Windows Scripting

The Windows Scripting shelf is your hub for automation and customization on Windows devices managed through FileWave. Here you’ll find guidance, examples, and best practices for using PowerShell, Batch, and other Windows scripting languages to streamline administration, enforce configurations, and extend FileWave’s capabilities.

Whether you’re deploying software, collecting system data, adjusting settings, or remediating issues, these scripts help you go beyond standard policies and leverage the full power of Windows automation within FileWave.

Active Directory Join (Windows)

Description

This Fileset is designed to bind Windows computers to a Directory structure. By associating this Fileset the binding process can be automated.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Download the Active Directory join fileset template: Active Directory Join.fileset.zip
  2. Unzip and import the fileset into FileWave Admin.
  3. Open the Fileset, highlight the join_ad.ps1 script and choose Get Info > Executable > Environment Variables.
  4. Modify these variables to reflect the Active Directory environment:

    user
password
domain
ou

THIS SCRIPT WILL FORCE THE MACHINE TO RESTART. IF THAT IS NOT THE BEHAVIOR THAT IS DESIRED REMOVE THIS LINE FROM THE JOINDOMAIN.PS1 FILE: 
Restart-Computer -Force

THIS SCRIPT WILL DELETE ITSELF ONCE IT HAS RUN ON THE CLIENT MACHINE LOCALLY.

Example:

zF92T1xX3g7wVFWw-embedded-image-xxmxphmm.png

For the user, please use full path like
e.g. "domain\username"

Save changes and associate the Fileset to either Windows 10 or 11 client machines!

Adding A Printer for All Users (Windows)

The task at hand seems simple enough...install a printer for a Windows user for a printer on a Print Server. In our example, I'll use a print share called BigDill on a print server named Arkone.

Easy, right?  A quick web search for "powershell add printer" takes me to the add-printer cmdlet, and it is pretty easy to use for a print server.  The command looks like this (don't use this example!):

import-module printmanagement
add-printer -ConnectionName \\arkone\BigDill

I tested it locally outside of FileWave in the PowerShell ISE and it worked fine.  I ran the command, and it added the printer for me.  So, I created a fileset for the exact same thing and tried it out.  The result: nothing whatsoever.  The script seemed to run fine, but the user logged in didn't see a new printer!

So, why did this happen?  For two important reasons:

  1. The Add-Printer cmdlet is great, but it ONLY adds a printer for the current user
  2. When FileWave runs a script, it is always run under the context of the System account

When I investigated further by opening a command prompt as system, I found that in fact my fileset had run fine, and added the printer, but only for the system account.  

Testing Scripts for Use in FileWave
Review our KB Script Best Practices which demonstrates the use of psexec to run scripts on Windows as if they were run through FileWave (as System User and 32bit).

So, a little more research was required, and PowerShell in this instance is not the answer.  Instead, we are going to use a command-line utility in a batch file called printui.exe.  PrintUI can be used in many ways: Microsoft PrintUI Documentation

We won't get into all of the options of this command here, but printui can add a printer globally for all users using the /ga command line option (/gd is a global delete if you happen to want to add a removal script as well).  So our new batch file (Activation Script) code looks like this:

@echo off
printui /ga /n\\arkone\BigDill
exit 0

And our results, in this case, were excellent...the printer is added for every user at their next login.  (Given this, you may want to make this a reboot fileset)

And, for completeness' sake, if we wanted to add a post-uninstallation script to "clean-up" if this fileset were removed, we could do:

@echo off
printui /gd /n\\arkone\BigDill
exit 0

Related Content

Create local admin accounts on Windows

Description

Need to manage local admin accounts on your Windows devices? FileWave has you covered. Below is the recipe with Fileset to create your local admin account with username, password and full name. In addition, if needing to remove the local admin account, there is a removal script included.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Download and unzip the Fileset

  2. Import into your server via FileWave Admin
  3. Highlight the Fileset and select "Scripts" for this Fileset
  4. Select the create_admin.ps1 to open the script propertiesCreateLocalAdminWindows1.png
  5. Enter in your local admin Username, Password and Full Name for the desired accountCreateLocalAdminWindows2.png
  6. Repeat the process for the remove_admin.ps1 and enter in the desired Username to remove

    The remove_admin.ps1 script environment variable needs to match the Username found on the machine or in the create_admin.ps1. If it does not match it will not successfully remove the admin account.

    CreateLocalAdminWindows3.png
  7. Close the Script window to Save
  8. Assign to a test device
  9. Perform a Model Update to deploy

Confirmation of local admin created, you may open the Windows Settings > Accounts > Other Users to view the newly created local admin account.CreateLocalAdminWindows4.png

Notes

Both scripts will output their executed tasks for detailed logging. These logs may be found in:

C:\ProgramData\FileWave\Logs\

The create_admin script log will be labeled: CreateLocalUser_FromEnv.log

CreateLocalAdminWindows8.png

The remove_admin script log will be labeled: RemoveLocalUser_FullCleanup.log

CreateLocalAdminWindows6.png

The create admin script will skip if there is an username already exists.

CreateLocalAdminWindows5.png

Related Content

Deploy SSL Certificates (Windows)

Deploy SSL certificates to Windows "Trusted Root Certification Authorities" certificate store for use in secure services such as web content filters.

Step-by-step guide

Edit Text

This script will add the desired SSL certificate to the Windows "Trusted Root Certification Authorities" certificate store for both the Local Machine (-enterprise) and the Current User (-user).

Additional Information
More information and options for the "certutil" program can be found on Microsoft Docs.

Installing Windows Fonts

Description

Windows font installation is not as simple as adding files to a folder.  As well as copying files, the registry requires editing.  The following Fileset will add Fonts to Windows systems.

TTF
The Fileset has been tested with TTF on Windows Pro 10, 1803 and 1903

Registry Editing

This Fileset edits the Windows registry. Follow instructions carefully to ensure only the required Font files exist in the suggested folder.

Information

Download and import the Fileset, then ensure to edit appropriately, as per the directions, for desired fonts

Windows Instal Fonts.fileset.zip

Description

The Fileset consists of:

WindowsInstalFontsFileset.png

Adding Fonts

Example, Monsterrat Font:

WindowsInstalFontsFilesetMontserrat.png

Deployment

On Association and Activation, the script will:

Changing Temporary Folder

Should a different temporary folder be desirable:

WindowsInstalFontsFilesetGetInfo.png

As always, test on appropriate devices before deploying en masse.


Local Group Policy Object Utility (Windows EXE)

What

Local Group Policy Object Utility or LGPO.exe is a new command-line utility to automate the management of local group policy. It replaces the no-longer-maintained LocalGPO tool that shipped with the Security Compliance Manager (SCM), and the Apply_LGPO_Delta and ImportRegPol tools.

When/Why

Many of the features help import required settings to your devices meeting organization policies for security compliance.

Features:

How

The zip file contains the LGPO installer:

LGPO.zip LGPO.exe v3.0 - Local Group Policy Object utility

LGPO.exe has four modes:

  1. Import and apply policy settings;
  2. Export local policy to a GPO backup;
  3. Parse a registry.pol file to "LGPO text" format;
  4. Build a registry.pol file from "LGPO text".

To apply policy settings, use the LGPO.exe commands below, where one or more of the following (each of which can be repeated):

/g path                             import settings from one or more GPO backups under "path"
/m path\registry.pol     import settings from registry.pol into machine config
/u path\registry.pol      import settings from registry.pol into user config
/s path\GptTmpl.inf     apply security template
/a[c] path\Audit.csv     apply advanced auditing settings; /ac to clear policy first
/t path\lgpo.txt              apply registry commands from LGPO text

/e <name>|<guid>       enable GP extension for local policy processing; specify a GUID, or one of these names:
              **  "zone" for IE zone mapping extension
              **  "mitigation" for mitigation options, including font blocking
              **   "audit" for advanced audit policy configuration
              
/boot                                reboot after applying policies
/v                                       verbose output
/q                                       quiet output (no headers)

Some example GPO policies are listed below to use. Be sure you are updating the correct path and names for your GPOs.

To create a GPO backup from local policy:

LGPO.exe /b path [/n GPO-name]

/b path                       Create GPO backup in "path"
/n GPO-name           Optional GPO display name (use quotes if it contains spaces)


To parse a Registry.pol file to LGPO text (stdout):

LGPO.exe /parse [/q] {/m|/u} path\registry.pol

/m path\registry.pol         parse registry.pol as machine config commands
/u path\registry.pol          parse registry.pol as user config commands
/q                                           quiet output (no headers)


To build a Registry.pol file from LGPO text:

LGPO.exe /r path\lgpo.txt /w path\registry.pol [/v]

/r path\lgpo.txt              Read input from LGPO text file
/w path\registry.pol     Write new registry.pol file

Related Content

Digging Deeper

Rename Windows Hostname based FileWave Client Name

Description

This Fileset will automatically rename the Windows Hostname of your Clients whenever you rename a Client via the FileWave Admin.

With this Fileset associated, the FileWave Client Name will have the utmost precedence. For example, if the Windows Hostname is changed directly from Windows settings, Active Directory, or any other method, the Fileset will change the hostname back to what is listed as the FileWave Client Name.

You must provide a FileWave Client Name that conforms to the Windows naming convention. Please also avoid using spaces, underscores, or any other special characters that will not be directly translated in the Windows NETBIOS name. There is no name checking logic in this script.

Good name examples:

Bad name examples:

Ingredients

Updated Filesets using PowerShell

Machines not joined to Active Directory

  1. Unzip and Import "Windows - Rename Windows Hostname (No Domain)" Fileset into FileWave Admin.
  2. Associate Fileset to one or all devices.
  3. Rename the device via FileWave Admin.
  4. Update Model
  5. Wait ~2 minutes (tickle time) for Fileset to activate.
    1. Future name changes will apply with ~2 minutes. This interval is "hardcoded" and is when Preflight scripts will launch.
  6. A pop-up will notify the user of reboot, and the device will reboot in 60 seconds.
    1. If you want to customize the reboot prompt or timeout, edit the following bold text in the "rename_windows_hostname_nodomain.bat" script:
      1. %windir%\System32\shutdown.exe /r /t 60 /c "Computer renamed to %fwClientName%. Rebooting in 60 seconds." /f /d p:4:1
  7. The machine will be renamed based on FileWave Client Name upon reboot.
  8. FileWave Client communication will not be affected.

Machines joined to Active Directory

  1. Unzip and Import "Windows - Rename Windows Hostname (Domain Joined)" Fileset into FileWave Admin.
  2. Modify the "rename_hostname_domain.bat" script to update Active Directory username/password in bold:
    1. echo $user = "DOMAIN\USERNAME" > %~dp0rename.ps1
    2. echo $pass = ConvertTo-SecureString "PASSWORD_HERE" -AsPlainText -Force >> %~dp0rename.ps1
  3. Associate Fileset to one or all devices.
  4. Rename the device via FileWave Admin.
  5. Update Model
  6. Wait ~2 minutes (tickle time) for Fileset to activate.
    1. Future name changes will apply with ~2 minutes. This interval is "hardcoded" and is when Preflight scripts will launch.
  7. A pop-up will notify the user of reboot, and the device will reboot in 60 seconds.
    1. If you want to customize the reboot prompt or timeout, edit the following bold text in the "rename_windows_hostname.bat" script:
      1. %windir%\System32\shutdown.exe /r /t 60 /c "Computer renamed to %fwClientName%. Rebooting in 60 seconds." /f /d p:4:1
  8. The machine will be renamed based on FileWave Client Name upon reboot.
  9. FileWave Client communication will not be affected.

Sync Computer Name
With FileWave 13.2.3+, FileWave will automatically disable "Sync Computer Name" when a client is manually renamed (right-click>Rename) via the FileWave Admin. This Fileset is made possible by a result of this change.


Storing the BitLocker volume keys using a Custom Field

Use a FileWave Custom Field to store the volume keys for your BitLocker volumes. This can be helpful if you don't have another way to escrow the volume keys. The Custom Field outlined in this article will get the volume key for every volume so if there is an encrypted C: and D: you would see both reported by this field. 

Adding the Custom Field

  1. Download the following Custom Field export: BitLocker Key Custom Field.customfields
  2. Import the downloaded file into "FileWave Admin>Assistants>Custom Fields>Edit Custom Fields>Import".
  3. Save changes within Custom Fields dialog.
  4. Associate Custom Field with desired Windows devices via "right-click>Edit Custom Field(s) Associations".
    1. A Windows-based Smart Group is very helpful to quickly associate Custom Field
    2. Smart Group criteria: "Client OS Platform [equals] Windows"

sQPZK2nXKed3Z6sB-embedded-image-cwtk6bw4.png

Here is the script from the Custom Field:

# FileWave client will execute this script. The output will be used as the value of the custom field.
#
# Below is an example of how to read the value of one ENVIRONMENT VARIABLE in your script:
 
# $my_var = $Env:ENV_VAR_NAME
#
# Identify all the Bitlocker volumes.
$BitlockerVolumers = Get-BitLockerVolume
 
# For each volume, get the RecoveryPassowrd and display it.
$BitlockerVolumers |
    ForEach-Object {
        $MountPoint = $_.MountPoint
        $RecoveryKey = [string]($_.KeyProtector).RecoveryPassword      
        if ($RecoveryKey.Length -gt 5) {
            Write-Output ("$MountPoint,$RecoveryKey")
        }       
    }
 
exit 0

Assigning the Custom Field to devices

  1. Save changes within Custom Fields dialog.
  2. Associate Custom Field with desired Windows devices via "right-click>Edit Custom Field(s) Associations".
    • A Windows-based Smart Group is very helpful to quickly associate Custom Field
    • Smart Group criteria: "Client OS Platform [equals] Windows"
  3. Alternatively you could assign the field to all devices since only Windows devices will run the script.

Results

V1kygAdZortZFjsg-embedded-image-zktfda0b.png

Upgrade Windows 10 and 11

Description

Although Software Updates are available as standard catalogue, Feature Updates are not.  The following method may be used to update Windows devices using Feature Updates, e.g. 1909, 21H1.  Last tested upgrading 20H2 to 21H1

Ingredients

 ↓ Windows
Windows - Feature Upgrade.fileset.zip

Directions

Test manually launching the ISO on one or more typical example machines.  Not only will this provide an idea of how long the update may take, but the installer may highlight additional criteria required when pushing the Fileset.  Depending upon setup and desired options, differing arguments can be supplied to the Fileset to meet requirements.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/windows-setup-command-line-options

Microsoft may change these options with differing versions.  For example, there is a new argument /EULA which has been introduced for Windows 11, whilst the /DynamicUpdate argument has additional options available since Windows 10, 2004.

Examples could include Dynamic Updates or Compatibility (which have been included in the provided Fileset)

Dynamic Updates (DynamicUpdate):

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/windows-setup-command-line-options#dynamicupdate

Windows10UpgradeAllUpdates.png

Compatibility (Compat):

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/windows-setup-command-line-options#compat

Windows10UpgradeLangPack.png

Defining Dynamic Updates is optional (Microsoft default values will be applied if not supplied), but where warnings are received, if Compatibility is not defined, the Fileset will fail to instal the update.

  1. Upload the provided Fileset using FileWave Admin
  2. Upload the downloaded ISO into the same folder as the Placeholder within the Fileset; approximately 5GB in size.  (The .placeholder_windows_iso file may be removed).  Ensure the ISO has the same name as the below screenshot: 'Windows_Upgrade.iso"
    Windows10UpgradeFilesetISO.png
  3. Select "FeatureUpgrade.ps1" from the Fileset contents and click "Get Info" from the top menu bar.
    Windows10UpgradeFilesetGetInfo.png
  4. Select the "Executable" tab within the "Get Info" window.
    Windows10UpgradeFilesetArguments.png
  5. Modify the "Launch Arguments" as desired and click "Apply" to save changes.  Remove any unwanted or add any additional arguments from Microsoft's above KB.  Please consider the following:

    • Launch Arguments as a bare minimum:
      • /auto upgrade
      • /quiet

    • Launch Arguments for Windows 11:

      • /auto upgrade

      • /quiet
      • /noreboot
      • /eula accept
      • /dynamicupdate disable
      • /copylogs C:\Temp\win11upgradelogs

    • IMPORTANT NOTE: Compat mode will be required if warnings prevent the installer from completing.
      More details on Windows 11 Launch Arguments here: Windows 11 Setup Command Line Options

  6. Associate Fileset to machines and wait patiently for the upgrade to complete.

Testing

When testing, consider disabling the Reboot option in the Fileset properties, such that the Windows interface is still available during the initial process of the upgrade.  Windows Task Manager will show "Modern Host Setup" process whilst upgrade is in progress.

Timings will vary depending upon chosen options, device usage and network bandwidth.  It could take 30-40 minutes or more before the device shows the Windows Update blue screen; as the update prepares the device and other possible updates.  It should also be expected that the device may reboot multiple times.

It could also be possible to have the ISO available via a network mount and adapt the script to mount the shared ISO rather than pushing the ISO via FileWave.

User Experience

Due to the nature of how Microsoft Feature Updates work, there can be a substantial amount of time between the launch of the update and the device continuing to the Blue Updates Screen.  Where the Reboot option is selected for the Fileset, this wait will not commence util the user accepts the update.  As such the FileWave user prompt may be on the screen for a lengthy period of time.  If the reboot option is not selected, although the user will not be impacted by this preliminary stage of the Feature Upgrade, once completed, the user will suddenly be dropped out of their user session, without warning, for the installation and reboots to take place.


Notify Users with a dialog (Windows)

Description

The provided Fileset is an example of notifying users, in particular here, a message regarding Fileset status when downloading and installing new Filesets.

0yCjL74fkYJAQhji-embedded-image-hprku5pq.png

 The Fileset is designed to:

The service has been built to be actioned automatically by the user logging in.  Where Filesets are disassociated, each has a pre-uninstallation script to ensure the services should also be removed.

Ingredients

↓ Windows

kEXBT3xhdubSpUhS-embedded-image-3lz5vorf.png

Directions

For the example provided:

Fileset scripts may be modified for personal preference.  In each Fileset there is a script that is actioned by the local computer service.  The scripts are using a pattern match.  The pattern matching may be edited as required, removing or adding appropriately.

Windows

Locate the "BallonTipSwitchWatcher.ps1" file within the Fileset and choose to edit.  In the following code block snippet from this script, the switch statement is pattern matching text.  In the provided example the script is looking for lines that contain any one of the following:

Where found, the 'ShowBalloonTipInfo' function is being used to prompt the user:

BallonTipSwitchWatcher.ps1
$changeAction = Get-Content C:\ProgramData\FileWave\FWClient\fwcld.log -tail 1 -wait | ForEach-Object {
switch($_) {
{ $_ -match "Model version" -or $_ -match "Downloading Fileset" -or $_ -match "Done activating" -or $_ -match "Activate all" } { ShowBalloonTipInfo ("FileWave: ",$_.split("|")[4]) }

The second part of the switch statement is causing the script to exit.  The pattern match this time, is any line that contains:

BallonTipSwitchWatcher.ps1
{ $_ -match "Installation" } { break }

Notes

The above provides an example of notifying users, using a service.  However, with some adaptation messages could be sent in other ways at alternate times to users.

Related Content

Windows Wallpaper via CSP Personalization

Description

This article explains how to enforce and remove a desktop and/or lock screen wallpaper on Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices using the MDM Personalization CSP through PowerShell. These scripts leverage the WMI Bridge Provider, allowing configuration at the device level via FileWave without requiring Active Directory Group Policy.

Two PowerShell scripts are provided:

These scripts are designed for deployment through FileWave as a Custom Fileset and run under the SYSTEM account to ensure MDM Bridge access. This is provided for those who don't use Windows MDM but want to still push a CSP. 

Ingredients

Example Wallpaper Fileset
FileWave Download.png

Windows Wallpaper.fileset.zip

Directions

Configure the Wallpaper Deployment script

    1. In FileWave Central, import the attached Fileset, and we will use it for this example.

    2. Use the example Windows Fileset to edit the PowerShell Activation Script. (Filesets -> Select Fileset -> Scripts -> Select the script -> Right Click -> Properties)

      image.png



    3. Configure Environment Variables on the Executable tab of properties for the script:

      • DESKTOP_IMAGE_URL = file:///C:/ProgramData/FileWave/wallpaper/FileWaveDark.jpg

      • (Optional) LOCKSCREEN_IMAGE_URL = same or alternate image URI

        NOTE: The files should either already exist, or you should include them in the Fileset
        PersonalizationScript.png

    4. Associate the Fileset.ExampleFileset.png

    5. Deploy the wallpaper; verify in logs, example output:

[2025-10-30T16:20:32] [INFO] Normalized DesktopImageUrl -> file:///C:/ProgramData/FileWave/wallpaper/FileWaveDark.jpg
[2025-10-30T16:20:33] [INFO] Setting DesktopImageUrl: file:///C:/ProgramData/FileWave/wallpaper/FileWaveDark.jpg
[2025-10-30T16:20:33] [INFO] CSP values committed via WMI Bridge.
[2025-10-30T16:20:43] [INFO] DesktopImageStatus=1 (Success)
[2025-10-30T16:20:43] [INFO] Wallpaper configuration completed.

Screenshot 2025-10-30 153831.png

Configure the Wallpaper Removal script

  1. Configure the Windows Wallpaper Fileset.

  2. If you look at the example Windows Fileset in the scripts dialog, you will see the Post-Uninstallation script. Keep in mind that by default, with the example Fileset, it will uninstall the wallpaper if you remove the Deployment/Association, so you may want to review these steps to make sure it is how you want. You could also take this script and make it an Activation Script in its own Fileset that you could deploy when you want to clear the managed wallpaper. 

    image.png

  3. Configure optional Environment Variables:

    • CLEAR_DESKTOP = true|false

    • CLEAR_LOCKSCREEN = true|false

    • REG_CLEANUP = true (recommended)

    • RESTART_EXPLORER = true (optional, for immediate effect)
      RemovePersonalizationScript.png

  4. Associate this Fileset with a device to set the Wallpaper and/or Lock Screen. Remove the Association/Deployment and see it removed when the removal script runs.

Expected log output:

[2025-10-30T16:09:26] [INFO] Wallpaper removal script initiated.
[2025-10-30T16:09:26] [INFO] Options: CLEAR_DESKTOP=True, CLEAR_LOCKSCREEN=True, REG_CLEANUP=True, RESTART_EXPLORER=True
[2025-10-30T16:09:27] [INFO] Connected to MDM Bridge Provider successfully.
[2025-10-30T16:09:27] [INFO] Cleared DesktopImageUrl via null assignment (CSP Delete).
[2025-10-30T16:09:27] [WARN] Null clear failed for LockScreenImageUrl. Trying empty string...
[2025-10-30T16:09:27] [ERROR] Failed to clear LockScreenImageUrl. The requested operation is not supported.
[2025-10-30T16:09:27] [INFO] DesktopImageUrl now='' (Status= Unknown)
[2025-10-30T16:09:27] [INFO] LockScreenImageUrl now='' (Status= Unknown)
[2025-10-30T16:09:27] [INFO] Restarting Explorer shell...
[2025-10-30T16:09:27] [INFO] Explorer restarted.
[2025-10-30T16:09:27] [INFO] Wallpaper policy removal completed successfully.

Notes

Related Content