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Learn how to efficiently reference the current logged in user in PowerShell when running scripts through services like Desktop Central, and avoid common pitfalls.
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How to Reference the Current Logged In User When Running a PowerShell Script

When managing scripts across multiple machines, especially in environments like Desktop Central, it's crucial to be able to reference the current logged in user. This capability allows scripts to operate seamlessly in user-specific directories, like those in C:\Users\USERNAME\Downloads. However, if you execute a script under a different security context, figuring out the right path to access user files can become perplexing.

In this guide, we will walk through the problem and provide solid solutions to successfully reference the logged in user in your scripts.

The Problem

You are attempting to run a PowerShell script that should open and decompress a zip file located in the Downloads folder of the currently logged on user. The challenge arises when the script runs under Desktop Central, as it uses a different security context and cannot reference the correct user's home directory. Instead, it defaults to the system profile location (like C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile) which doesn’t contain the required user files.

This is what your initial PowerShell code looked like:

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Unfortunately, running the above code results in an error, indicating that the specified path does not exist.

The Common Pitfalls

Using Environment Variables: Standard environment variables like $env:USERNAME and the whoami command do not yield the correct user when running under a different security context.

Defaulting to System Profile: Without proper identification of the user, the script erroneously assumes the path is tied to the system profile.

The Solution

Retrieve the Current User's Information

Instead of relying on typical variables, you can access the ownership of the Explorer.exe process to identify the current logged in user. The following command is your best bet:

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Breakdown of the Solution

Get-CimInstance: This cmdlet retrieves instances of Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) classes, which in this case is Win32_Process.

Invoke-CimMethod: This allows you to invoke methods on WMI class instances. We use it here to get the owner of the Explorer process.

Considerations

Multiple Users: Keep in mind that if there are multiple users logged in through Remote Desktop (RDP), this command will return an array of users. You might need to refine the logic to select the desired user.

Checking User Context: To ensure you're running your script in the proper context, consider validating which user account is being used to execute the script.

Updated Command Example

With the user identified, you can now construct the file path dynamically for the script to follow:

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This way, regardless of which user is logged in, the script will point toward their specific Downloads directory.

Conclusion

By following this method, you can effectively reference the current logged in user for your PowerShell scripts running under Desktop Central. Remember to use the ownership of the Explorer.exe process to get accurate user information and ensure your scripts can dynamically adapt to multiple user environments.

Feel free to reach out with your thoughts or questions, and happy scripting!