How to Update PowerShell to PowerShell 7 in Windows 11

This guide explains how to install and update to PowerShell 7 on Windows 11. Windows 11 comes pre-installed with Windows PowerShell 5.1 by default. PowerShell 7 is a modern, cross-platform upgrade that runs alongside version 5.1 rather than overwriting it, providing enhanced performance, new cmdlets, and cloud management features. Below are the most efficient methods to complete the upgrade.

Method 1: Update Using the Windows Package Manager (Winget)

The fastest and most reliable way to install or update to PowerShell 7 is using the built-in winget tool.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal or PowerShell.

  2. To install the latest stable version of PowerShell 7, enter the following command and press Enter:

    winget install --id Microsoft.Powershell --source winget

  3. If you already have an older build of PowerShell 7 installed and wish to update it, run:

    winget upgrade --id Microsoft.Powershell

  4. Wait for the download and installation to finish.

Method 2: Install via the Microsoft Store

You can also manage PowerShell 7 through the Microsoft Store to receive automatic background updates.

  1. Open the Microsoft Store app from your Start menu.
  2. Type PowerShell into the search bar.
  3. Locate the official app published by Microsoft Corporation (simply titled PowerShell).
  4. Click Install or Get.

Method 3: Using the MSI Installer

For custom installations (such as adding context menu shortcuts or enabling PowerShell remoting during setup), use the official installer.

  1. Navigate to the official PowerShell GitHub releases repository.
  2. Download the latest .msi package matching your architecture (e.g., PowerShell-7.x.x-win-x64.msi).
  3. Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen setup wizard to configure your preferred options.
  4. Click Finish once the setup is complete.

Verifying the Installation

After completing any of the methods above:

  1. Open Windows Terminal or press Win + R, type pwsh, and press Enter.

  2. Verify the installed version by running:

    $PSVersionTable.PSVersion

    The output will confirm that you are running PowerShell 7.x.