How to Check PowerShell Version in Windows 11: A Quick Guide

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How to Check PowerShell Version in Windows 11: A Quick Guide

PowerShell is a powerful task automation and configuration management framework developed by Microsoft. It includes a command-line shell and an associated scripting language. Over the years, PowerShell has evolved significantly, especially with the release of Windows 11, which comes with enhanced features and optimizations. It’s beneficial for users, whether they are system administrators or casual users, to know which version of PowerShell they are running. Knowing the version helps ensure compatibility with various scripts and modules, as different versions may support different cmdlets and functionalities.

Why Check Your PowerShell Version?


Compatibility

: Many scripts and modules depend on certain features introduced in specific versions of PowerShell. Knowing your version helps avoid compatibility issues.


Feature Awareness

: Certain features and cmdlets are only available in newer versions. By checking the version, users can determine whether they are utilizing the latest and most efficient tools.


Debugging and Troubleshooting

: If a script fails to run or behaves unexpectedly, knowing the PowerShell version can help in diagnosing issues related to version-based discrepancies.

How to Check the PowerShell Version in Windows 11

Windows 11 supports multiple methods to check the version of PowerShell installed on your machine. Below, I’ll outline several ways you can check your PowerShell version, ranging from using the command line to graphical interfaces.

The most straightforward way to check your PowerShell version is by executing a simple command in the PowerShell console. Here’s how to do it:


Open PowerShell

:

  • Right-click on the Start button (the Windows icon) on the taskbar.
  • Select “Windows Terminal” or “Windows Terminal (Admin)”. If Windows Terminal is not available, you can search for “PowerShell” in the Start menu and launch it from there.


Execute the Command

:

In the PowerShell console, type the following command and press Enter:

This command retrieves the version information for your PowerShell instance. You will see output similar to this:

The output indicates the version of PowerShell you are currently using. The “Major” and “Minor” numbers are the key indicators.


Interpret the Results

:

For example, if you see

7.1.3

, you are using PowerShell 7.1.3. If you see a version starting with

5

, you are using Windows PowerShell, while if you see

7

, you are utilizing PowerShell 7 (also known as PowerShell Core).

Another way to identify your PowerShell version is through the Windows Registry:


Open the Registry Editor

:

  • Press

    Windows + R

    to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type

    regedit

    and press Enter. If a User Account Control window appears, click “Yes” to allow it to open.


Navigate to the PowerShell Key

:

Navigate to the following path in the Registry Editor:

For Windows PowerShell 5.1, navigate to:


Find the Version

:

Look for the

PowerShellVersion

entry within the right pane. The value of this entry will display the installed PowerShell version.


Close the Registry Editor

: After checking, you can close the Registry Editor.

Although checking the version through Windows Settings is less direct, you can see if Windows PowerShell is installed and its version through the Apps section:


Open Windows Settings

:

  • Press

    Windows + I

    to open the Settings app.


Go to Apps

:

Click on “Apps” to see a list of installed applications on your PC.


Search for Windows PowerShell

:

In the “Apps & features” section, type “PowerShell” in the search bar.


View Version Information

:

Clicking on “Windows PowerShell” or “Windows Terminal” can bring you to more information regarding the app, including its version.

Understanding PowerShell Versions

PowerShell has seen several major iterations:


  • Windows PowerShell

    : This is the original version that comes pre-installed with Windows operating systems. The latest version is 5.1, which provides a full suite of features for system administration.


  • PowerShell Core

    : This is a cross-platform version of PowerShell that can run on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is built on .NET Core and is now simply referred to as PowerShell, with versioning continuing semantically (7.0, 7.1, etc.).


Windows PowerShell

: This is the original version that comes pre-installed with Windows operating systems. The latest version is 5.1, which provides a full suite of features for system administration.


PowerShell Core

: This is a cross-platform version of PowerShell that can run on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is built on .NET Core and is now simply referred to as PowerShell, with versioning continuing semantically (7.0, 7.1, etc.).

Each version introduces new features and enhancements. Some notable features in versions beyond 5.1 include:

  • Improved performance and reduced memory usage.
  • New cmdlets and modules.
  • Enhanced compatibility with existing tools and frameworks.
  • Cross-platform support making it usable on non-Windows systems.

Being Progressive with PowerShell

Windows 11 allows for seamless updates and management of PowerShell installations, enabling users to leverage the latest features and performance improvements. If you determine that you are using an outdated version of PowerShell, here are some steps to update:


Install PowerShell 7

:

Visit the

PowerShell GitHub Releases Page

to download the latest version for your system. Follow the installation instructions provided for your environment.


Using Windows Terminal

:

If you are using Windows Terminal, it’s a great way to manage multiple command-line applications, including different versions of PowerShell seamlessly.


Stay Informed

:

Keeping an eye on updates for PowerShell can help you stay ahead in utilizing productivity-enhancing features and fixing any vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

Knowing how to check your PowerShell version in Windows 11 is a fundamental skill that every user can benefit from, especially those who frequently use scripts, manage systems, or engage in automation tasks. By leveraging the Terminal, Registry Editor, or Settings app, users can easily find out their PowerShell version and decide whether or not they need to upgrade or troubleshoot issues.

Being aware of the various methods available for checking your PowerShell version empowers you to work more effectively within your Windows environment and ensures you stay compatible with various scripts and modules as technology evolves.

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