Determining your PowerShell version on Windows, whether it’s Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7, is a straightforward process. Often likened to a more sophisticated Command Prompt, PowerShell has been an integral part of Windows systems for a long time. Historically, its usage was primarily limited to advanced users and IT administrators. It offers a plethora of ready-to-use cmdlets and seamlessly integrates with the .NET framework and C#, employing various techniques. If you’re interested in leveraging its capabilities or ensuring compatibility, knowing your PowerShell version is crucial.
Windows PowerShell History
Now that you have understood what PowerShell is and how it works, let us get to the history of it.
- PowerShell V1.0: Also known as the very first Powershell. Microsoft released it in November 2006. It worked with Windows XP SP2, Server 2003 SP1, and Vista.
- PowerShell V2.0: Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 consist of PowerShell V2.0 as well as on
- Windows XP SP3, Server 2003 SP2, and Vista SP1 a standalone packages.
- PowerShell V3.0, or the third version of PowerShell V3.0, was included in Windows version 8. However, if you want, you can use it on Windows 7 SP1, Server 2008 SP1, and Server 2008 R2 SP1, except for Windows XP.
- PowerShell V4.0: Windows 8.1 has this version on the system. It also worked with Windows 7 SP1, Server 2008 SP1, and Server 2008 R2 SP1.
- PowerShell V5.0: The fifth version was released on February 24, 2016. Later, on Windows 10 Anniversary, it was updated to PowerShell v 5.1. It worked with Windows 7, Server 2008, Server 2008 R2, Server 2012, and Server 2012 R2 on January 19, 2017.
- PowerShell V6.0: The first PowerShell Core was launched on August 18, 2016. Furthermore, they also made it independent of Windows, cross-platform, and open-sourced. Not only this, but they also made it free to use. It was released on January 10, 2018, and all Windows, macOS, and Linux users can use it.
- PowerShell V7.0: It was released on March 4, 2020. You can get your hands on this version with the help of GitHub.
We will discuss how you can find out the PowerShell version that your system uses in this risewindows article.
How to View PowerShell Version on Windows PCs?
Use the following steps to know the PowerShell version on Windows computers:-
Step 1: Launch Windows PowerShell on your system as the very first step.
Step 2: In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:-
$PSVersionTable
Step 3: When you press Enter, the output will be displayed on your screen. Locate the PowerShell version alongside the PSVersion.
Alternatively, there are other ways to find your PowerShell version. For example, you can run the get-host|Select-Object version or $host.version command.
Also Read: How to Find the Installed Microsoft Office Version on Windows 11 or 10?
Conclusion
In summary, understanding your PowerShell version is essential for harnessing its full capabilities and ensuring software compatibility across various Windows iterations. From its inception in 2006 to its most recent release, PowerShell has evolved significantly. Whether you’re using Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, or even earlier versions, being aware of your PowerShell version helps in optimizing tasks and operations. As with any tool, staying updated and informed enhances efficiency and productivity.
