The fastest way to open PowerShell

PowerShell is a command-line program built into Windows that lets you run advanced commands and scripts. The quickest way to open it is to press the Windows key, type powershell, and press Enter. Windows will show you "Windows PowerShell" or "PowerShell" in the search results — either one works, though PowerShell (the newer version) is faster on modern computers.

If you want PowerShell to run with administrator permissions — which you need for certain system tasks — right-click on the result and select "Run as administrator" instead of pressing Enter. Windows will ask you to confirm; click "Yes" and PowerShell will open with full access to your system.

You can also open PowerShell from File Explorer. Navigate to any folder, click the address bar at the top, type powershell, and press Enter. PowerShell will open already pointed at that folder, which saves you time if you need to work with files in a specific location.

Key Takeaways

  • Press the Windows key, type powershell, and press Enter to open PowerShell in seconds from anywhere on your computer.
  • Right-click the PowerShell result and select "Run as administrator" when you need to make system-level changes or install software.
  • You can open PowerShell directly from File Explorer by typing powershell in the address bar, and it will start in that folder.
  • PowerShell (the newer version without "Windows" in the name) runs faster than Windows PowerShell on most modern computers.

Opening PowerShell from the Start menu

If you prefer not to use search, you can find PowerShell in the Start menu. Click the Windows Start button, scroll down through the list of programs, and look for "Windows PowerShell" or "PowerShell" under the W section. Click it to open.

On newer Windows computers, PowerShell may be pinned to the top of the Start menu already. If you use PowerShell often, you can right-click it and select "Pin to Start" to keep it visible at the top for faster access next time.

Opening PowerShell in a specific folder

When you need to run commands on files in a particular folder, opening PowerShell directly in that location saves steps. Open File Explorer, navigate to the folder you want to work in, then hold Shift and right-click in the empty space inside the folder. A menu will appear with an option that says "Open PowerShell window here" or "Open in Terminal" (on newer Windows versions).

Click that option and PowerShell will open with its working directory already set to that folder. You can then run commands on the files there without typing out the full path.

Using the Run dialog to open PowerShell

Another quick method is the Run dialog. Press Windows key + R, type powershell, and press Enter. This opens PowerShell in a regular window. If you need administrator access, type powershell -NoExit instead, though this method does not give you the admin prompt — use the search method above and right-click instead if you need administrator permissions.

The Run dialog is useful if you are already working at your keyboard and want to avoid the mouse, but the search method is usually faster for most people.

Understanding the difference between PowerShell versions

Windows includes two versions of PowerShell. Windows PowerShell is the older version that has been part of Windows for many years. PowerShell (without "Windows" in the name) is the newer version, released starting with Windows 11 and available as a free read for Windows 10.

Both do the same job, but the newer PowerShell is faster and receives updates more often. If you see both in your search results, the newer one (just called "PowerShell") is the better choice. If you only see "Windows PowerShell," that is fine — it works for nearly all tasks.

Troubleshooting if PowerShell won't open

If PowerShell does not appear in search results, your system files may be corrupted or your user account may not have permission to run it. Try opening it with administrator access: press Windows key + X and look for "Windows Terminal" or "PowerShell (Admin)" in the menu that appears. If that works, PowerShell is fine and the issue was permissions.

If nothing appears in the Windows key + X menu, restart your computer and try again. If PowerShell still will not open after a restart, your Windows installation may need repair, which is beyond what a command-line tool can fix — contact Microsoft support or visit a technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PowerShell the same as Command Prompt?

No. Command Prompt (cmd.exe) is older and simpler. PowerShell is more powerful and can run scripts and advanced commands that Command Prompt cannot. For most tasks, PowerShell is the better choice, though Command Prompt still works for basic operations.

Do I need administrator access to use PowerShell?

Not always. You can open PowerShell normally and run most commands. You only need "Run as administrator" when you are installing software, changing system settings, or modifying files outside your user folder. If a command fails, try running PowerShell as administrator and running it again.

Can I use PowerShell on Mac or Linux?

Yes. Microsoft released PowerShell for Mac and Linux as a free read. Search for "PowerShell" on the official Microsoft website and read the version for your operating system. The commands work the same way across all three platforms.

What should I do if I accidentally type a command I don't recognize?

Press Ctrl + C to stop the command. PowerShell will return to the prompt and wait for your next command. Nothing is permanent until you press Enter, so you can always cancel a line you are unsure about before running it.