How to check what version of PowerShell you have

PowerShell, a robust command-line tool and scripting language, is a standard component of all Windows operating systems. Over time, Microsoft has released various versions of PowerShell, each with its capabilities and enhancements, such as sideloading Android apps. Knowing what version you’re using is essential for compatibility and script accuracy. This article will guide you through identifying your PowerShell version on a Windows computer.

How to check what version of PowerShell you have

Finding PowerShell in Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11:

Locating the PowerShell console or the Integrated Scripting Environment (ISE) in Windows can occasionally be challenging. Here’s where to find it depending on your version of Windows:

• For Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11: Click the Windows icon (lower left corner for Windows 10 and older, lower center for Windows 11), and start typing ‘PowerShell.’
• For the Integrated Scripting Environment (ISE) in Windows 10 and 11: Click the Windows icon (lower left corner for Windows 10, lower center for Windows 11), and start typing ‘ISE.’

If you can’t find PowerShell from the Windows 11 Start menu, see our guide for potential fixes.

How to check the version of PowerShell

1. Open a PowerShell console (or the ISE).
2. Type $PSVersionTable and press ENTER.
3. Look for the ‘PSVersion’ value. This shows you the version of PowerShell you have installed.

Updating PowerShell

PowerShell does not come with a standalone installer; instead, it is bundled inside a Windows Management Framework (WMF) installer. The WMF installer version corresponds to the PowerShell version.

If you need to update PowerShell in Windows, you’ll need to locate the installer for the version of PowerShell you want to update to. For example, if you upgrade to PowerShell 5.1 on Windows 7 SP1 or Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, you would use the WMF 5.1 installer.

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