Check your PowerShell version from the command line

The fastest way to find your PowerShell version is to open PowerShell and run a single command. On Windows 10 or 11, press the Windows key, type PowerShell, and click Windows PowerShell (or PowerShell 7 if you have the newer version installed). Right-click and select "Run as administrator" if you need to check permissions later.

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

$PSVersionTable.PSVersion

PowerShell will display four numbers: Major, Minor, Build, and Revision. The first two numbers are what matter most. Version 5.1 is the default on Windows 10 and 11. Version 7.x is the newer cross-platform version that Microsoft now recommends for new work. If you see version 2.0 or 3.0, your Windows installation is older and may need updates.

Key Takeaways

  • Run $PSVersionTable.PSVersion in PowerShell to see your exact version number in seconds.
  • Windows 10 and 11 come with PowerShell 5.1 by default; version 7.x is a separate newer installation.
  • The first two numbers (5.1, 7.4) tell you which generation you have; the Build and Revision numbers are less important for most purposes.
  • You can also type $PSVersionTable alone to see additional details like the platform and CLR version your PowerShell is running on.

Use the About menu if you prefer not to type

If you want to avoid typing a command, PowerShell has a menu option. Click the PowerShell window title bar, then select the small dropdown arrow or right-click the title bar and choose "Properties" or "About".

This method is slower and less reliable across different Windows versions, so the command-line approach is worth learning. The command takes three seconds and works the same way on every machine.

Understand the difference between PowerShell 5.1 and PowerShell 7

Windows 10 and 11 ship with PowerShell 5.1 built in. This version is stable and handles most administrative tasks. However, Microsoft released PowerShell 7 (and later 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4) as a separate read that runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. If you installed PowerShell 7 yourself, you now have both versions on your machine.

When you open "Windows PowerShell" from the Start menu, you get version 5.1. When you open "PowerShell" (without the word Windows), you get version 7 if you installed it. The newer version is faster and has more features, but many older scripts only work with 5.1. Knowing which one you have helps you troubleshoot when a script fails.

Check PowerShell version without opening the process

You can see your PowerShell version from Command Prompt or File Explorer without launching PowerShell itself. Open Command Prompt (press Windows key, type cmd, and press Enter), then type:

powershell -Command "$PSVersionTable.PSVersion"

Command Prompt will run PowerShell in the background, print the version, and close. This is useful if you are writing a batch script or need to check the version on a computer where you cannot keep PowerShell open.

Find your PowerShell version in Windows Settings

Windows 10 and 11 also list installed PowerShell versions in Settings. Open Settings, go to Apps > Apps and Features, and search for "PowerShell". You will see Windows PowerShell (the built-in 5.1 version) and PowerShell (the newer version) listed separately if both are installed.

This method shows you whether version 7 is installed, but it does not tell you the exact build number. Use this as a quick visual check, then run the command in PowerShell itself if you need the full version details.

What to do if you need a different version

If you are running an old version (2.0 or 3.0) and need newer features, update Windows itself first. Microsoft bundles PowerShell updates with Windows updates, so check Windows Update in Settings > Update and Security > Check for updates.

If you want PowerShell 7 and do not have it, read it from the Microsoft PowerShell GitHub releases page. The installer is straightforward and does not remove your existing version. Both can run side by side without conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have two different PowerShell versions?

Windows 10 and 11 include PowerShell 5.1 by default. If you or someone else downloaded PowerShell 7 from Microsoft, both versions now exist on your machine. They are separate programs and do not interfere with each other. You can use whichever one the task requires.

What version should I be using?

If you are learning PowerShell or writing new scripts, PowerShell 7 is the better choice because Microsoft actively updates it and it runs on multiple operating systems. If you are maintaining older scripts or working in a corporate environment with strict standards, stick with 5.1. Check with your IT department or the script's documentation to be sure.

Does updating Windows change my PowerShell version?

Windows updates can update PowerShell 5.1 to a newer build number (for example, 5.1.19041 to 5.1.22621), but they do not jump to version 7. PowerShell 7 is a separate read that only updates if you manually install a newer release from Microsoft.

Can I uninstall PowerShell 7 if I do not need it?

Yes. Open Settings > Apps > Apps and Features, search for PowerShell, and click the entry for PowerShell (not Windows PowerShell). Click Uninstall and confirm. Windows PowerShell 5.1 will remain and cannot be removed because it is part of the operating system.

What if the command does not work?

Make sure you are typing the command inside PowerShell itself, not in Command Prompt. If PowerShell opens but the command produces an error, your execution policy may be blocking scripts. Type Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser and press Enter, then try the version command again.