PowerShell
PowerShell is an open-source task automation framework and command-line shell developed by Microsoft. Built on .NET, it processes structured objects rather than plain text streams, providing robust scripting capabilities for operating system and application management.
github.com · Official website
- ✓ Official source (winget)
- ✓ SHA256 taken from the official repository
- ✓ Last checked: Nov. 4, 2026
- This is not a virus scan. Check on VirusTotal
- Version
- 7.6.9.0
- Release date
- Oct. 25, 2026
- License
- MIT
- Installer type
- msix
How do I use this?
Type Terminal in the Start menu and open it, paste the command (Ctrl+V or right-click) and press Enter. It uses winget, Windows' own package manager, to install the program from its official source.
winget install --id Microsoft.PowerShell -eSHA256 (file verification)
da75c8aa23edda52e888fb586a46b923ab37a7c243719c2e8914b00130c5917aWe couldn't find a macOS version of PowerShell in the official repositories; check the publisher's website.
We couldn't find a Linux version of PowerShell in the official repositories; check the publisher's website.
We couldn't find a Android version of PowerShell in the official repositories; check the publisher's website.
Highlights
- Object-oriented pipeline passing structured data between commands
- Extensive library of built-in cmdlets for system administration
- Dynamic scripting language supporting functions, classes, and error handling
- Modular architecture extensible via PowerShell Gallery
Who is it for?
Designed for system administrators, DevOps engineers, and developers who need to automate repetitive administrative tasks and manage system configurations.
Good to know before installing
- Steeper learning curve for users accustomed purely to text-stream UNIX shells.
- Some legacy Windows PowerShell modules and snap-ins are incompatible with modern PowerShell.
How to install
Windows
- Click the official download button on our page to get the installer, or run 'winget install --id Microsoft.PowerShell -e' in your existing terminal.
- Launch the downloaded installer package.
- Follow the setup wizard prompts to select optional actions and complete the installation.
Alternatives
- Bash
- Zsh
- Nushell
Frequently asked questions
How does PowerShell differ from the built-in Windows PowerShell?
PowerShell is the modern, open-source edition built on current .NET runtimes, installed side-by-side without replacing the legacy Windows PowerShell 5.1.
Is PowerShell free to use?
Yes, PowerShell is completely free and open-source under the MIT license.
Can I run standard Command Prompt commands inside PowerShell?
Yes, common commands like dir or ipconfig work either directly as native executables or via built-in aliases.