> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.devolutions.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.devolutions.net/powershell-universal/config/command-line-options.md).

# Command Line Options

Launch Universal.Server.exe with command line options in PowerShell Universal to load a custom appsettings file or start the server in demo mode.

## --appsettings

```
Universal.Server.exe --appsettings <appsettings path>
```

Loads the specified appsettings file.

## --mode

```
Universal.Server.exe --mode demo
```

Starts PowerShell Universal in demo mode.

{% hint style="danger" %}
Demo mode accepts any username and password. It is intended only for local evaluation and must not be exposed to untrusted networks or the public internet. By default, PowerShell Universal can listen on all network interfaces. Bind the server to loopback and use a host firewall to block inbound access to the demo port.
{% endhint %}

For example, bind a Windows demo instance to IPv4 loopback only:

```powershell
$env:ASPNETCORE_URLS = 'http://127.0.0.1:5000'
.\Universal.Server.exe --mode demo
```

If remote evaluation is required, use a normal authentication configuration instead of demo mode and restrict access with TLS, a reverse proxy, and firewall rules.


---

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