Powershell Batch File

How to Make Powershell Run a Batch File and Stay Open

If you’re transitioning from the old command prompt to Powershell, you might have encountered a little hiccup: how to run a batch file and keep the Powershell window open after it’s done executing. This process can be helpful when you want to continue working with the output or check any details without launching the batch file again. In this post, we will explain how to achieve this easily.

The Common Problem

In the classic Command Prompt environment, you could run a batch file and keep the window open by using the command:

cmd.exe /k mybatchfile.bat

This would execute your mybatchfile.bat script and leave the command prompt available for further commands. However, with Powershell, the situation is slightly different, and we’ll outline the solution for you.

The Solution: Using the -noexit Flag

The key to keeping the Powershell window open lies in utilizing the -noexit parameter when calling Powershell. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open Powershell: You can start by opening your Powershell application. You can search for “Powershell” in the Windows search bar.

  2. Enter the Command: Type the following command in the Powershell window:

    powershell -noexit -command "& 'C:\path\to\your\mybatchfile.bat'"
    • Breakdown of the Command:
      • powershell: This invokes Powershell itself.
      • -noexit: This flag ensures that the Powershell session remains open after the command runs.
      • -command: This tells Powershell that you want to execute a command.
      • & 'C:\path\to\your\mybatchfile.bat': This part runs your batch file.

  3. Modify the File Path: Ensure that you replace C:\path\to\your\mybatchfile.bat with the actual path of your batch file on your system.

Example

Let’s say your batch file is located in C:\Scripts\mybatchfile.bat. You would type:

powershell -noexit -command "& 'C:\Scripts\mybatchfile.bat'"

Result

By following these directions, you should see the batch file execute, and the Powershell window will stay open, allowing you to input more commands as needed. This method is a straightforward way to integrate batch files into your Powershell workflow without having to start from scratch each time.

Final Thoughts

Using the -noexit parameter is a simple yet effective way to execute batch files in Powershell while keeping your session active. This allows for a smoother and more flexible work process as you manage scripts and commands.

If you have any further questions or encounter any issues, feel free to reach out! Happy scripting!