Learn how to download files using PowerShell in Windows command terminal.
How to Download a File from URL in PowerShell (Step-by-Step)
- Step 1: Open PowerShell Window — Press
Win + Xand select "PowerShell" or "Terminal". - Step 2: Run Invoke-WebRequest Command — Execute the following command:
Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "https://abctool.info" -OutFile "destination.zip" # Rename filename & extension as needed - Step 3: Verify Output File — Check your target folder for the saved file.
How to Bypass SSL Certificate Errors in PowerShell Downloads
If you encounter Could not establish trust relationship for the SSL/TLS secure channel, run this command before downloading:
[System.Net.ServicePointManager]::ServerCertificateValidationCallback = {$true}
Invoke-WebRequest vs Start-BitsTransfer: Which One Should You Use?
Use Invoke-WebRequest for quick, standard downloads. Use Start-BitsTransfer when downloading large files in the background or over unstable network connections.