How to Fix A positional parameter cannot be found that accepts argument Error in PowerShell

Learn how to troubleshoot and fix the "A positional parameter cannot be found that accepts argument" error in PowerShell scripts, especially when using Chocolatey.
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How to Fix A positional parameter cannot be found that accepts argument Error in PowerShell

PowerShell is a powerful scripting language used for automation and management of Windows systems. However, like any other programming tool, it can sometimes throw cryptic errors that may baffle even seasoned users. One such common error is:

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This error can occur in various scenarios, but it mainly stems from incorrect usage of parameters in cmdlets or scripts. In this guide, we'll discuss typical causes of this error and how to fix them, particularly in the context of using Chocolatey, a popular package manager for Windows.

Understanding the Error

The A positional parameter cannot be found that accepts argument error typically indicates that the command you are running expects parameters in a specific order or format but didn't receive what it expected. PowerShell cmdlets and scripts are designed to accept specific parameters either by position or name. Positional parameters are those that do not require the parameter name to be specified as long as they are provided in the correct order.

Common Causes and Fixes

Incorrect Parameter Position

Ensure that parameters are provided in the correct order if you are relying on positional parameters. If the order is wrong, PowerShell will not be able to map the provided arguments correctly.

Example

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Missing Required Parameters

Sometimes, the error may occur because one or more required parameters are not provided. Make sure to provide all necessary parameters.

Example

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Using Named Parameters Instead of Positional

When in doubt, use named parameters instead of relying on positional ones. This makes the script more readable and reduces the chances of errors.

Example

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Quoting Arguments

When dealing with string arguments that contain spaces or special characters, it's essential to quote them correctly.

Example

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Specific to Chocolatey

When using Chocolatey, the package manager for Windows, ensure you are providing correct parameters according to the Chocolatey documentation. This often includes correct flags and double-checking parameter syntax.

Example

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Conclusion

The A positional parameter cannot be found that accepts argument error in PowerShell is an indication that the script or command you are running does not match the expected format for parameters. By verifying the order, ensuring all required parameters are provided, using named parameters, and quoting arguments correctly, you can effectively resolve this error. This guidance is particularly useful when working with package managers like Chocolatey in PowerShell.