1) Is there a command line parameter that allows me to use the command PowerShell -Command "single-powershell-command" or PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Command "single-powershell-command" from cmd.exe in Windows 10? Currently Windows Defender interpretes both forms of my command malicious and blocks them. 2) What other methods can I use from cmd.exe to prevent this kind of overreaction from Windows Defender? I prefer native methods over modifying policies or Windows Registry or installing something. I can accept turning off Real-time Protection if it is turned on again immediately after the execution of my single PowerShell command and if turning off/on can both be done from cmd.exe.
PHIND-70B MODELWindows Defender blocks these commands due to security features designed to protect against malicious scripts and unauthorized PowerShell usage. Let's explore several approaches to handle this situation while maintaining system security.
Understanding Command Blocking
Windows Defender blocks these commands for two main reasons:
- The
-Commandparameter can execute arbitrary code - The
-Bypassexecution policy flag disables script signing requirements
The flowchart above guides you through the decision-making process:
- Pink represents your starting point
- Green shows the most secure recommended approach
- Yellow indicates temporary security modifications
- Blue highlights alternative methods that maintain security
Let's examine each solution in detail:
Save Command as PowerShell Script (.ps1)
SuggestedOPTION 1echo Get-ChildItem > script.ps1
powershell.exe -File script.ps1Pros
- Most secure approach
- Allows proper script signing
- Maintains Windows Defender protection
- Clear audit trail
Cons
- Requires creating a temporary file
- Needs cleanup afterward
This method saves your command as a proper PowerShell script file. Create the file using echo redirection, then execute it using the -File parameter. After execution, delete the script file: del script.ps1. This approach respects Windows security boundaries while allowing legitimate script execution.
Temporary Disable Real-time Protection
OPTION 2:: Disable real-time protection temporarily
powershell -Command "& {Set-MpPreference -DisableRealTimeMonitoring $true}"
:: Run your command here
powershell -Command "your-command-here"
:: Re-enable real-time protection
powershell -Command "& {Set-MpPreference -DisableRealTimeMonitoring $false}"Pros
- Works with existing command format
- Automatically re-enables protection
- No policy modifications needed
Cons
- Temporarily reduces system security
- May trigger additional monitoring alerts
- Not recommended for production environments
This approach temporarily disables Windows Defender's real-time protection, runs your command, and immediately re-enables it. While functional, it's less secure than saving commands as scripts and should only be used when absolutely necessary.
Break Down Complex Commands
OPTION 3@echo off
setlocal enabledelayedexpansion
REM Break complex operations into simpler steps
powershell -Command "Get-ChildItem" > temp.txt
powershell -Command "Select-String -Path temp.txt -Pattern 'keyword'"Pros
- Maintains security protections
- More transparent operation
- Easier to debug
Cons
- Limited to simple operations
- Requires intermediate files
- May not work for all command types
Instead of running a complex PowerShell command, break it down into simpler, more transparent operations. This approach often works within Windows Defender's security constraints while maintaining system protection.
Best Practices
- Always prefer saving commands as .ps1 files when possible
- Keep commands simple and transparent
- Avoid using
-Bypassexecution policy unless absolutely necessary - Consider breaking complex operations into multiple simpler steps
- Clean up temporary files after use