New-PSSessionConfigurationFile

  • Reference
Module:
Microsoft.PowerShell.Core

Creates a file that defines a session configuration.

Syntax

New-PSSessionConfigurationFile
   [-Path] <String>
   [-SchemaVersion <Version>]
   [-Guid <Guid>]
   [-Author <String>]
   [-CompanyName <String>]
   [-Copyright <String>]
   [-Description <String>]
   [-PowerShellVersion <Version>]
   [-SessionType <SessionType>]
   [-ModulesToImport <Object[]>]
   [-AssembliesToLoad <String[]>]
   [-VisibleAliases <String[]>]
   [-VisibleCmdlets <String[]>]
   [-VisibleFunctions <String[]>]
   [-VisibleProviders <String[]>]
   [-AliasDefinitions <Hashtable[]>]
   [-FunctionDefinitions <Hashtable[]>]
   [-VariableDefinitions <Object>]
   [-EnvironmentVariables <Object>]
   [-TypesToProcess <String[]>]
   [-FormatsToProcess <String[]>]
   [-LanguageMode <PSLanguageMode>]
   [-ExecutionPolicy <ExecutionPolicy>]
   [-ScriptsToProcess <String[]>]
   [<CommonParameters>]

Description

The New-PSSessionConfigurationFile cmdlet creates a file of settings that define a session configuration and the environment of sessions that are created by using the session configuration. To use the file in a session configuration, use the Path parameter of the Register-PSSessionConfiguration or Set-PSSessionConfiguration cmdlets.

The session configuration file that New-PSSessionConfigurationFile creates is a human-readable text file that contains a hash table of the session configuration properties and values. The file has a .pssc filename extension.

All parameters of New-PSSessionConfigurationFile are optional, except for the Path parameter. If you omit a parameter, the corresponding key in the session configuration file is commented-out, except where noted in the parameter description.

A session configuration, also known as an endpoint, is a collection of settings on the local computer that define the environment for PowerShell sessions (PSSessions) that connect to the computer. All PSSessions use a session configuration. To specify a particular session configuration, use the ConfigurationName parameter of cmdlets that create a session, such as the New-PSSession cmdlet.

A session configuration file makes it easy to define a session configuration without complex scripts or code assemblies. The settings in the file are used with the optional startup script and any assemblies in the session configuration.

For more information about session configurations and session configuration files, see about_Session_Configurations and about_Session_Configuration_Files.

This cmdlet was introduced in PowerShell 3.0.

Examples

Example 1: Creating and using a NoLanguage session

This example show how to create and the effects of using a no-language session.

The steps include:

  1. Create a new configuration file.
  2. Register the configuration.
  3. Create a new session that uses the configuration.
  4. Run commands in that new session.

To run the commands in this example, start PowerShell by using the Run as administrator option. This option is required to run the Register-PSSessionConfiguration cmdlet.

New-PSSessionConfigurationFile -Path .\NoLanguage.pssc -LanguageMode NoLanguage
Register-PSSessionConfiguration -Path .\NoLanguage.pssc -Name NoLanguage -Force
$NoLanguage = New-PSSession -ComputerName Srv01 -ConfigurationName NoLanguage
Invoke-Command -Session $NoLanguage -ScriptBlock { if ((Get-Date) -lt '1January2099') {'Before'} else {'After'} }

The syntax is not supported by this runspace. This might be because it is in no-language mode.
    + CategoryInfo          : ParserError: (if ((Get-Date) ...') {'Before'}  :String) [], ParseException
    + FullyQualifiedErrorId : ScriptsNotAllowed
    + PSComputerName        : localhost

In this example, the Invoke-Command fails because the LanguageMode is set to NoLanguage.

Example 2: Creating and using a RestrictedLanguage session

This example show how to create and the effects of using a no-language session.

The steps include:

  1. Create a new configuration file.
  2. Register the configuration.
  3. Create a new session that uses the configuration.
  4. Run commands in that new session.

To run the commands in this example, start PowerShell by using the Run as administrator option. This option is required to run the Register-PSSessionConfiguration cmdlet.

New-PSSessionConfigurationFile -Path .\NoLanguage.pssc -LanguageMode RestrictedLanguage
Register-PSSessionConfiguration -Path .\NoLanguage.pssc -Name RestrictedLanguage -Force
$NoLanguage = New-PSSession -ComputerName Srv01 -ConfigurationName RestrictedLanguage
Invoke-Command -Session $NoLanguage -ScriptBlock { if ((Get-Date) -lt '1January2099') {'Before'} else {'After'} }

Before

In this example, the Invoke-Command succeeds because the LanguageMode is set to RestrictedLanguage.

Example 3: Changing a Session Configuration File

This example shows how to change the session configuration file that is used in an existing session named "ITTasks". Previously, these sessions had only the core modules and an internal ITTasks module. The administrator wants to add the PSScheduledJob module to sessions created by using the ITTasks session configuration.

New-PSSessionConfigurationFile -Path .\New-ITTasks.pssc -ModulesToImport Microsoft*, ITTasks, PSScheduledJob
Set-PSSessionConfiguration -Name ITTasks -Path .\New-ITTasks.pssc

The New-PSSessionConfigurationFile cmdlet to create a session configuration file that imports the required modules. The Set-PSSessionConfiguration cmdlet replaces the current configuration file with the new one. This new configuration only affects new sessions created after the change. Existing "ITTasks" sessions are not affected.

Example 4: Editing a Session Configuration File

This example shows how to change a session configuration by editing the active session configuration copy of the configuration file. To modify the session configuration copy of the configuration file, you must have full control access to the file. This may require you to change the permissions on the file.

In this scenario, we want to add a new alias for the Select-String cmdlet by editing the active configuration file.

The example code below performs the following steps to make this change:

  1. Get the configuration file path for the ITConfig session.
  2. The user edits the configuration file using Notepad.exe to change the AliasDefinitions value as follows: AliasDefinitions = @(@{Name='slst';Value='Select-String'}).
  3. Test the updated configuration file.
$ITConfig = Get-PSSessionConfiguration -Name ITConfig
notepad.exe $ITConfig.ConfigFilePath
Test-PSSessionConfigurationFile -Path $ITConfig.ConfigFilePath

True

Use the Verbose parameter with Test-PSSessionConfigurationFile to display any errors that are detected. The cmdlet returns $True if no errors are detected in the file.

Example 5: Create a sample configuration file

This example shows a New-PSSessionConfigurationFile command that uses all the cmdlet parameters. It is included to show the correct input format for each parameter.

The resulting SampleFile.pssc is displayed in the output.

$configSettings = @{
    Path = '.\SampleFile.pssc'
    SchemaVersion = '1.0.0.0'
    Author = 'User01'
    Copyright = '(c) Fabrikam Corporation. All rights reserved.'
    CompanyName = 'Fabrikam Corporation'
    Description = 'This is a sample file.'
    ExecutionPolicy = 'AllSigned'
    PowerShellVersion = '3.0'
    LanguageMode = 'FullLanguage'
    SessionType = 'Default'
    EnvironmentVariables = @{TESTSHARE='\\Test2\Test'}
    ModulesToImport = @{ModuleName='PSScheduledJob'; ModuleVersion='1.0.0.0'; GUID='50cdb55f-5ab7-489f-9e94-4ec21ff51e59'},'PSDiagnostics'
    AssembliesToLoad = 'System.Web.Services','FSharp.Compiler.CodeDom.dll'
    TypesToProcess = 'Types1.ps1xml','Types2.ps1xml'
    FormatsToProcess = 'CustomFormats.ps1xml'
    ScriptsToProcess = 'Get-Inputs.ps1'
    AliasDefinitions = @{Name='hlp';Value='Get-Help';Description='Gets help.';Options='AllScope'},@{Name='Update';Value='Update-Help';Description='Updates help';Options='ReadOnly'}
    FunctionDefinitions = @{Name='Get-Function';ScriptBlock={Get-Command -CommandType Function};Options='ReadOnly'}
    VariableDefinitions = @{Name='WarningPreference';Value='SilentlyContinue'}
    VisibleAliases = 'c*','g*','i*','s*'
    VisibleCmdlets = 'Get*'
    VisibleFunctions = 'Get*'
    VisibleProviders = 'FileSystem','Function','Variable'
}
New-PSSessionConfigurationFile @configSettings
Get-Content SampleFile.pssc

@{

# Version number of the schema used for this configuration file
SchemaVersion = '1.0.0.0'

# ID used to uniquely identify this session configuration
GUID = 'f7039ffa-7e54-4382-b358-a393c75c30d3'

# Specifies the execution policy for this session configuration
ExecutionPolicy = 'AllSigned'

# Specifies the language mode for this session configuration
LanguageMode = 'FullLanguage'

# Initial state of this session configuration
SessionType = 'Default'

# Environment variables defined in this session configuration
EnvironmentVariables = @{
    TESTSHARE='\\Test2\Test'
}

# Author of this session configuration
Author = 'User01'

# Company associated with this session configuration
CompanyName = 'Fabrikam Corporation'

# Copyright statement for this session configuration
Copyright = '(c) Fabrikam Corporation. All rights reserved.'

# Description of the functionality provided by this session configuration
Description = 'This is a sample file.'

# Version of the PowerShell engine used by this session configuration
PowerShellVersion = '3.0'

# Modules that will be imported
ModulesToImport = @{
    ModuleVersion='1.0.0.0'
    ModuleName='PSScheduledJob'
    GUID='50cdb55f-5ab7-489f-9e94-4ec21ff51e59'
}, 'PSDiagnostics'

# Assemblies that will be loaded in this session configuration
AssembliesToLoad = 'System.Web.Services', 'FSharp.Compiler.CodeDom.dll'

# Aliases visible in this session configuration
VisibleAliases = 'c*', 'g*', 'i*', 's*'

# Cmdlets visible in this session configuration
VisibleCmdlets = 'Get*'

# Functions visible in this session configuration
VisibleFunctions = 'Get*'

# Providers visible in this session configuration
VisibleProviders = 'FileSystem', 'Function', 'Variable'

# Aliases defined in this session configuration
AliasDefinitions = @(
@{
    Description='Gets help.'
    Name='hlp'
    Options='AllScope'
    Value='Get-Help'
},
@{
    Description='Updates help'
    Name='Update'
    Options='ReadOnly'
    Value='Update-Help'
}
)

# Functions defined in this session configuration
FunctionDefinitions = @(
@{
    Name='Get-Function'
    Options='ReadOnly'
    ScriptBlock={Get-Command -CommandType Function}
}
)

# Variables defined in this session configuration
VariableDefinitions = @(
@{
    Value='SilentlyContinue'
    Name='WarningPreference'

# Type files (.ps1xml) that will be loaded in this session configuration
TypesToProcess = 'C:\WINDOWS\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\SessionConfig\Types1.ps1xml', 'C:\WINDOWS\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\SessionConfig\Types2.ps1xml'

# Format files (.ps1xml) that will be loaded in this session configuration
FormatsToProcess = 'C:\WINDOWS\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\SessionConfig\CustomFormats.ps1xml'

# Specifies the scripts to execute after the session is configured
ScriptsToProcess = 'C:\WINDOWS\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\SessionConfig\Get-Inputs.ps1'
}

This example displays a New-PSSessionConfigurationFile command that uses all of the cmdlet parameters. It is included to show the correct input format for each parameter.

The resulting SampleFile.pssc is displayed in the output.

Parameters

-AliasDefinitions

Adds the specified aliases to sessions that use the session configuration. Enter a hash table with the following keys:

  • Name - Name of the alias. This key is required.
  • Value - The command that the alias represents. This key is required.
  • Description - A text string that describes the alias. This key is optional.
  • Options - Alias options. This key is optional. The default value is None. The acceptable values for this parameter are: None, ReadOnly, Constant, Private, or AllScope.

For example: @{Name='hlp';Value='Get-Help';Description='Gets help';Options='ReadOnly'}

Type:Hashtable[]
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-AssembliesToLoad

Specifies the assemblies to load into the sessions that use the session configuration.

Type:String[]
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-Author

Specifies the author of the session configuration or the configuration file. The default is the current user. The value of this parameter is visible in the session configuration file, but it is not a property of the session configuration object.

Type:String
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-CompanyName

Specifies the company that created the session configuration or the configuration file. The default value is Unknown. The value of this parameter is visible in the session configuration file, but it is not a property of the session configuration object.

Type:String
Position:Named
Default value:Unknown
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-Copyright

Specifies a copyright the session configuration file. The value of this parameter is visible in the session configuration file, but it is not a property of the session configuration object.

If you omit this parameter, New-PSSessionConfigurationFile generates a copyright statement by using the value of the Author parameter.

Type:String
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-Description

Specifies a description of the session configuration or the session configuration file. The value of this parameter is visible in the session configuration file, but it is not a property of the session configuration object.

Type:String
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-EnvironmentVariables

Adds environment variables to the session. Enter a hash table in which the keys are the environment variable names and the values are the environment variable values.

For example: EnvironmentVariables=@{TestShare='\\Server01\TestShare'}

Type:Object
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-ExecutionPolicy

Specifies the execution policy of sessions that use the session configuration. If you omit this parameter, the value of the ExecutionPolicy key in the session configuration file is Restricted. For information about execution policies in PowerShell, see about_Execution_Policies.

Type:ExecutionPolicy
Accepted values:Unrestricted, RemoteSigned, AllSigned, Restricted, Default, Bypass, Undefined
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-FormatsToProcess

Specifies the formatting files (.ps1xml) that run in sessions that use the session configuration. The value of this parameter must be a full or absolute path of the formatting files.

Type:String[]
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-FunctionDefinitions

Adds the specified functions to sessions that use the session configuration. Enter a hash table with the following keys:

  • Name - Name of the function. This key is required.
  • ScriptBlock - Function body. Enter a script block. This key is required.
  • Options - Function options. This key is optional. The default value is None. The acceptable values for this parameter are: None, ReadOnly, Constant, Private, or AllScope.

For example: @{Name='Get-PowerShellProcess';ScriptBlock={Get-Process PowerShell};Options='AllScope'}

Type:Hashtable[]
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-Guid

Specifies a unique identifier for the session configuration file. If you omit this parameter, New-PSSessionConfigurationFile generates a GUID for the file. To create a new GUID in PowerShell, type New-Guid.

Type:Guid
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-LanguageMode

Determines which elements of the PowerShell language are permitted in sessions that use this session configuration. You can use this parameter to restrict the commands that particular users can run on the computer.

The acceptable values for this parameter are:

  • FullLanguage - All language elements are permitted.
  • ConstrainedLanguage - Commands that contain scripts to be evaluated are not allowed. The ConstrainedLanguage mode restricts user access to Microsoft .NET Framework types, objects, or methods.
  • NoLanguage - Users may run cmdlets and functions, but are not permitted to use any language elements, such as script blocks, variables, or operators.
  • RestrictedLanguage - Users may run cmdlets and functions, but are not permitted to use script blocks or variables except for the following permitted variables: $PSCulture, $PSUICulture, $True, $False, and $Null. Users may use only the basic comparison operators (-eq, -gt, -lt). Assignment statements, property references, and method calls are not permitted.

The default value of the LanguageMode parameter depends on the value of the SessionType parameter.

  • Empty - NoLanguage
  • RestrictedRemoteServer - NoLanguage
  • Default - FullLanguage
Type:PSLanguageMode
Accepted values:FullLanguage, RestrictedLanguage, NoLanguage, ConstrainedLanguage
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-ModulesToImport

Specifies the modules and snap-ins that are automatically imported into sessions that use the session configuration.

By default, only the Microsoft.PowerShell.Core snap-in is imported into remote sessions, but unless the cmdlets are excluded, users can use the Import-Module and Add-PSSnapin cmdlets to add modules and snap-ins to the session.

Each module or snap-in in the value of this parameter can be represented by a string or as a hash table. A module string consists only of the name of the module or snap-in. A module hash table can include ModuleName, ModuleVersion, and GUID keys. Only the ModuleName key is required.

For example, the following value consists of a string and a hash table. Any combination of strings and hash tables, in any order, is valid.

'TroubleshootingPack', @{ModuleName='PSDiagnostics'; ModuleVersion='1.0.0.0';GUID='c61d6278-02a3-4618-ae37-a524d40a7f44'}

The value of the ModulesToImport parameter of the Register-PSSessionConfiguration cmdlet takes precedence over the value of the ModulesToImport key in the session configuration file.

Type:Object[]
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-Path

Specifies the path and filename of the session configuration file. The file must have a .pssc file name extension.

Type:String
Position:0
Default value:None
Required:True
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-PowerShellVersion

Specifies the version of the PowerShell engine in sessions that use the session configuration. The acceptable values for this parameter are: 2.0 and 3.0. If you omit this parameter, the PowerShellVersion key is commented-out and newest version of PowerShell runs in the session.

The value of the PSVersion parameter of the Register-PSSessionConfiguration cmdlet takes precedence over the value of the PowerShellVersion key in the session configuration file.

Type:Version
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-SchemaVersion

Specifies the version of the session configuration file schema. The default value is "1.0.0.0".

Type:Version
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-ScriptsToProcess

Adds the specified scripts to sessions that use the session configuration. Enter the path and file names of the scripts. The value of this parameter must be a full or absolute path of script file names.

Type:String[]
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-SessionType

Specifies the type of session that is created by using the session configuration. The default value is Default. The acceptable values for this parameter are:

  • Empty - No modules are added to session by default. Use the parameters of this cmdlet to add modules, functions, scripts, and other features to the session. This option is designed for you to create custom sessions by adding selected commands. If you do not add commands to an empty session, the session is limited to expressions and might not be usable.
  • Default - Adds the Microsoft.PowerShell.Core module to the session. This module includes the Import-Module cmdlet that users can use to import other modules unless you explicitly prohibit this cmdlet.
  • RestrictedRemoteServer. Includes only the following proxy functions: Exit-PSSession, Get-Command, Get-FormatData, Get-Help, Measure-Object, Out-Default, and Select-Object. Use the parameters of this cmdlet to add modules, functions, scripts, and other features to the session.
Type:SessionType
Accepted values:Empty, RestrictedRemoteServer, Default
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-TypesToProcess

Adds the specified .ps1xml type files to sessions that use the session configuration. Enter the type filenames. The value of this parameter must be a full or absolute path to type filenames.

Type:String[]
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-VariableDefinitions

Adds the specified variables to sessions that use the session configuration. Enter a hash table with the following keys:

  • Name - Name of the variable. This key is required.
  • Value - Variable value. This key is required.
  • Options - Variable options. This key is optional. The default value is None. The acceptable values for this parameter are: None, ReadOnly, Constant, Private, or AllScope.

For example: @{Name='WarningPreference';Value='SilentlyContinue';Options='AllScope'}

Type:Object
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-VisibleAliases

Limits the aliases in the session to those specified in the value of this parameter, plus any aliases that you define in the AliasDefinition parameter. Wildcard characters are supported. By default, all aliases that are defined by the PowerShell engine and all aliases that modules export are visible in the session.

For example: VisibleAliases='gcm', 'gp'

When any Visible parameter is included in the session configuration file, PowerShell removes the Import-Module cmdlet and its ipmo alias from the session.

Type:String[]
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:True

-VisibleCmdlets

Limits the cmdlets in the session to those specified in the value of this parameter. Wildcard characters and Module Qualified Names are supported.

By default, all cmdlets that modules in the session export are visible in the session. Use the SessionType and ModulesToImport parameters to determine which modules and snap-ins are imported into the session. If no modules in ModulesToImport expose the cmdlet, the appropriate module will attempt to be autoloaded.

When any Visible parameter is included in the session configuration file, PowerShell removes the Import-Module cmdlet and its ipmo alias from the session.

Type:String[]
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:True

-VisibleFunctions

Limits the functions in the session to those specified in the value of this parameter, plus any functions that you define in the FunctionDefinition parameter. Wildcard characters are supported.

By default, all functions that modules in the session export are visible in the session. Use the SessionType and ModulesToImport parameters to determine which modules and snap-ins are imported into the session.

When any Visible parameter is included in the session configuration file, PowerShell removes the Import-Module cmdlet and its ipmo alias from the session.

Type:String[]
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:True

-VisibleProviders

Limits the PowerShell providers in the session to those specified in the value of this parameter. Wildcard characters are supported.

By default, all providers that modules in the session export are visible in the session. Use the SessionType and ModulesToImport parameters to determine which modules are imported into the session.

When any Visible parameter is included in the session configuration file, PowerShell removes the Import-Module cmdlet and its ipmo alias from the session.

Type:String[]
Position:Named
Default value:None
Required:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:True

Inputs

None

You cannot pipe any objects to this cmdlet.

Outputs

None

This cmdlet does not generate any output.

Notes

  • Parameters, such as VisibleCmdlets and VisibleProviders, do not import items into the session. Instead, they select from among the items imported into the session. For example, if the value of the VisibleProviders parameter is the Certificate provider, but the ModulesToImport parameter does not specify the Microsoft.PowerShell.Security module that contains the Certificate provider, the Certificate provider is not visible in the session.

  • New-PSSessionConfigurationFile creates a session configuration file that has a .pssc file name extension in the path that you specify in the Path parameter. When you use the session configuration file to create a session configuration, the Register-PSSessionConfiguration cmdlet copies the configuration file and saves an active copy of the file in the SessionConfig subdirectory of the $PSHOME directory.

    The ConfigFilePath property of the session configuration contains the fully qualified path of the active session configuration file. You can modify the active configuration file in the $PSHOME directory at any time using any text editor. The changes that you make affect all new sessions that use the session configuration, but not existing sessions.

    Before using an edited session configuration file, use the Test-PSSessionConfigurationFile cmdlet to verify that the configuration file entries are valid.