how to get OS name in Windows Powershell using functions

Question

I'm trying to return OS name using functions in Windows Powershell.

I built this code, but i don't get any results. Any help please?

Function Get-OSName
{
(Get-WmiObject Win32_OperatingSystem).Name
}
"Name of the OS: $(Get-OSName)"

Thank you.

enter image description here

@arco444 can you please check updated post and see my result — aiden87, Dec 05 '14 at 12:59
@MickyBalladelli can you please check updated post and see my result — aiden87, Dec 05 '14 at 12:59
You should save that into a PS1 file and invoke the file, or press Return one more time :). The >> prompt means it's waiting for more. — Micky Balladelli, Dec 05 '14 at 13:03
well now it is clear to you that i'm new to powershell :) thank you very much for that. it works perfectly now :D. I think you should write the answer in different way so i can mark it is the "right one" — aiden87, Dec 05 '14 at 13:05

score 5 · Answer 1 · answered Dec 05 '14 at 12:56

5

Try exploring the object to find out what property you want:

Get-WmiObject Win32_OperatingSystem | select -Property *

You will notice the 'Caption' property contains the friendly OS name, as micky-balladelli mentioned. Your example would change to:

Function Get-OSName
{
    (Get-WmiObject Win32_OperatingSystem).Caption
}

Cheers!

answered Dec 05 '14 at 12:56

Cookie Monster

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caption is indeed a better choice, thanks on that...but still it doesnt return any results. can you please check my updated post? – aiden87 Dec 05 '14 at 13:02

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Dec 06 '14 at 05:42

You have omitted a critical part of your screen, with your image. What is important is the line directly after the last line shown. If the last line shown is truly the last, then you still need to press Enter once more. Consider this command

PS > 'hello world'
hello world

Notice the result printed as soon as I hit Enter. However certain actions, like defining a function cause PowerShell to enter interactive mode. Once PowerShell is in interactive mode it will require pressing Enter twice to start the evaluation. Example

PS > function foo {
>> echo bar
>> }
>> 'hello world'
>> 'dog bird mouse'
>>
hello world
dog bird mouse

Notice this time around I was able to enter a command after the same 'hello world' command.

how to get OS name in Windows Powershell using functions

2 Answers2