Execution Policies¶
Execution policies control how PowerShell loads and runs scripts. They are not a security boundary, but they do provide an important compliance layer that helps organizations enforce safe scripting practices and prevent accidental execution of untrusted code. In enterprise environments, execution policies are typically managed centrally through Group Policy or configuration management systems.
1. What Execution Policies Do¶
Execution policies determine whether PowerShell is allowed to run scripts, and if so, which scripts are considered trusted. They help organizations:
- Prevent accidental execution of unsigned or unapproved scripts
- Enforce code‑signing requirements
- Maintain consistent behavior across systems
- Support compliance frameworks that require script validation
Execution policies do not block malicious actors; they are a governance mechanism, not a security boundary.
2. Available Execution Policy Levels¶
PowerShell supports several execution policy modes, each offering different levels of restriction.
| Policy | Description |
|---|---|
| Restricted | No scripts allowed. Only interactive commands can run. Default on Windows. |
| AllSigned | Only scripts signed by a trusted publisher can run. |
| RemoteSigned | Local scripts run freely; downloaded scripts must be signed. |
| Unrestricted | All scripts run, but downloaded scripts prompt for confirmation. |
| Bypass | No restrictions and no warnings. Used for automation systems. |
| Undefined | No policy set at the current scope. |
3. Execution Policy Scopes¶
Execution policies can be applied at multiple scopes. The final effective policy is determined by precedence.
| Scope | Description |
|---|---|
| MachinePolicy | Set by Group Policy for all users. Highest precedence. |
| UserPolicy | Set by Group Policy for the current user. |
| Process | Applies only to the current PowerShell session. |
| CurrentUser | Applies to the logged‑in user. |
| LocalMachine | Applies to all users on the system. |
Group Policy overrides all local settings.
4. Viewing and Setting Execution Policies¶
View the effective policy¶
Get-ExecutionPolicy
View all scopes¶
Get-ExecutionPolicy -List
Set a policy for the current user¶
Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser
Set a policy for the current process only¶
Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process
This is commonly used in automation pipelines where temporary relaxation is required.
5. Enterprise Use Cases¶
AllSigned for high‑security environments¶
- Ensures all scripts are signed
- Enforces publisher trust
- Supports auditability and change control
RemoteSigned for standard enterprise environments¶
- Prevents accidental execution of downloaded scripts
- Allows internal scripts to run without signing
- Balances security and usability
Bypass for automation systems¶
- Used by CI/CD pipelines, configuration management agents, and deployment tools
- Avoids interactive prompts
- Should be applied only at the Process scope
6. Script Signing and Trusted Publishers¶
When using AllSigned or RemoteSigned, organizations typically:
- Issue internal code‑signing certificates
- Require developers to sign scripts before deployment
- Maintain trusted publisher lists
- Use version control to track script changes
Signed scripts provide:
- Integrity validation
- Publisher verification
- Compliance with regulatory frameworks
7. Summary¶
Execution policies provide a governance layer that helps organizations control script execution and enforce compliance requirements. Key concepts include:
- Execution policies are not a security boundary
- Policies can be applied at multiple scopes
- Group Policy overrides local settings
- Script signing is essential in secure environments
RemoteSignedandAllSignedare common enterprise standards
Execution policies form the foundation of secure PowerShell usage in enterprise environments, ensuring that automation remains controlled, auditable, and compliant.