> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.portainer.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.portainer.io/user/kubernetes/kubectl.md).

# kubectl shell

Although the Portainer UI provides access to a lot of Kubernetes functionality, sometimes you need to drop into the console. We have provided a shell within the UI that includes `kubectl` and `helm` binaries. The shell is preloaded with a `kubeconfig` for the user's context, restricting access to the permissions defined in Portainer for that user.

To access the shell, select **kubectl shell** from the menu. Once the shell loads, you can run `kubectl` and `helm` commands as needed.

<figure><img src="/files/PeqrlOt8MO0RojIL91Ih" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.portainer.io/user/kubernetes/kubectl.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.