Hey everyone! I'm currently in the midst of improving my server data collection project using PowerShell, and I'm facing some challenges with speed. My script scans over 900 Entra devices to gather details like Windows names, version numbers, and build numbers, but it takes about 45 minutes to complete. I learned that the -Parallel parameter in PowerShell can help run concurrent processes to speed things up. However, I'm running into an issue with an error that says, '*Parameter set cannot be resolved using the specified named parameters.*' This seems to happen on the line where I'm trying to use -Parallel with ForEach-Object. Does anyone have insights on how to fix this or suggestions to optimize my script further? Also, I'm using PowerShell V 7.5.1, just to clarify. Thanks a lot!
3 Answers
Also, while using -Parallel, ensure you're not defining `param` incorrectly. Often the issue with those parameters not resolving correctly is related to how parameters are being passed. Try refactoring the way you define them and ensure $_ is being passed correctly as a parameter where you need it.
You should also check out the -Using scope for sharing variables in the parallel block. Instead of passing them with -ArgumentList, use `$Using:variableName` within your script block. This way, you can access those variables directly without problems. Just remember to adjust your code accordingly.
Right, mixing these approaches can cause confusion. Simplifying might help you avoid some errors.
It sounds like you're hitting a compatibility issue. The -Parallel parameter is only available in PowerShell 7, while the traditional ForEach-Object does not support it in earlier versions. If you're running in an environment that's still using Windows PowerShell (5.x), you need PowerShell 7 to use -Parallel properly. Make sure to switch to pwsh.exe to run your script in PowerShell 7, or else consider using a different strategy such as the foreach -parallel approach which can work with 5.x.
Exactly! And don't forget, ForEach-Object in v5 can be limiting as you can't truly leverage parallel processing without upgrading.
Nice tip! That definitely clears things up for anyone struggling with PowerShell's nuances.