Find your PowerShell version in three quick steps

You can check which version of Windows PowerShell you have in under a minute. Open PowerShell, type one command, and you'll see the version number on your screen. This matters because older versions may not run certain scripts or updates your computer needs, and knowing your version helps you decide whether to update.

The fastest way is to use the $PSVersionTable command, which shows you the exact version along with other system details. If you're running Windows 10 or 11, you likely have PowerShell 5.1, but checking takes seconds and removes the guesswork.

Key Takeaways

  • Open PowerShell by typing "powershell" in your Windows search box, then select Windows PowerShell from the results.
  • Type $PSVersionTable and press Enter to see your version number in the PSVersion row.
  • Version 5.1 is the standard on Windows 10 and 11; older machines may have version 3.0 or 4.0.
  • PowerShell 7 and newer are separate downloads called PowerShell Core, which is different from the built-in Windows PowerShell.

Open PowerShell on your computer

Click the Windows Start button in the bottom left corner of your screen. Type "powershell" into the search box that appears. You'll see "Windows PowerShell" appear in the results — click it to open the program.

A dark window with white text will open. This is PowerShell, and it's ready for your command. You don't need administrator rights to check your version, so if you see a prompt asking for permission, you can click "No" and still proceed.

The window may take a few seconds to fully load, especially on older computers. Once you see the cursor blinking and ready for input, you're set to move forward.

Run the version command

In the PowerShell window, type this exactly: $PSVersionTable

Press Enter on your keyboard. PowerShell will display a table with several rows of information. Look for the row labeled PSVersion — the number next to it is your PowerShell version. You'll see something like "5.1.19041.1682" or "7.3.4". The first number (5, 7, or 3) is what matters most when someone asks what version you're running.

If you see multiple numbers separated by dots, focus on the first one. That's your major version. The numbers after the first dot are minor versions and build numbers, which change with updates but don't usually affect whether a script will run on your system.

Understand what your version number means

Windows PowerShell versions 3.0, 4.0, and 5.1 come built into Windows itself. Version 5.1 is standard on Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you see 3.0 or 4.0, your computer is older and may benefit from an update, though these versions still run most everyday tasks.

PowerShell 7 and higher are different — they're called PowerShell Core and don't come with Windows. If you see version 7 or above, you downloaded and installed it separately. Both the built-in Windows PowerShell and PowerShell Core can run on the same computer without conflict.

The version you see also tells you how long your Windows installation has been in place. Computers upgraded from older Windows versions sometimes keep their original PowerShell version until you manually update through Windows Update.

What to do if your version is outdated

If you're running PowerShell 3.0 or 4.0, Windows Update can bring you to version 5.1. Open Settings, go to Update & Security, and click "Check for updates". Windows will read and install any available PowerShell updates along with other system patches. You'll need to restart your computer after the update finishes.

If you want the newest version, PowerShell 7 or later, you'll need to read it from Microsoft's website. This is optional — the built-in version handles most tasks fine. Only install PowerShell Core if a specific program or script requires it, or if you work with systems that need the latest features.

Before updating, close any programs that might be using PowerShell in the background. Some system tools and administrative tasks run PowerShell commands without showing you the window, so a clean restart ensures the update completes without interruption.

Check the version of PowerShell Core if you have it

If you installed PowerShell Core separately, you can check its version the same way. Search for "PowerShell" in your Start menu — if you see both "Windows PowerShell" and "PowerShell" listed, you have both versions. Click on "PowerShell" (the one without "Windows" in the name) and run $PSVersionTable again. The version number will likely be higher than your Windows PowerShell version.

You can keep both versions on your computer. They don't interfere with each other, and some programs may ask for one or the other. Knowing which is which helps you pick the right one when you need to open PowerShell for a specific task.

PowerShell Core is useful if you work across different operating systems, since it runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. The built-in Windows PowerShell only works on Windows machines, so if you're managing multiple systems, PowerShell Core gives you one tool that works everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to know my PowerShell version?

Some scripts and programs require a minimum version to run. If you're troubleshooting a computer problem and someone tells you to run a PowerShell command, they may ask what version you have to confirm the command will work on your system. Older versions may lack features that newer ones have.

Is PowerShell the same as Command Prompt?

No. Command Prompt is older and simpler; PowerShell is more powerful and can do more complex tasks. They're separate programs. You can check PowerShell's version using the method in this guide, but Command Prompt doesn't have a version number in the same way.

Can I update PowerShell without updating Windows?

Windows PowerShell 5.1 updates through Windows Update, so you can't separate them. PowerShell Core (version 7 and up) is independent and updates on its own schedule. If you want the newest features without waiting for a Windows update, read PowerShell Core from Microsoft's website.

What if the $PSVersionTable command doesn't work?

Make sure you typed it exactly, including the dollar sign at the start. If you still see an error, you may have opened Command Prompt instead of PowerShell. Close the window and search for "powershell" again, making sure you select "Windows PowerShell" from the results.

Do I need to update PowerShell to keep my computer running smoothly?

Version 5.1 is sufficient for most users and handles routine maintenance tasks fine. Updates through Windows Update are worth installing when they appear, since they include security patches. PowerShell Core is only necessary if a specific tool or script you use requires it.