PowerShell has cemented its reputation as a leading scripting language for managing Windows systems. But today’s PowerShell is far more advanced than the command-line shell it once was; it becomes a comprehensive automation solution when enhanced with the right tools.
From managing infrastructure across hybrid environments to streamlining deployments and routine maintenance, the impact of the right toolset cannot be overstated.
In this guide, we explore the most effective and popular PowerShell automation tools being used by IT professionals and DevOps teams in 2025.
Table of Contents
PowerShell Automation Tools
Visual Studio Code (VS Code)
Recommended for: PowerShell scripting, testing, and Git versioning
VS Code remains the top choice for PowerShell developers. When combined with the PowerShell extension, it becomes a full-fledged development environment.
Why developers love it:
- Code completion and IntelliSense features
- Integrated debugger and terminal window
- Seamless Git integration
- Customisable interface and extensions
AttuneOps
Best for: Enterprise-wide automation and cross-platform PowerShell execution
AttuneOps empowers sysadmins to manage complex automation tasks over multiple servers at once. Supporting PowerShell, Bash, and CMD, it operates seamlessly across Windows, Linux, and cloud-based machines.
Key features:
- Orchestrate tasks across several servers in parallel
- Design logic-based, reusable automation workflows
- Built-in error management and detailed logs
- Choose agentless operation or minimal-footprint agents
- Perfect for software updates, user provisioning, and scheduled admin tasks
No more manual script copying or managing countless remote terminals — AttuneOps offers one hub to control and scale your automation tasks with ease.
PowerShell ISE (Integrated Scripting Environment)
Good for: Simple script editing on classic Windows setups
While it’s no longer being updated, PowerShell ISE is still commonly available. It’s particularly useful for fast script edits in environments where it’s already present.
Why it’s helpful:
- Lightweight and immediately accessible
- Offers basic IntelliSense and suggestions
- Perfect starting point for scripting learners
PowerShell Universal (by Ironman Software)
Best for: Transforming PowerShell scripts into web-based tools and APIs
PowerShell Universal allows you to develop web dashboards and RESTful APIs and automate recurring tasks — all with PowerShell.
Typical Use Scenarios:
- Build internal dashboards for IT support teams
- Convert PowerShell scripts into accessible web APIs
- Set up scheduled jobs through a browser-based interface
PDQ Deploy + PDQ Inventory
Perfect for: IT automation and mass system management
Designed for efficiency, PDQ Deploy allows IT admins to push patches, software, and scripts like PowerShell across many computers.
Notable Features:
- Push changes to multiple machines in one go
- Works hand-in-hand with PDQ Inventory for precise targeting
- User-friendly design without heavy setup
Jenkins + PowerShell Integration
Best for: Automating infrastructure workflows in CI/CD
Jenkins, when paired with PowerShell, is a powerful tool not just for code delivery but also for executing scripts in infrastructure provisioning and testing routines.
Use Case Highlights:
- Schedule recurring PowerShell scripts
- Streamline infrastructure testing within the pipeline
- Sync with repositories for traceable updates
Azure Automation
Designed to support: Automating tasks in the Azure cloud with PowerShell and Python
If your systems are hosted in Microsoft Azure, Azure Automation offers a cloud-native platform for running scripts and managing workloads.
Tasks you can automate:
- Automate virtual machine operations, backups, and scaling
- Connect seamlessly with Logic Apps and Azure Monitor
- Schedule script execution or trigger it via webhooks
Pester (Script Testing & Quality Framework)
Primary use case: Ensuring the quality and performance of PowerShell automation
Pester provides a framework to structure and execute tests, making it ideal for both infrastructure-as-code and complex script validations.
How it helps you:
- Test script logic under varied conditions
- Automate error catching before changes go live
- Enforce consistent coding standards across teams
ISE Steroids (Advanced Add-On for PowerShell ISE)
Great choice for: Users who prefer the legacy ISE environment
ISE Steroids enhances PowerShell ISE by adding productivity features such as smarter IntelliSense, streamlined code refactoring, version tracking, and fast code navigation.
Summary: Which PowerShell Tool Should You Use?
| Tool | Ideal For | Category | Supported Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| VS Code | Script development and debugging | IDE | Cross-platform |
| AttuneOps | Coordinating tasks across multiple servers | Automation tool | Cross-platform |
| PowerShell ISE | Simple script editing | Script Editor | Windows |
| PowerShell Universal | Building web-based dashboards and APIs | Automation Platform | Cross-platform |
| PDQ Deploy | Mass script distribution | Deployment Tool | Windows |
| Jenkins | Continuous integration and delivery | CI/CD Tool | Cross-platform |
| Azure Automation | Executing cloud-hosted runbooks | Cloud Automation | Azure |
| Pester | Testing PowerShell scripts | Test Framework | Cross-platform |
| ISE Steroids | Enhancing PowerShell ISE scripting | Add-on Extension | Windows |
Closing Remarks
PowerShell is a powerful tool on its own, but its true potential is unlocked when paired with the right supporting tools.
With solutions like AttuneOps and PDQ Deploy, you can automate large-scale infrastructures, streamline repetitive tasks, and significantly cut down on manual work.
If you’re managing multiple servers or running various scripts, these platforms offer smart, scalable automation and orchestration capabilities.
