How to Update PowerShell Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

PowerShell is one of the most powerful tools in Windows 11 — used by IT professionals, developers, and even everyday users to automate tasks and manage system configurations. However, keeping PowerShell up to date is essential to ensure compatibility, access to new features, and better security.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to update PowerShell on Windows 11 step by step using multiple methods — from the Microsoft Store to Command Prompt, Winget, and manual downloads.

Whether you’re using the legacy Windows PowerShell 5.1 or the modern PowerShell 7 (PowerShell Core), this tutorial will help you update safely and efficiently.

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🧭 Quick Overview

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Understanding PowerShell Versions on Windows 11

Before updating, it’s important to know which version of PowerShell you’re using.

Windows PowerShell (5.1)

• Comes pre-installed with Windows 11.

• Located at:

  C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\


• No longer actively developed, only maintained with security updates.

PowerShell 7 (Core)

• Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux).

• Offers performance improvements, bug fixes, and new features.

• Installed separately from the legacy version.

• Located at:

  C:\Program Files\PowerShell\7\


💡 Tip: You can keep both versions installed. PowerShell 7 doesn’t replace Windows PowerShell 5.1.

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How to Check Your Current PowerShell Version

1. Press Windows + X → select Terminal (Admin).

2. In the PowerShell window, type:

   $PSVersionTable.PSVersion


3. Press Enter.

You’ll see output like:

✅ If the major version is below 7.x, it’s time to update.

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Method 1: Update PowerShell via Microsoft Store (Easiest Way)

The easiest way to install and update PowerShell in Windows 11 is directly from the Microsoft Store.

Steps:

1. Open Microsoft Store

   • Click Start → Microsoft Store, or press Windows + S and search “Microsoft Store.”

2. Search for PowerShell

   • In the Store’s search bar, type PowerShell.

3. Select PowerShell by Microsoft Corporation

   • Look for the official app published by Microsoft.

4. Click “Get” or “Install”

   • If it’s already installed, click Update.

5. Wait for Installation

   • The latest stable version of PowerShell will be downloaded and installed automatically.

6. Launch PowerShell

   • After installation, open it via Start → PowerShell 7 (x64).

✅ Result: You now have the latest version of PowerShell. The Microsoft Store version auto-updates in the background, just like regular apps.

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Method 2: Update PowerShell Using Winget (Command Line)

Winget (Windows Package Manager) is one of the most efficient tools to update software — including PowerShell.

Steps:

1. Open Terminal as Administrator

   • Press Windows + X → Terminal (Admin).

2. Check for Existing PowerShell Versions

   winget list Microsoft.PowerShell


3. Install or Update PowerShell

   winget install --id Microsoft.PowerShell --source winget


4. Wait for the Update

   • Winget will automatically download and install the latest stable version.

5. Verify Installation

   pwsh --version


✅ Tip: The new PowerShell 7 version will install side-by-side with older versions.

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Method 3: Update PowerShell Manually (MSI Installer)

If your PC doesn’t have Microsoft Store or internet restrictions apply, you can update PowerShell manually using an installer.

Steps:

1. Visit the Official PowerShell GitHub Page

   • Go to https://github.com/PowerShell/PowerShell.

2. Click “Releases”

   • You’ll see a list of all stable and preview versions.

3. Download the Latest MSI Installer

   • Choose the file that matches your system:

     • For 64-bit Windows → PowerShell-x.y.z-win-x64.msi

     • For 32-bit Windows → PowerShell-x.y.z-win-x86.msi

4. Run the Installer

   • Double-click the .msi file to start installation.

5. Follow the Setup Wizard

   • Check the box “Add PowerShell to Path Environment Variable.”

   • Optionally, select “Enable PowerShell Remoting.”

6. Finish Installation

   • Click Install → Finish once completed.

7. Verify the New Version

   pwsh --version


✅ Result: PowerShell is now updated manually to the latest version.

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Method 4: Update PowerShell from PowerShell Itself

If you already have PowerShell 7+, you can update it from within the console.

Steps:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator

   Start-Process powershell -Verb RunAs


2. Run the Update Command

   winget upgrade --id Microsoft.PowerShell


3. Wait for Installation

   • PowerShell will fetch and install the latest stable version.

4. Restart Terminal

   • Close and reopen PowerShell to start using the updated version.

✅ Note: You can also use PowerShellGet module to install preview versions:

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Method 5: Update PowerShell Using Chocolatey (For System Admins)

If you manage multiple systems, Chocolatey offers a fast and scriptable way to deploy PowerShell updates.

Steps:

1. Install Chocolatey (If Not Installed)
   Run this in Command Prompt (Admin):

   @"%SystemRoot%\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe" -NoProfile -InputFormat None -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Command "Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process -Force; [System.Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol = [System.Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol -bor 3072; iex ((New-Object System.Net.WebClient).DownloadString('https://community.chocolatey.org/install.ps1'))"


2. Install or Update PowerShell

   choco install powershell-core --force


   or update:

   choco upgrade powershell-core


✅ Result: Chocolatey automates PowerShell installation and keeps it up to date across devices.

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How to Set PowerShell 7 as Default in Windows 11

By default, Windows 11 still opens PowerShell 5.1. Here’s how to change it:

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I → Go to Privacy & Security → For Developers.

2. Under Terminal, choose PowerShell as the default profile.

3. Open Windows Terminal → click the down arrow (˅) → select Settings.

4. Set PowerShell 7 as your default profile.

5. Click Save and restart the Terminal.

✅ Now, when you open Terminal or press Windows + X → Terminal, PowerShell 7 will launch by default.

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How to Update PowerShell Modules (Optional but Recommended)

Updating PowerShell itself is great, but don’t forget its modules.

Steps:

1. Open PowerShell as Admin.

2. Run:

   Update-Module


   If you get an error:

   Install-Module PowerShellGet -Force
Install-Module PackageManagement -Force


3. Restart PowerShell.

✅ Result: All installed modules are refreshed to the latest versions.

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Verifying Your PowerShell Update

After updating, confirm the installation:

or

You should see something like:

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Troubleshooting PowerShell Update Issues

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Uninstall Old PowerShell Versions

To avoid confusion, you can remove older versions:

1. Press Windows + I → Apps → Installed Apps.

2. Search PowerShell.

3. Click the three dots (⋯) → select Uninstall.

✅ Note: Do not uninstall Windows PowerShell 5.1 — it’s integrated into Windows 11.

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PowerShell Update Channels

When installing from GitHub or Store, you can choose from:

⚠️ Use Preview versions only on non-production systems.

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Why You Should Keep PowerShell Updated

• 🔒 Security Enhancements: Patches vulnerabilities and ensures safer scripting.

• 🚀 Performance Boost: Newer builds run scripts faster.

• 🧩 Compatibility: Supports updated .NET and Azure modules.

• 🧰 New Features: Updated cmdlets and better error handling.

• 🌐 Cross-Platform Support: Easier management across systems.

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PowerShell Update Best Practices

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need to uninstall the old version before updating?

No — PowerShell 7 installs alongside older versions, allowing you to use both.

2. Is PowerShell 7 free?

Yes, it’s 100% free and open-source.

3. How do I know if I’m using PowerShell Core?

Open PowerShell and type:

If it says Core, you’re using PowerShell 7.

4. Will updating PowerShell affect my scripts?

Most older scripts will still work. However, test critical scripts for compatibility first.

5. Can I install PowerShell 7 on Windows 10 too?

Yes, it supports Windows 10, Windows 11, and server editions.

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Conclusion: Keep PowerShell Updated for Peak Performance

Updating PowerShell in Windows 11 is quick, safe, and crucial for a smooth workflow. Whether you prefer using the Microsoft Store, Winget, or manual installers, staying current ensures better security, performance, and feature access.

By following the methods outlined in this guide, you’ll have the latest version of PowerShell 7 running in minutes — ready for automation, scripting, and system management.

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✅ Key Takeaways

• Use Microsoft Store or Winget for automatic updates.

• Keep both Windows PowerShell 5.1 and PowerShell 7 if needed.

• Regularly update PowerShell modules to avoid compatibility issues.

• Always run updates as Administrator.

• Test scripts after upgrading major versions.

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