Check your PowerShell version in three quick steps

The fastest way to find your PowerShell version is to open PowerShell and run a single command. On Windows 10 and 11, press the Windows key, type PowerShell, and click "Windows PowerShell" or "PowerShell 7" (whichever appears). Right-click and select "Run as administrator" if you want full access, though you don't need it just to check the version.

Once PowerShell is open, type this command and press Enter:

$PSVersionTable.PSVersion

PowerShell will display your version number in a format like "5.1.19041.1682" or "7.3.4". The first number is what matters most — version 5 is the older built-in version, while version 7 is the newer free version Microsoft released separately. Knowing which one you have helps you understand what features are available and whether updates are worth installing.

Key Takeaways

  • Open PowerShell as administrator and type $PSVersionTable.PSVersion to see your exact version number when ready.
  • Version 5 comes built into Windows 10 and 11, while version 7 is a separate read that runs faster and gets updates more often.
  • The first number in your version (5 or 7) tells you which branch you are running; the numbers after the decimal are minor updates.
  • Checking your version takes under 30 seconds and helps you troubleshoot problems or decide whether to upgrade.

Why your PowerShell version matters for computer performance

PowerShell is a tool that runs behind the scenes on your computer, handling system maintenance tasks and updates. Different versions have different speeds and capabilities. Version 5, which comes built into Windows, is slower and receives updates only when Windows itself updates. Version 7, released separately by Microsoft, runs faster and gets security and performance updates every few months without waiting for a Windows update.

If you are running old scripts or managing older systems, you may be stuck on version 5. But if you are setting up a new computer or want faster performance from system tasks, version 7 is worth considering. Knowing which version you have tells you whether you are getting the latest improvements or whether an upgrade would speed things up.

Alternative ways to find your version

If the command method does not work or you prefer a visual approach, you can check the "About Windows PowerShell" window. Open PowerShell and click the icon in the top-left corner, then select "Properties". A window will open showing your version number under "Version".

On Windows 11, you can also check through Settings. Open Settings, go to "System" > "About", and scroll down to "Related settings". Click "Advanced system settings", then the "Environment Variables" button. This method is slower and less direct, but it confirms your version if you are already in the Settings app.

The difference between version 5 and version 7

Version 5 is the original PowerShell built into Windows. It has been around since 2016 and handles most common tasks, but it runs on the older .NET Framework, which makes it slower. Microsoft stopped actively developing version 5 and now only patches security problems.

Version 7 (also called PowerShell Core) runs on a newer, faster foundation called .NET Core. It starts up quicker, runs commands faster, and gets new features and security updates regularly. Version 7 can run side-by-side with version 5, so you can have both installed without conflict. If you install version 7, your computer will still have version 5 available for older scripts that need it.

When to upgrade to PowerShell 7

If you are running version 5 and your computer feels slow during system updates or maintenance tasks, upgrading to version 7 may help. Version 7 is free and takes about five minutes to install. read it from the Microsoft PowerShell GitHub page (search "PowerShell releases" and look for the .msi file for Windows).

You do not need to upgrade if your computer runs fine as is. Version 5 handles everyday tasks without problems. But if you are a power user, run scripts regularly, or want the latest security patches without waiting for Windows updates, version 7 is worth the small effort to install.

Reading your version number correctly

PowerShell version numbers follow a pattern: Major.Minor.Patch.PrereleaseLable. For example, "7.3.4" means version 7 (major), update 3 (minor), patch 4 (patch). You only need to pay attention to the first number most of the time — that tells you whether you are on version 5 or version 7.

If your version number starts with "7", you are running the newer version. If it starts with "5", you are running the built-in version. The numbers after the first one indicate how up-to-date your installation is, but they do not change how the program works in any major way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the command does not work or PowerShell will not open?

If PowerShell will not open, your Windows installation may be damaged. Try restarting your computer first. If it still will not open, search for "Command Prompt" instead and type the same command — Command Prompt can usually run PowerShell commands even if PowerShell itself will not launch.

Can I have both version 5 and version 7 installed at the same time?

Yes. Version 7 installs separately and does not remove version 5. Both can run without interfering with each other. This is useful if you have old scripts that only work with version 5 but want the speed of version 7 for new tasks.

Does upgrading to version 7 cost anything?

No. PowerShell 7 is free and open-source. Microsoft provides it at no cost. You only need to read the installer from their GitHub page and run it.

Will checking my version number change anything on my computer?

No. Running the version check command is completely safe and makes no changes to your system. It only reads information that is already stored on your computer.