CODEWITHSUNDEEP
powershellenvironment-variables
Gordon
Gordon

Reputation: 6883

Powershell [Environment] inconsistencies

I am trying to be consistent in my code, using either $env: or [Environment], but not a mix. However, I am seeing some inconsistencies in what seems to be implemented. So [Environment]::UserName and $env:userName both work fine. $env:computerName works, but [Environment]::COMPUTERNAME doesn't. Oddly [Environment]::MachineName does, despite the fact that [Environment]::GetEnvironmentVariables() says [Environment]::COMPUTERNAME is present, not [Environment]::MachineName. Also, [Environment]::GetEnvironmentVariables() says [Environment]::USERPROFILE should work, but it actually returns nothing. When I look at the Microsoft doc here about properties of the [Environment] type I do see MachineName, along with UserName, and no mention of UserProfile. So, obviously that IS the right resource. But that begs the question, why does [Environment]::GetEnvironmentVariables() return such inconsistent information?

Upvotes: 2

Views: 50

Answers (1)

Glenn
Glenn

Reputation: 1855

[Environment] or more specifically [System.Environment] is restricted to the static methods and properties documented at the link you provided.

[Environment]::GetEnvironmentVariables returns a list of environment variables and their values, some of which the operating system sets for you ("COMPUTERNAME", "USERNAME", etc.) which do overlap with some of the [Environment] properties, but also include any environment variables applications have added or users have added typically using System Properties / Advanced / Environment Variables.

[Environment]::USERPROFILE doesn't return anything because USERPROFILE isn't a static property on the [System.Environment] class. You can list all the static properties like this:

    [System.Environment] | Get-Member -MemberType Properties -Static

You can add new environment variables that will then be returned using [Environment]::GetEnvironmentVariables. For example:

    $env:TEST = "This is a test"

For example:

More good info and examples of environment variables (not the [Environment] class) here: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.core/about/about_environment_variables?view=powershell-7.1

Upvotes: 1

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