we write PowerShell code, reducing boilerplate and improving clarity while maintaining the language's approachable nature."

The pipeline chain operators (&& and ||) enable conditional command execution based on the success or failure of previous commands. The && operator executes the subsequent command only if the previous command succeeded, while || executes only if the previous command failed. This brings PowerShell's command chaining capabilities closer to traditional shell scripting while maintaining PowerShell's object-oriented nature.

Enhanced Error Handling

Error handling receives significant attention in PowerShell 7, with improvements to error records, better error messages, and enhanced debugging capabilities. The $ErrorView preference variable controls how errors are displayed, with the new "ConciseView" providing more readable error output that highlights the essential information without overwhelming users with stack traces and technical details.

The Get-Error cmdlet provides detailed error information in a structured format, making it easier to diagnose issues programmatically. This is particularly valuable in automated environments where errors need to be logged, analyzed, or forwarded to monitoring systems. The cmdlet exposes the full error record, including inner exceptions and stack traces, in a way that's both human-readable and machine-parseable.

Module Compatibility and the Migration Challenge

One of the most pressing concerns for organizations considering migration to PowerShell 7 revolves around module compatibility. While PowerShell 7 maintains broad compatibility with existing modules, some modules designed specifically for Windows PowerShell may require updates or replacements. Understanding compatibility patterns and testing strategies becomes essential for successful migration.

Windows-specific modules that rely on .NET Framework APIs not available in .NET Core represent the primary compatibility challenge. However, PowerShell 7's Windows Compatibility feature addresses many of these scenarios by allowing implicit remoting of Windows PowerShell modules. This feature automatically creates proxy commands that execute in a Windows PowerShell session while appearing to run directly in PowerShell 7, providing a transparent compatibility layer for modules that haven't been updated.

Testing module compatibility should follow a systematic approach. Begin by inventorying all modules used in your environment, including both explicitly imported modules and those loaded automatically by scripts. Use the Test-ModuleManifest cmdlet to validate module manifests, and execute representative commands from each module in a PowerShell 7 environment to identify compatibility issues before they impact production workflows.

"Module compatibility testing isn't optional—it's the foundation of successful PowerShell 7 migration. Discovering incompatibilities in production leads to downtime and frustration that proper testing prevents."

Creating a Module Compatibility Matrix

Documenting module compatibility findings in a structured matrix helps teams understand migration readiness and plan remediation efforts. This matrix should include module names, versions, compatibility status, any workarounds or alternatives, and the business impact of incompatibility. Prioritize testing for modules used in critical automation workflows, scheduled tasks, and operational runbooks.

For modules with compatibility issues, several paths forward exist. Check for updated versions that explicitly support PowerShell 7, as many popular modules have been updated. Consider alternative modules that provide similar functionality with cross-platform support. For Windows-specific modules without alternatives, Windows Compatibility provides a viable interim solution while waiting for native PowerShell 7 versions.

Side-by-Side Installation Strategy

PowerShell 7 installs alongside Windows PowerShell rather than replacing it, enabling gradual migration without disrupting existing automation. This side-by-side approach provides safety and flexibility, allowing organizations to migrate scripts and workflows incrementally while maintaining operational continuity. Understanding how to manage this dual-environment scenario becomes essential for smooth transitions.

The executable names differ between versions: powershell.exe launches Windows PowerShell, while pwsh.exe launches PowerShell 7. This distinction allows scripts, scheduled tasks, and automation tools to explicitly specify which version to use. During migration, updating these references becomes a key task, ensuring that migrated scripts run in the intended environment.

Managing Configuration and Profiles

PowerShell 7 maintains separate configuration files and profile scripts from Windows PowerShell, preventing conflicts but requiring profile migration for users who have customized their PowerShell environment. Profile locations differ between versions, with PowerShell 7 using paths under the PowerShell directory rather than WindowsPowerShell. Migrating profiles involves copying and testing profile scripts in the new environment, adjusting for any compatibility issues with custom functions or module imports.

Module paths also differ between versions, though both versions can access modules installed in system-wide locations. Understanding module resolution order helps prevent confusion when the same module exists in multiple locations. The $env:PSModulePath environment variable shows the search path for modules, and examining this in both environments clarifies where modules should be installed for optimal accessibility.

Remoting and Session Configuration Updates

PowerShell Remoting, a cornerstone of distributed management, works in PowerShell 7 with some configuration considerations. On Windows, PowerShell 7 requires separate endpoint configuration from Windows PowerShell, meaning remote connections must explicitly target PowerShell 7 endpoints. The Enable-PSRemoting cmdlet in PowerShell 7 creates these endpoints, allowing remote sessions to connect to PowerShell 7 specifically.

SSH-based remoting represents a significant enhancement in PowerShell 7, providing an alternative to the Windows-specific WS-Management protocol. This enables PowerShell remoting to Linux and macOS systems without additional infrastructure, using the ubiquitous SSH protocol that's already deployed in most environments. Configuring SSH-based remoting involves setting up SSH servers, configuring PowerShell as an SSH subsystem, and establishing trust relationships through key-based authentication.

"SSH-based remoting opens PowerShell's powerful remote management capabilities to the entire infrastructure landscape, not just Windows systems, fundamentally expanding what's possible with unified automation."

Session Configuration Best Practices

Session configurations control the environment and permissions available to remote sessions. PowerShell 7 introduces improvements to session configuration, including better support for Just Enough Administration (JEA) and enhanced logging capabilities. Organizations should review and update session configurations during migration, ensuring that security policies and operational requirements are properly enforced in PowerShell 7 remote sessions.

Connection strings for remote sessions need updating to target PowerShell 7 endpoints. The ConfigurationName parameter in New-PSSession specifies which endpoint to connect to, with "PowerShell.7" being the default configuration name for PowerShell 7 endpoints. Scripts using remoting should be updated to explicitly specify this configuration name, preventing accidental connections to Windows PowerShell endpoints.

Script Migration Methodology

Migrating existing scripts to PowerShell 7 requires a methodical approach that balances thoroughness with practical constraints. Not all scripts require immediate migration—prioritization based on business value, usage frequency, and compatibility risk ensures that migration efforts focus where they matter most. A phased migration strategy allows learning from early migrations to inform later ones, reducing risk and improving outcomes.

Begin by categorizing scripts into tiers based on criticality and complexity. Tier one includes critical automation that runs frequently and impacts operations significantly. Tier two encompasses important but less critical scripts. Tier three covers occasional-use scripts and utilities. This categorization guides migration sequencing, with tier one scripts receiving the most thorough testing and validation.

Testing and Validation Framework

Establishing a testing framework before beginning migration provides confidence that migrated scripts function correctly. This framework should include unit tests for individual functions, integration tests for complete scripts, and validation tests that verify outputs match expected results. Pester, PowerShell's testing framework, works identically in PowerShell 7, allowing existing tests to run without modification while providing structure for new tests.

Test environments should mirror production as closely as possible, including operating system versions, installed modules, and external dependencies. Differences between test and production environments lead to surprises during production deployment, undermining confidence in the migration process. Containerization technologies like Docker can help create consistent, reproducible test environments that match production configurations.

Common Migration Patterns

Certain patterns appear repeatedly during script migration. Hardcoded paths need updating to use platform-agnostic approaches. External executable calls may require adjustment for cross-platform scenarios. Error handling might need refinement to leverage PowerShell 7's improved error infrastructure. Documenting these patterns as they're discovered creates a knowledge base that accelerates later migrations and helps team members learn from each other's experiences.

"Successful script migration isn't about perfection—it's about systematic progress, learning from each migration to improve the next, and maintaining operational stability throughout the transition."

Leveraging New Cmdlets and Improvements

PowerShell 7 introduces new cmdlets and enhances existing ones, providing opportunities to simplify scripts and improve functionality. The Get-Uptime cmdlet provides system uptime information without requiring platform-specific code. Test-Json validates JSON strings against schemas, enabling robust input validation for scripts consuming JSON data. ConvertFrom-Json gains depth limits and better error handling, improving reliability when processing complex JSON structures.

String manipulation receives attention with improved methods and better Unicode support. The Split operator gains options for more sophisticated splitting scenarios. Regular expression support expands, with better performance and additional features from the underlying .NET Core regex engine. These enhancements allow scripts to handle text processing more efficiently and with less code.

Working with JSON and Structured Data

JSON handling improvements reflect the increasing importance of JSON in modern automation scenarios. PowerShell 7's JSON cmdlets process data faster, handle larger files more efficiently, and provide better control over serialization and deserialization. The -Depth parameter on ConvertTo-Json now defaults to a more reasonable value, preventing truncation of deeply nested objects that plagued Windows PowerShell.

CSV handling also sees improvements, with better performance and enhanced encoding support. The Import-Csv and Export-Csv cmdlets handle large files more efficiently, and support for different delimiters and quote characters improves flexibility when working with varied data formats. These enhancements make PowerShell 7 more capable as a data processing tool, not just a system administration shell.

Security Enhancements and Considerations

Security improvements in PowerShell 7 reflect lessons learned from years of PowerShell deployment in enterprise environments. The underlying .NET Core platform receives regular security updates, providing a more secure foundation than the aging .NET Framework. Cryptographic operations benefit from modern algorithms and better performance, while maintaining compatibility with existing security infrastructure.

Code signing and execution policies work similarly to Windows PowerShell, but with cross-platform considerations. On Linux and macOS, execution policies are less restrictive by default, reflecting different security models on these platforms. Organizations deploying PowerShell 7 across multiple platforms should establish consistent security policies that account for platform differences while maintaining appropriate security postures.

Secure String Handling

Secure string handling remains important for scripts that work with credentials and sensitive data. PowerShell 7 maintains compatibility with SecureString objects, though the underlying implementation differs due to .NET Core's cross-platform nature. Scripts using secure strings should be tested to ensure that encryption and decryption work correctly, particularly when sharing encrypted data between systems.

Secret management receives attention through the SecretManagement and SecretStore modules, which provide a standardized interface for working with secrets. These modules support multiple secret vaults, including Azure Key Vault, HashiCorp Vault, and local encrypted storage. Adopting these modules during migration improves security by centralizing secret storage and eliminating hardcoded credentials from scripts.

Automation and CI/CD Integration

PowerShell 7's cross-platform nature makes it an excellent choice for automation pipelines that span multiple operating systems. Integration with continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) systems becomes more straightforward, as the same PowerShell scripts can run in build agents regardless of the underlying platform. This consistency reduces maintenance burden and improves reliability of automated workflows.

Container-based workflows benefit particularly from PowerShell 7, with official Docker images available for multiple platforms and base images. These images enable PowerShell scripts to run in containerized environments without complex setup, supporting modern deployment patterns like Kubernetes-based automation and serverless functions. The lightweight nature of PowerShell 7 containers compared to Windows PowerShell makes them practical for scenarios where container size and startup time matter.

Azure Automation and Cloud Integration

Cloud platform integration continues to improve, with Azure Automation supporting PowerShell 7 runbooks and AWS providing PowerShell support in Lambda functions. Migrating automation to PowerShell 7 enables access to these modern cloud automation capabilities while maintaining consistency with on-premises automation. The Az PowerShell module, Microsoft's recommended Azure management module, works excellently with PowerShell 7, providing full access to Azure services.

Infrastructure as Code (IaC) scenarios benefit from PowerShell 7's improved performance and cross-platform support. Scripts that deploy and configure infrastructure can run from any platform, enabling developers to use their preferred operating systems while maintaining consistent deployment processes. Integration with tools like Terraform and Ansible becomes more flexible when PowerShell scripts can run anywhere.

Package Management and Module Distribution

The PowerShell Gallery remains the primary source for community modules, and PowerShell 7 integrates seamlessly with this ecosystem. The Install-Module cmdlet works identically to Windows PowerShell, but benefits from improved performance and better error handling. Module authors increasingly publish versions compatible with PowerShell 7, and many modules now explicitly target cross-platform scenarios.

Creating and publishing modules receives attention in PowerShell 7, with improved tools for module development and testing. The module manifest format remains compatible, but new fields enable better metadata and compatibility declarations. Module authors can specify compatible PowerShell versions, required modules, and platform requirements, helping users understand compatibility before installation.

"The PowerShell Gallery's evolution alongside PowerShell 7 ensures that the rich ecosystem of community modules continues to grow and adapt, providing solutions for an ever-widening range of automation scenarios."

Private Module Repositories

Organizations with private module repositories should ensure these repositories work correctly with PowerShell 7. The repository registration process remains the same, but testing module installation and updates from private repositories validates that the infrastructure works correctly. Some organizations use NuGet feeds or Azure Artifacts as private PowerShell repositories, and these solutions generally work well with PowerShell 7.

Module versioning becomes more important in mixed environments where both Windows PowerShell and PowerShell 7 coexist. Maintaining separate module versions for different PowerShell versions may be necessary for modules with platform-specific code. Semantic versioning and clear compatibility documentation help users understand which module versions to use in different scenarios.

Scheduled Tasks and Background Jobs

Scheduled tasks using PowerShell scripts require updating to specify PowerShell 7 explicitly. On Windows, this means changing the executable path in scheduled task definitions from powershell.exe to pwsh.exe. Testing scheduled tasks after migration ensures they run correctly in the PowerShell 7 environment, with proper logging and error handling.

Background jobs in PowerShell 7 benefit from performance improvements and better resource management. The job infrastructure remains familiar to Windows PowerShell users, but with enhancements like better progress reporting and improved job cleanup. Scripts using background jobs should be tested to ensure that job creation, monitoring, and result retrieval work as expected.

Cross-Platform Scheduling

On Linux and macOS, scheduled tasks use cron rather than Windows Task Scheduler. PowerShell 7 scripts can be scheduled through cron jobs, with the pwsh executable specified in the cron entry. Understanding platform-specific scheduling mechanisms becomes important for cross-platform automation, though the PowerShell scripts themselves remain consistent across platforms.

Long-running scripts and services benefit from PowerShell 7's improved stability and memory management. Scripts designed to run continuously or for extended periods should be tested for memory leaks and resource consumption, ensuring that improvements in PowerShell 7 deliver expected benefits in production scenarios.

Monitoring and Logging Strategies

Effective monitoring and logging become even more important during migration, providing visibility into script execution and helping identify issues quickly. PowerShell 7's enhanced logging capabilities, including better transcription and improved event log integration on Windows, support robust monitoring strategies. Scripts should include appropriate logging at key points, capturing both successful operations and errors.

Structured logging formats like JSON enable better integration with modern monitoring tools and log aggregation platforms. PowerShell 7's improved JSON handling makes it easier to emit structured logs that can be parsed and analyzed programmatically. This approach provides better insights than traditional text-based logs, especially in large-scale environments with significant automation activity.

Performance Monitoring

Monitoring script performance helps validate that migrations deliver expected improvements and identifies scripts that may benefit from optimization. The Measure-Command cmdlet provides basic timing information, while more sophisticated profiling tools can identify specific bottlenecks within scripts. Establishing performance baselines before migration enables meaningful comparison after migration, quantifying the benefits of PowerShell 7 adoption.

Resource utilization monitoring ensures that scripts don't consume excessive memory or CPU, particularly for scripts that run frequently or process large datasets. PowerShell 7's improved resource management should result in lower resource consumption for most scripts, but validation through monitoring confirms these improvements in real-world scenarios.

Documentation and Knowledge Transfer

Documenting migration decisions, compatibility findings, and lessons learned creates valuable knowledge that benefits the entire team. This documentation should include the rationale for migration timing, compatibility matrices for modules and scripts, and any workarounds or special considerations discovered during migration. Well-maintained documentation accelerates future migrations and helps new team members understand the environment.

Training and knowledge transfer ensure that team members understand PowerShell 7's new features and how to use them effectively. Hands-on workshops, documentation reviews, and collaborative migration sessions help build team capability and confidence. Investing in education during migration pays dividends in improved script quality and more effective use of PowerShell 7's capabilities.

Long-Term Support and Update Strategy

PowerShell 7 follows a release cadence with both Long-Term Support (LTS) and current releases. LTS releases receive support for three years, providing stability for production environments. Current releases include the latest features but have shorter support windows. Organizations should decide which release strategy aligns with their operational requirements and risk tolerance.

Establishing an update strategy ensures that PowerShell 7 installations remain current with security patches and bug fixes. Automated update mechanisms, testing procedures for updates, and rollback plans provide confidence that updates can be applied safely. Monitoring PowerShell release announcements and security advisories keeps teams informed about important updates requiring attention.

Community Engagement and Contribution

PowerShell's open-source nature on GitHub enables community participation in its development. Organizations can report issues, suggest features, and even contribute code improvements. Engaging with the PowerShell community provides early visibility into upcoming changes, helps shape the platform's evolution, and connects teams with other PowerShell users facing similar challenges.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Migration

Understanding the costs and benefits of PowerShell 7 migration helps justify the investment and set appropriate expectations. Migration costs include testing time, script updates, training, and potential disruption during transition. Benefits include improved performance, cross-platform capabilities, access to new features, and long-term supportability as Windows PowerShell ages.

Quantifying benefits requires measuring current pain points and projecting improvements. If cross-platform automation is currently handled through multiple tools, consolidating on PowerShell 7 reduces complexity and maintenance burden. If script performance impacts operational efficiency, measured improvements translate to time savings. If module compatibility issues limit automation capabilities, PowerShell 7's ecosystem expansion enables new automation opportunities.

How do I check if my existing scripts are compatible with PowerShell 7?

Start by running your scripts in a PowerShell 7 test environment and observing any errors or unexpected behavior. Use the Test-ScriptFileInfo cmdlet to validate script metadata, and review any modules your scripts depend on for PowerShell 7 compatibility. Create a test suite using Pester to validate that script outputs match expected results. Pay special attention to scripts that interact with Windows-specific features, use .NET Framework APIs, or rely on modules that haven't been updated for PowerShell 7.

Can I run PowerShell 7 and Windows PowerShell simultaneously on the same system?

Yes, PowerShell 7 installs side-by-side with Windows PowerShell without conflict. They use different executable names (pwsh.exe for PowerShell 7 and powershell.exe for Windows PowerShell), separate configuration directories, and independent module paths. This allows gradual migration, with some automation running in PowerShell 7 while other scripts continue using Windows PowerShell. You can even have both versions open in different terminal windows simultaneously.

What happens to my PowerShell modules when I install PowerShell 7?

Modules installed in system-wide locations remain accessible to both Windows PowerShell and PowerShell 7, though compatibility isn't guaranteed. Modules in user-specific Windows PowerShell directories aren't automatically available to PowerShell 7. You may need to reinstall some modules specifically for PowerShell 7, particularly those with binary components or platform-specific code. The $env:PSModulePath variable shows where each version searches for modules, helping you understand module availability.

Is PowerShell 7 suitable for production environments?

Absolutely. PowerShell 7 is production-ready and actively used in enterprise environments worldwide. Microsoft provides Long-Term Support releases with three years of support, making PowerShell 7 appropriate for production deployments requiring stability. The platform's maturity, extensive testing, and widespread adoption demonstrate its readiness for critical automation workloads. However, as with any migration, thorough testing in your specific environment before production deployment remains essential.

How do I handle scripts that use Windows-specific cmdlets in a cross-platform environment?

For scripts that must run on multiple platforms, use conditional logic based on the $IsWindows, $IsLinux, and $IsMacOS automatic variables to execute platform-specific code only where appropriate. Consider abstracting platform-specific functionality into separate functions, making the main script logic platform-agnostic. For Windows-specific cmdlets that have no cross-platform equivalent, you may need to maintain separate script versions for different platforms or use remoting to execute Windows-specific operations on Windows systems from other platforms.

What's the best way to migrate scheduled tasks to PowerShell 7?

Update scheduled task definitions to use pwsh.exe instead of powershell.exe, ensuring the full path is specified (typically C:\Program Files\PowerShell\7\pwsh.exe on Windows). Test each scheduled task manually before relying on it in production, verifying that it runs correctly with PowerShell 7 and that logging and error handling work as expected. Consider migrating scheduled tasks gradually, starting with less critical tasks to build confidence before migrating business-critical automation.