# Asking Questions: \`Read-Host\`

Read-Host asks a question, waits, and hands back what was typed, always as text, -MaskInput shows stars instead of the answer, and a parameter is usually the better way in, because a question needs someone at the keyboard and a script that runs on its own has no one there.

![Cheat sheet for the lesson Asking Questions: \`Read-Host\`: Read-Host asks a question, waits, and hands back what was typed, always as text, -MaskInput shows stars instead of the answer, and a parameter is usually the better way in, because a question needs someone at the keyboard and a script that…](https://fsdtrainingmedia.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/2026/11/4d400411edb54347b23ef3499724da73.webp)

- Category: PowerShell
- Level: Apprentice
- Tags: mandatory-parameter, parameter, powershell, read-host
- Updated: November 10, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/cheat-sheets/powershell-read-host-cheat-sheet