How do I run a PowerShell script when the computer starts?

Question

I have a PowerShell script that monitors an image folder. I need to find a way to automatically run this script after the computer starts.

I already tried the follow

Answer 1

You could create a Scheduler Task that runs automatically on the start, even when the user is not logged in:

schtasks /create /tn "FileMonitor" /sc onstart /delay 0000:30 /rl highest /ru system /tr "powershell.exe -file C:\Doc\Files\FileMonitor.ps1"

Run this command once from a PowerShell as Admin and it will create a schedule task for you. You can list the task like this:

schtasks /Query /TN "FileMonitor" /V /FO List

or delete it

schtasks /Delete /TN "FileMonitor"

Answer 2

Be sure, whenever you want PowerShell to run automatically / in the background / non-interactive, it’s a good idea to specify the parameters -ExecutionPolicy Bypass to PowerShell.exe

PowerShell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass

Answer 3

I have a script that starts a file system watcher as well, but once the script window is closed the watcher dies. It will run all day if I start it from a powershell window and leave it open, but the minute I close it the script stops doing what it is supposed to.
You need to start the script and have it keep powershell open.
I tried numerous ways to do this, but the one that actually worked was from http://www.methos-it.com/blogs/keep-your-powershell-script-open-when-executed

param ( $Show )
if ( !$Show ) 
{
    PowerShell -NoExit -File $MyInvocation.MyCommand.Path 1
    return
}

Pasting that to the top of the script is what made it work.
I start the script from command line with

powershell.exe -noexit -command "& \path\to\script.ps1"

Answer 4

Try this. Create a shortcut in startup folder and iuput

PowerShell "&.'PathToFile\script.ps1'"

This is the easiest way.

Answer 5

You could set it up as a Scheduled Task, and set the Task Trigger for "At Startup"

Answer 6

Execute PowerShell command below to run the PowerShell script .ps1 through the task scheduler at user login.

Register-ScheduledTask -TaskName "SOME TASKNAME" -Trigger (New-ScheduledTaskTrigger -AtLogon) -Action (New-ScheduledTaskAction -Execute "${Env:WinDir}\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe" -Argument "-WindowStyle Hidden -Command `"& 'C:\PATH\TO\FILE.ps1'`"") -RunLevel Highest -Force;

-AtLogOn - indicates that a trigger starts a task when a user logs on.

-AtStartup - indicates that a trigger starts a task when the system is started.

-WindowStyle Hidden - don't show PowerShell window at startup. Remove if not required.

-RunLevel Highest - run PowerShell as administrator. Remove if not required.

P.S.

If necessary execute PowerShell command below to enable PowerShell scripts execution.

Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope LocalMachine -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Force;

Bypass - nothing is blocked and there are no warnings or prompts.

Unrestricted - loads all configuration files and runs all scripts. If you run an unsigned script that was downloaded from the internet, you're prompted for permission before it runs.