PoshBytes: Download Large Files with Start-BitsTransfer
PoshBytes: Download Large Files with Start-BitsTransfer Learn when to use Start-BitsTransfer for reliable downloads in PowerShell. This demo shows how BITS can download files, run transfers in the background, and manage multiple jobs. This post is a companion for the video embedded below. Scroll down to see the code and full transcript from the video. Welcome to PoshBytes, where we automate...
PoshBytes: Stop Clicking Download. Use Invoke-WebRequest
PoshBytes: Stop Clicking Download. Use Invoke-WebRequest Learn how to download files directly in PowerShell using Invoke-WebRequest. This quick demo shows simple and repeatable ways to grab files without a browser. This post is a companion for the video embedded below. Scroll down to see the code from the video. You ever download a file, move it, rename it, then realize you...
PoshBytes: To Delete or To Empty Items? PowerShell Has Opinions
PoshBytes: To Delete or To Empty Items? PowerShell Has Opinions Remove-ItemProperty and Clear-ItemProperty both change properties, but they do very different things. In this PoshBytes, we’ll look at when to delete the property and when to simply empty it out. This post is a companion for the video embedded below. Scroll down to see the code from the video. Today we’re...
PoshBytes: Formatting Strings with -f Like a Pro
PoshBytes: Formatting Strings with -f Like a Pro Learn how to use the PowerShell format operator -f to dynamically replace placeholders like {0} in strings. This quick demo shows how to build clean, reusable output without messy concatenation. This post is a companion for the video embedded below. Scroll down to see the code from the video. Welcome to PoshBytes, where...
PowerShell Vulnerability Update (CVE-2026-26143): What You Need to Know
CVE-2026-26143 was published, on April 14, 2026, impacting modern (Core-based) versions of PowerShell—specifically versions 7.4 and 7.5 prior to recent patches. Before diving into the details, it’s important to understand that this vulnerability is not something that can be exploited under normal, secure usage. This issue specifically requires the use of the -SkipLimitCheck parameter on the Import-PowerShellDataFile cmdlet. That parameter...
PoshBytes: When PowerShell Cares About Case
PoshBytes: When PowerShell Cares About Case PowerShell usually ignores case, but its operators can tell a very different story. Learn when and how to use case-sensitive operators like -ceq and -cmatch. This post is a companion for the video embedded below. Scroll down to see the code from the video. The default behavior Case-insensitive comparison "hello" -eq "HELLO" When you actually...
PoshBytes: What The Blank!
PoshBytes: What The Blank! In PowerShell, a value that *looks* blank might still contain spaces or tabs. In this PoshBytes short, we explore the difference between IsNullOrEmpty() and IsNullOrWhiteSpace() so your scripts can detect truly blank values. This post is a companion for the video embedded below. Scroll down to see the code from the video. Checking if a string is...
PoshBytes: Is That Really False?
PoshBytes: Is That Really False? A quick look at why if($value) is not always the same as checking for true or false in PowerShell. Learn how PowerShell treats strings, numbers, and nulls in Boolean checks so your logic does not wander off and join the circus. This post is a companion for the video embedded below. Scroll down to see the...
PoshBytes: Fixing Word Formatting with PowerShell
PoshBytes: Fixing Word Formatting with PowerShell Three blank pages at the end of a Word document that refuse to disappear. Instead of fighting Word’s formatting ghosts, we use PowerShell to surgically fix everything. This post is a companion for the video embedded below. Scroll down to see the code from the video. Example of something Open Word and the document $Word...
PoshBytes: What the Method
PoshBytes: What the Method What is a method in PowerShell and why should you care. In this episode of PoshBytes, we break down what methods are, how to call them, and how to discover them using real examples. This post is a companion for the video embedded below. Scroll down to see the code from the video. Example of something Create...
My name is Matthew Dowst and I am a father, author, blogger, Microsoft MVP in PowerShell and Azure Hybrid & Migration. And I am an enthusiast of all things PowerShell and DevOps.
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