Modern Windows device management has come a long way. With UEM-based endpoint management, IT teams can enforce security baselines, configure system settings, deploy applications, and maintain compliance at scale.
But even in the most mature Windows management environments, there are always scenarios that require customization.
That’s where PowerShell scripting continues to play an important role.
Custom scripts extend Windows device management beyond predefined policies, giving administrators the flexibility to detect, validate, and remediate device state in ways that align with their organization’s exact requirements. Whether you’re gathering custom data, enforcing internal standards, or configuring applications with unique needs, scripting remains a powerful complement to device management.
Below are five practical use cases where custom PowerShell scripts add real value to Windows endpoint management, regardless of how complete your UEM feature set is.
1. Gathering Custom Device Information
Every organization cares about device attributes that aren’t always available through standard inventory fields. Custom scripts allow IT teams to collect exactly the information they need, in the format they need it.
Common examples include:
- Detecting the presence of specific files or folders
- Querying installed software versions not exposed via UEM inventory
- Reading custom registry values
- Checking hardware attributes or firmware states
- Validating internal tagging or configuration markers
For example, a script might verify whether a device has an app that doesn’t register normally as an installed app on the device, such as a required internal agent installed, and report its version. If the agent is missing or outdated, remediation logic can trigger an update or reinstall.
This capability is especially useful for organizations with legacy applications or specialized workflows that require deeper visibility into device state.
2. Auditing and Remediating Custom Compliance Requirements
Not all compliance requirements map cleanly to native Windows or UEM policies.
Many organizations have internal standards that require validating a specific system state and correcting it when necessary. Custom scripts make it possible to implement a clear audit-and-remediation workflow.
A common pattern looks like this:
- Audit: Check whether a registry key exists and is set to an approved value
- Remediation: Create or update the registry key if it does not meet the requirement
This approach works well for:
- Security hardening settings
- OS behavior adjustments
- Feature enablement or restriction
- Internal policy enforcement
By separating detection logic from enforcement, scripts can safely assess compliance before making changes. This reduces risk while ensuring devices stay aligned with policy over time.
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3. Configuring Application Settings Beyond Installation
Deploying an application is often only part of the job.
Many Windows applications require additional configuration after installation. This might involve configuration files, registry settings, or a combination of both. Custom PowerShell scripts are well suited for handling these scenarios.
Common examples include:
- Writing configuration files to application directories
- Setting application-specific registry values
- Updating configuration when an app version changes
- Resetting settings that users may modify
Because these configurations are often unique to a specific application or environment, they do not always make sense as native UEM settings. Scripts allow IT teams to enforce consistency without relying on manual setup or complex packaging.
4. Enforcing Internal Standards and Device Hygiene
Beyond security and applications, many organizations use scripting to enforce internal operational standards.
These standards help maintain consistency, reduce support issues, and simplify troubleshooting across large device fleets.
Common use cases include:
- Ensuring specific files or folders are present or removed
- Cleaning up deprecated configuration artifacts
- Validating naming conventions or internal markers
- Removing legacy software components
- Resetting misconfigured services
For example, a script could audit for the presence of an outdated configuration file and remove it automatically if found. Without automation, this kind of cleanup is difficult to manage at scale.
By embedding these checks into device management workflows, IT teams can continuously maintain device hygiene without user involvement.
5. Automating One-Off or Environment-Specific Tasks
No two Windows environments are identical.
Even with standardized tooling, IT teams regularly encounter one-off or environment-specific requirements. Custom PowerShell scripts provide a flexible way to address these needs without disrupting broader management workflows.
Examples include:
- Preparing devices for reassignment or reuse
- Applying environment-specific configuration during rollout
- Performing targeted remediation during an incident
- Running temporary enforcement during migrations or transitions
Because scripts can be scoped and assigned through device management, administrators can apply changes precisely where they are needed, and only for as long as they are required.
Why Custom Scripts Still Matter in Windows UEM
Even with a comprehensive set of native Windows management features, scripting remains essential.
Windows is an extremely flexible platform, and organizations use it in equally flexible ways. Custom PowerShell scripts allow IT teams to:
- Extend device management without waiting for new native policies
- Solve edge cases safely and consistently
- Enforce internal standards that evolve over time
- Adapt quickly to new requirements
Rather than replacing UEM, scripting complements it. It provides the flexibility needed to manage real-world Windows environments at scale.
Using Custom PowerShell Scripts with Iru
In Iru, the Windows Custom Script Library Item allows PowerShell scripts to run across enrolled Windows devices using an audit-and-remediation model.
You can upload signed PowerShell (.ps1) scripts or author scripts directly in the Library Item. Optional command-line parameters can be passed at runtime, and scripts can be configured to run in either 32-bit or 64-bit PowerShell.
Audit scripts evaluate device state using standard exit codes. Remediation scripts run automatically when a device does not meet the defined criteria. Script status updates immediately in Iru, with access to standard output and standard error for visibility and troubleshooting.
Scripts execute with system-level context and run independently of user interaction. This makes it possible to safely enforce configuration, collect custom device information, and remediate issues across Windows devices in a consistent and repeatable way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do PowerShell scripts replace native Windows UEM policies?
No. Native UEM policies should be used whenever possible. Scripts are best used to extend management into areas that require customization or are not covered by predefined settings.
Can scripts both detect and fix issues automatically?
Yes. Scripts commonly follow an audit-and-remediation model, where device state is evaluated first and corrected only when necessary.
Are scripts safe to run across large device fleets?
When written and tested properly, yes. Best practices include testing on non-production devices, handling errors explicitly, and making scripts idempotent so repeated runs are safe.
Can scripts be used only for reporting or visibility?
Absolutely. Scripts can be used purely for detection or data collection without making any changes to the device.
Will scripting still be relevant as Windows UEM evolves?
Yes. As Windows continues to evolve, scripting remains a durable and flexible tool for handling custom requirements, integrations, and edge cases.
Want to see Iru’s Endpoint Management in action?
Register for a demo or reach out to our team to learn how Iru simplifies Windows device management at scale.