The easiest way to update PowerShell is using the Windows Package Manager ( winget ), which is built directly into Windows 11.
After updating, it is common for Windows Terminal to default to the older Windows PowerShell (5.1) unless you change your settings. To verify the new version is installed: update powershell windows 11
While Windows 11 comes with PowerShell pre-installed, it is often not the latest version. Windows Update typically keeps the OS secure, but it does not always upgrade the actual PowerShell application engine to the newest major version (currently PowerShell 7.x). The easiest way to update PowerShell is using
Type the following command to check for updates: winget search Microsoft.PowerShell Windows Update typically keeps the OS secure, but
After updating, verify your new version by running:
To install or update to the latest version, run: winget install --id Microsoft.PowerShell --source winget
