PowerShell is one of the most powerful tools built into Windows 11. It lets you automate tasks, run advanced commands, and manage your system like a pro. But here’s the catch — by default, Windows blocks PowerShell scripts from running for security reasons.
So, what if you need to run a script you downloaded or one you wrote yourself? Don’t worry — in this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to enable PowerShell scripts on Windows 11, step by step, and explain everything you need to know about execution policies, security settings, and best practices.
What Are PowerShell Scripts and Why Are They Blocked?
A PowerShell script is basically a text file containing commands that PowerShell can run automatically. These files typically end with the .ps1 extension.
Microsoft blocks PowerShell scripts by default to protect your PC from malicious code. This is because scripts can be used to install software, change system settings, or even delete files — so running them blindly could be dangerous.
Why You Might Need to Enable PowerShell Scripts
You may want to enable script execution if you:
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Automate repetitive tasks with custom scripts.
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Install software or updates via scripts.
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Manage Windows services and settings in bulk.
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Learn PowerShell for IT, DevOps, or cybersecurity work.
In short, enabling PowerShell scripts is essential for developers, IT admins, and power users.
Understanding PowerShell Execution Policies
Before we start, let’s quickly understand execution policies — they control what scripts can run on your system.
| Execution Policy | Description |
|---|---|
| Restricted (Default) | No scripts can run — only interactive commands. |
| AllSigned | Only signed scripts from trusted publishers can run. |
| RemoteSigned | Local scripts can run, but downloaded scripts must be signed. |
| Unrestricted | All scripts can run, but you get a warning for downloaded scripts. |
| Bypass | No restrictions — no warnings or prompts. |
Most users choose RemoteSigned for a good balance between security and flexibility.
How to Check the Current Execution Policy
Before changing anything, let’s see your current setting:
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Press Windows + X and choose Windows Terminal (Admin).
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Type:
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Press Enter — you’ll see one of the policies listed above.
Step-by-Step: How to Enable PowerShell Scripts on Windows 11
Now let’s enable script execution.
Method 1: Using PowerShell (Recommended)
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Open PowerShell as Administrator.
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Press Windows + X > select Windows Terminal (Admin).
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Run the following command to set the policy to RemoteSigned:
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You’ll be prompted to confirm — press Y and hit Enter.
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Close PowerShell and reopen it to apply changes.
That’s it! You can now run scripts safely.
Method 2: Enabling for Current User Only
If you don’t want to change the setting system-wide:
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Open PowerShell as Administrator.
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Run:
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Confirm with Y.
This only affects the current user account, not the whole system.
Method 3: Using Group Policy Editor (Pro/Enterprise)
If you’re on Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you can set this via Group Policy:
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Press Windows + R, type
gpedit.msc, and hit Enter. -
Go to:
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Double-click Turn on Script Execution.
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Select Enabled and choose:
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Allow local scripts and remote signed scripts (recommended).
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Click Apply, then OK.
Restart your PC — your new policy will be active.
Method 4: Temporarily Bypassing the Policy
Need to run a single script without changing settings? Use:
This runs the script one time only without modifying global settings.
Best Practices for Running PowerShell Scripts Safely
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Always review scripts before running — open them in Notepad to check for suspicious commands.
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Download scripts only from trusted sources (Microsoft, GitHub, official documentation).
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Avoid Unrestricted or Bypass unless absolutely necessary.
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Revert to a safer policy (like Restricted) when done if you rarely run scripts.
Troubleshooting: What If Scripts Still Don’t Run?
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Close and reopen PowerShell — changes may not apply until restart.
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Run PowerShell as Administrator — some scripts need elevated privileges.
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Check script’s “Unblock” status — right-click the file > Properties > check “Unblock.”
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Verify Scope — you may need to set execution policy at the CurrentUser or LocalMachine scope.
Common Errors When Running Scripts
| Error | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| “running scripts is disabled on this system” | Execution policy is Restricted | Use Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned |
| Access Denied | Not running as admin | Right-click PowerShell → Run as Administrator |
| Cannot be loaded because running scripts is disabled | Scope mismatch | Set policy for correct scope (CurrentUser or LocalMachine) |
Security Risks of Enabling PowerShell Scripts
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Malicious scripts can harm your system.
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Untrusted code may steal data or install malware.
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Cyberattacks often use PowerShell — so be extra careful with downloaded scripts.
When Should You Disable Script Execution Again?
If you only needed it temporarily, you can disable it by running:
This restores the default, most secure setting.
Conclusion
Learning how to enable PowerShell scripts on Windows 11 is crucial if you want to automate tasks, run admin scripts, or experiment with advanced features. By using RemoteSigned or CurrentUser execution policies, you strike a good balance between usability and security.
Just remember — with great power comes great responsibility. Always verify scripts before running them, and reset your execution policy when you’re done if you don’t use scripts often.
FAQs
Q1: Is it safe to enable PowerShell scripts?
Yes, as long as you use a secure policy like RemoteSigned and run scripts from trusted sources.
Q2: Will enabling scripts make my computer vulnerable?
Not necessarily, but malicious scripts can be dangerous — so never run code you don’t trust.
Q3: Can I enable PowerShell scripts without admin rights?
Yes, you can use -Scope CurrentUser to change the policy for just your account.
Q4: Do I need to enable scripts permanently?
No — you can switch back to Restricted after running your scripts.
Q5: What’s the safest execution policy to use?
RemoteSigned is considered the safest for everyday use because it blocks unsigned remote scripts.