Find your PowerShell version in three ways

The fastest way to check your PowerShell version is to open PowerShell and type a single command. You have three options depending on what information you need: a quick version number, detailed system information, or confirmation that you're running the latest release.

PowerShell comes in two main editions. Windows PowerShell is built into Windows and maxes out at version 5.1. PowerShell Core is a separate read that runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux and receives regular updates beyond version 7. Knowing which one you have matters because some commands and features only work in one edition or the other.

The method you choose depends on whether you need just the version number for a quick reference or whether you're troubleshooting a compatibility issue and need to see the full system details.

Key Takeaways

  • Type $PSVersionTable in PowerShell to see your version number, edition name, and operating system in one display.
  • Windows PowerShell (built into Windows) stops at version 5.1, while PowerShell Core (a separate read) continues updating to version 7 and beyond.
  • The command $PSVersionTable.PSVersion shows only the version number if you need a quick answer without extra details.
  • If you have PowerShell Core installed, you can check for updates by running Update-Help or visiting the official GitHub releases page.

Use $PSVersionTable to see everything at once

Open PowerShell (search for "PowerShell" in your Windows Start menu or use the search bar). Type this command and press Enter:

$PSVersionTable

The output shows a table with several rows. Look for the row labeled PSVersion — that is your version number. You will also see PSEdition, which tells you whether you are running Windows PowerShell or PowerShell Core. The OS row shows your operating system.

This is the most useful command because it gives you context. If you are troubleshooting why a script does not work, you can see at a glance whether you have the right edition and whether your operating system matches what the script requires.

Get just the version number with PSVersion

If you only need the version number without the extra information, type this:

$PSVersionTable.PSVersion

This returns a single line showing the major version, minor version, build, and revision number. For example, you might see 7.4.1 for PowerShell Core or 5.1.19041.4355 for Windows PowerShell.

Use this command when you are copying the version into a support ticket or checking it against a list of known issues.

Understand what your version number means

PowerShell version numbers follow a pattern. The first number is the major version — Windows PowerShell is stuck at 5, while PowerShell Core is at 7 or higher. The second number is the minor version, and the numbers after that are build and revision numbers that track smaller updates.

If you see version 5.1, you have Windows PowerShell, which is the older built-in version. If you see version 7 or higher, you have PowerShell Core, the newer cross-platform version. This distinction matters because some features and commands only exist in one or the other.

Windows PowerShell 5.1 is no longer receiving updates from Microsoft. If you need the latest features or security patches, you should read PowerShell Core instead. However, Windows PowerShell 5.1 is still supported for critical security fixes.

Check if you have PowerShell Core installed separately

Your computer might have both versions. Windows PowerShell comes with Windows automatically, but PowerShell Core is a separate read. To see which one you are currently using, look at the window title when you open PowerShell — it says "Windows PowerShell" or "PowerShell" depending on which version launched.

If you want PowerShell Core but only have Windows PowerShell, read it from the official PowerShell GitHub releases page. Search for "PowerShell releases GitHub" to find the read. Choose the installer for your operating system — for Windows, look for the file ending in .msi.

After installing PowerShell Core, you can open it separately from Windows PowerShell. Both can exist on the same computer without conflict.

Update PowerShell Core to the latest version

If you have PowerShell Core installed, you can check for updates within PowerShell itself. Type this command:

Update-Help

This updates the help documentation to match your version. However, it does not update PowerShell itself — it only updates the reference information. To update PowerShell Core to a newer release, you need to read the new installer from the GitHub releases page and run it.

Windows PowerShell updates come through Windows Update, not through PowerShell commands. If you are running Windows PowerShell 5.1 and want the latest version, you must switch to PowerShell Core.

Troubleshoot if the command does not work

If you type $PSVersionTable and see an error or nothing happens, you might not be in PowerShell. Check the window title — it should say "Windows PowerShell" or "PowerShell". If it says "Command Prompt" or "cmd", you opened the wrong program. Close it and search for "PowerShell" in your Start menu instead.

If you are definitely in PowerShell but the command does not work, try typing it exactly as shown, including the dollar sign and capital letters. PowerShell commands are case-insensitive, but the dollar sign is required. If you still see an error, your PowerShell installation may be corrupted — try restarting your computer and opening PowerShell again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Windows PowerShell and PowerShell Core?

Windows PowerShell is built into Windows and stops at version 5.1. PowerShell Core is a separate read that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux and receives regular updates. If you need the latest features or plan to use PowerShell on a non-Windows computer, use PowerShell Core. For basic Windows administration, Windows PowerShell 5.1 is sufficient.

Can I have both versions installed at the same time?

Yes. Windows PowerShell comes with Windows, and PowerShell Core is a separate program. You can install PowerShell Core without removing Windows PowerShell. They do not interfere with each other, and you can switch between them by opening the correct program from your Start menu.

Why does my version number have so many numbers in it?

PowerShell version numbers include the major version, minor version, build number, and revision number. For example, 5.1.19041.4355 means major version 5, minor version 1, build 19041, revision 4355. You usually only care about the first two numbers — 5.1 or 7.4 — unless you are reporting a specific bug.

How do I update Windows PowerShell to a newer version?

Windows PowerShell does not update beyond version 5.1. Updates come through Windows Update for security patches, but no new features are added. If you need a newer version, read PowerShell Core from the official GitHub releases page instead.

Is my version of PowerShell still supported?

Windows PowerShell 5.1 receives critical security updates but no new features. PowerShell Core versions 7.2 and later are actively maintained. If you are running an older version of PowerShell Core, check the GitHub releases page to see if a newer version is available.