PowerShell is a powerful scripting language and command-line interface that enables administrators to automate and manage Windows systems. One of the most useful commands in PowerShell is the Set-LocalUser cmdlet, which allows administrators to manage local user accounts on Windows systems. In this guide, we will explore the syntax, parameters, inputs, outputs, examples, and tips for using the Set-LocalUser cmdlet.
What is Set-LocalUser?
The Set-LocalUser cmdlet is a PowerShell command that enables administrators to manage local user accounts on Windows systems. It can be used to create, modify, or delete local user accounts, as well as to set or change user passwords. It can also be used to enable or disable user accounts, and to set user account expiration dates. In addition, the Set-LocalUser cmdlet can be used to assign user rights, such as the ability to log on locally or to access network resources.
Syntax of Set-LocalUser
The syntax of the Set-LocalUser cmdlet is as follows:
Set-LocalUser [-Name] <String> [-Password] <SecureString> [-Description <String>] [-DisplayName <String>] [-Enabled <Boolean>] [-PasswordNeverExpires <Boolean>] [-PasswordChangeable <Boolean>] [-PasswordRequired <Boolean>] [-UserMayNotChangePassword <Boolean>] [-AccountExpirationDate <DateTime>] [-AccountNotDelegated <Boolean>] [-AccountNotLockedOut <Boolean>] [-CannotChangePassword <Boolean>] [-Force] [-WhatIf] [-Confirm] [<CommonParameters>]
Parameters of Set-LocalUser
The Set-LocalUser cmdlet has the following parameters:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | The name of the local user account. |
| Password | The password for the local user account. |
| Description | A description of the local user account. |
| DisplayName | The display name of the local user account. |
| Enabled | A Boolean value that indicates whether the local user account is enabled or disabled. |
| PasswordNeverExpires | A Boolean value that indicates whether the local user account’s password will never expire. |
| PasswordChangeable | A Boolean value that indicates whether the local user account’s password can be changed. |
| PasswordRequired | A Boolean value that indicates whether the local user account requires a password. |
| UserMayNotChangePassword | A Boolean value that indicates whether the local user account is allowed to change its password. |
| AccountExpirationDate | The date when the local user account will expire. |
| AccountNotDelegated | A Boolean value that indicates whether the local user account can be delegated. |
| AccountNotLockedOut | A Boolean value that indicates whether the local user account is locked out. |
| CannotChangePassword | A Boolean value that indicates whether the local user account is allowed to change its password. |
| Force | A Boolean value that indicates whether the cmdlet will run without prompting for confirmation. |
| WhatIf | A Boolean value that indicates whether the cmdlet will run without actually performing the action. |
| Confirm | A Boolean value that indicates whether the cmdlet will prompt for confirmation before running. |
Inputs of Set-LocalUser
The Set-LocalUser cmdlet requires the following inputs:
- Name: The name of the local user account.
- Password: The password for the local user account.
Outputs of Set-LocalUser
The Set-LocalUser cmdlet does not produce any output.
Examples of Set-LocalUser
The following examples demonstrate how to use the Set-LocalUser cmdlet:
- To create a new local user account, use the following command:
Set-LocalUser -Name "John Doe" -Password (ConvertTo-SecureString "password123" -AsPlainText -Force) - To set the password for an existing local user account, use the following command:
Set-LocalUser -Name "John Doe" -Password (ConvertTo-SecureString "password456" -AsPlainText -Force) - To enable an existing local user account, use the following command:
Set-LocalUser -Name "John Doe" -Enabled $true - To disable an existing local user account, use the following command:
Set-LocalUser -Name "John Doe" -Enabled $false - To set the expiration date for an existing local user account, use the following command:
Set-LocalUser -Name "John Doe" -AccountExpirationDate "01/01/2021"
Tips for Using Set-LocalUser
When using the Set-LocalUser cmdlet, keep the following tips in mind:
- Make sure to specify the correct name for the local user account.
- When setting a password for a local user account, use a secure string.
- When setting an expiration date for a local user account, use the correct date format.
- If you are creating a new local user account, make sure to set the appropriate user rights.
- If you are modifying an existing local user account, make sure to use the
-Forceparameter to bypass any confirmation prompts. - When disabling a local user account, make sure to use the
-Forceparameter to bypass any confirmation prompts.
By following these tips, you can ensure that the Set-LocalUser cmdlet runs smoothly and that your local user accounts are managed properly.