A Guide to Launching PowerShell on Windows 11

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This post guides students and new users on how to open and use PowerShell in Windows 11 through different methods. PowerShell, a cross-platform task automation solution, runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS, primarily used for systems management. In Windows 11, PowerShell can be accessed via Windows Terminal, Windows Search, Run Box, File Explorer, or Power…

This post shows students and new users steps to open and use PowerShell in Windows 11. PowerShell is a cross-platform task automation solution comprising a command-line shell, a scripting language, and a configuration management framework.

PowerShell runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS. It is commonly used for automating the management of systems. However, PowerShell is not an app that new users use regularly. Instead, it is a handy tool mainly used by advanced users and those who know how it works.

Windows 11 also has a command-line interface app called Windows Terminal. Windows Terminal is the default console to open installed shells like PowerShell and the Command Prompt.

Below are some steps that one can use to open and use PowerShell in Windows 11.

How to open and use PowerShell in Windows 11

As mentioned above, PowerShell is commonly used to automate systems’ management on a command shell interface without using Windows GUI or a graphical user interface.

Some steps show you how to open and use PowerShell in Windows 11.

Open PowerShell in Windows Terminal

Windows Terminal defaults in PowerShell. Launch the Windows Terminal app and begin using PowerShell.

Read the post below to open PowerShell via Windows Terminal.

How to open PowerShell in Windows Terminal

Windows Search allows you to search for apps and settings. It can also be used to open the PowerShell in Windows 11.

Open Windows Search or press the keyboard short Windows key + S.

Then, type PowerShell into the Windows Search box. Under Best Match, select the Windows PowerShell app to open.

Open PowerShell from the Run box

The Windows Run command box can open an application or document whose path is known directly. Command variables can also be entered in the box to execute those commands quickly.

To open PowerShell via the Run command, search for the Run apps from the start menu or press the keyboard shortcut:  Windows key + R

Next, type PowerShell in the Run box and press Enter or OK to open the PowerShell.

Open PowerShell from File Explorer

Another way one can open PowerShell is via File Explorer. All programs have their executables in File Explorer. If you know where the executable lives in File Explorer, you can browse there and launch the app.

First, open File Explorer or use the keyboard shortcuts: Windows key + E. Next, navigate to and open the C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0 folder.

Locate and double-click the PowerShell executable to open the PowerShell.

Open PowerShell using the Power User Menu

One more method in Windows 11 is through the Power User Menu. First, press the keyboard short: Windows key + X or right-click on the Start menu to launch the Power User Menu. Then, choose Windows Terminal from the menu that appears.

Open the PowerShell as an administrator

As you can see above, there are multiple ways to open PowerShell. The post below should be helpful if you want to open the PowerShell app as an administrator.

How to open and run apps as an administrator in Windows 11

There might be other ways to open PowerShell in Windows and Windows 11. If you know other methods, please add them to our command form below.

Conclusion:

This post showed you how to open and use PowerShell in Windows 11. Please use the comment form below if you find any errors above or have something to add.

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