Add-WindowsFeature is a powerful PowerShell command that allows you to add Windows features to your computer. It is a versatile tool that can be used to install, uninstall, and configure Windows features. This command is especially useful for administrators who need to quickly and easily add or remove features from a Windows system.
In this article, we will explore the syntax, parameters, inputs, outputs, examples, and tips for using the Add-WindowsFeature command. We will also discuss how to use this command to add or remove Windows features from your computer.
Syntax
The syntax for the Add-WindowsFeature command is as follows:
Add-WindowsFeature [-Name] FeatureName [-IncludeAllSubFeature] [-Source] SourcePath [-LogPath] LogPath [-Restart] [-WhatIf] [-Confirm] [-Force]
Parameters
The Add-WindowsFeature command has several parameters that can be used to customize the installation process. These parameters are listed below:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| -Name | The name of the Windows feature to be installed. |
| -IncludeAllSubFeature | Specifies whether to install all sub-features of the specified feature. |
| -Source | The path to the source files for the feature. |
| -LogPath | The path to the log file for the installation. |
| -Restart | Specifies whether to restart the computer after the installation is complete. |
| -WhatIf | Displays what would happen if the command were to run without actually running the command. |
| -Confirm | Prompts for confirmation before running the command. |
| -Force | Forces the installation of the feature, even if it is already installed. |
Inputs
The Add-WindowsFeature command requires two inputs: the name of the feature to be installed and the source path for the feature. The feature name can be a single feature or multiple features separated by commas. The source path is the location of the source files for the feature. This path can be a local path or a network path.
Outputs
The Add-WindowsFeature command produces two outputs: a log file and a restart prompt. The log file contains information about the installation process, including any errors that occurred. The restart prompt is displayed if the installation requires a restart of the computer.
Examples
The following examples show how to use the Add-WindowsFeature command to install different Windows features:
- To install the .NET Framework 3.5 feature from a local source:
Add-WindowsFeature -Name Net-Framework-Core -Source C:\Source\NetFramework35
- To install the Hyper-V feature from a network source:
Add-WindowsFeature -Name Hyper-V -Source \\Server\Source\HyperV
- To install all sub-features of the .NET Framework 3.5 feature:
Add-WindowsFeature -Name Net-Framework-Core -IncludeAllSubFeature -Source C:\Source\NetFramework35
- To install the .NET Framework 3.5 feature and restart the computer:
Add-WindowsFeature -Name Net-Framework-Core -Source C:\Source\NetFramework35 -Restart
Tips
Here are some tips for using the Add-WindowsFeature command:
- Always use the -WhatIf parameter to test the command before running it.
- If you are installing multiple features, use the -Name parameter to specify all of the features in a single command.
- If you are installing a feature from a network source, make sure the source path is accessible to the computer.
- If the installation requires a restart, use the -Restart parameter to automatically restart the computer after the installation is complete.
- If you are installing a feature that is already installed, use the -Force parameter to force the installation.
Conclusion
The Add-WindowsFeature command is a powerful tool for administrators who need to quickly and easily add or remove Windows features from their computers. With its versatile syntax, parameters, and inputs, the Add-WindowsFeature command can be used to install, uninstall, and configure Windows features. By following the syntax, parameters, inputs, outputs, examples, and tips outlined in this article, you can use the Add-WindowsFeature command to manage Windows features on your computer.