# A safe PowerShell automation checklist worksheet

Adapt this planning resource to your environment. Examples are illustrative, not completed checks. Do not record secrets.

- Service / scope:
- Accountable owner:
- Reviewer:
- Environment / version:
- Review date:
- Approval / change reference:
- Next review trigger:

## Define the contract before the script

- [ ] Write the intended change in one sentence and name the systems it may touch.
- Environment-specific action:
- Expected result / stop condition:
- Observed result and evidence:
- Owner / due date:

## Review the execution identity and inputs

- [ ] Use a dedicated identity with only the permissions the task requires.
- Environment-specific action:
- Expected result / stop condition:
- Observed result and evidence:
- Owner / due date:

## Make failures visible and recoverable

- [ ] PowerShell try/catch handles terminating errors.
- Environment-specific action:
- Expected result / stop condition:
- Observed result and evidence:
- Owner / due date:

## Rehearse, release and verify

- [ ] Run against disposable fixtures, then a representative pilot.
- Environment-specific action:
- Expected result / stop condition:
- Observed result and evidence:
- Owner / due date:

## Closure

- Outcome: not started / pass / partial pass / fail
- Exceptions, owner and due date:
- Acceptance / approval:
- Follow-up and cleanup:

Source article: https://happysysadm.com/windows-powershell/safe-automation-checklist/