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In this tutorial, you will learn how to update PowerShell on Windows to the latest version. I’ll also show you how to upgrade PowerShell version 5.1 to PowerShell Core 7.If you are new to PowerShell it can be confusing to know that there are two different versions. I’ll explain the difference and which version you should be using. I reference the two PowerShell versions as the original PowerShell (old) and PowerShell Core (new).Contents:PowerShell 5.1 vs PowerShell Core 7.1Update PowerShell to Version 5.1How to Upgrade to PowerShell Core 7Update PowerShell on Multiple Computers (GPO)Frequently Asked QuestionsPowerShell 5.1 vs PowerShell Core 7Microsoft has created a mess in my opinion. Microsoft released PowerShell for Windows in 2006 and it has become very popular with the Windows community. In 2016 Microsoft released a new PowerShell version that is open source and cross-platform, this version is called “PowerShell Core”. PowerShell was originally created as a scripting language for Microsoft systems. Then Microsoft makes it cross-platform because Linux doesn’t have a scripting language? Anyways, that is beyond the scope of this article. Here are the key differences:The original PowerShell is no longer being developed. Its latest version is PowerShell 5.1.PowerShell 5.1 is the default version installed with Windows 10 1607 and up, Windows 11, Server 2016 and later versions.The original Powershell can only be used with Windows operating systems. PowerShell Core is open source and can be installed on various operating systems (Linux, osx, etc.)PowerShell Core is installed separately from PowerShell 5.1 (side by side)PowerShell Core uses .Net core runtime environmentYou cannot use PowerShell ISE with PowerShell Core (insert sad emoji)Visual Studio Code is recommended for development with PowerShell Core. Here are the steps for updating to the latest original PowerShell version 5.1. In this example, I have a 2012 Windows Server that comes with PowerShell version 4.0. You can quickly check your PowerShell version with the command below: $PSVersionTable.PSVersionIn the screenshot above you can see my server is running PowerShell version 4. Here are the steps to upgrade to PowerShell 5.1Step 1: Download Windows Management Framework 5.1Click here to download WMF 5.1 from Microsoft. Note: WMF 5.1 requires .NET Framework 4.5.2 (or above). You can install WMF 5.1 on server 2012 without .NET 4.5.2 but key PowerShell features will fail until you upgrade. On the download page pick the install file for your operating system. Step 2: Install and RebootNext, install the WMF 5.1 package. This will require a reboot. All done. Now open PowerShell and check the version again. $PSVersionTableWindows 10 (1607 and up) and Windows 11 come with PowerShell 5.1 by default so no need to upgrade. Windows Server 2016 and later also come with PowerShell 5.1. How to Upgrade to PowerShell Core

7PowerShell Core is a different platform than the original Windows PowerShell. This means you cannot upgrade the original PowerShell to PowerShell Core 7. PowerShell Core will install separately from the original PowerShell and runs side by side. In this example, I will install the latest version of PowerShell 7 on a Windows 10 computer. This will install alongside the original PowerShell 5.1 that is already installed with Windows 10. On the download page look at the right-hand side and you will see a releases section. Click on the latest release version. Then scroll down to Assets and pick the file that matches your OS. I’m downloading the win-x64 installer. As you can see there are installer files for other operating systems such as Linux. Step 2: Install PowerShell CoreNext, run the installer file. It will walk you through an install wizard. When complete you will have PowerShell Core and the original PowerShell 5.1 installed. To check which version you have installed you will need to open them separately and run the $PSVersionTable command. Above you can see the PowerShell Core version on the left and the original on the right. A faster option for installing PowerShell Core is to use the Winget command. First, search for the latest PowerShell version with the command below. winget search Microsoft.PowerShellNext, Install PowerShell by using the ID from the command output. winget install --id Microsoft.Powershell --source wingetUpdate PowerShell Core 6.x to PowerShell 7If you have PowerShell 6 installed, you can directly update to the latest version of PowerShell 7. Kind of a mess hu? Well if you have used Microsoft for very long, you know they change stuff up all the time. It can be frustrating, but there is not much you can do about it. Update PowerShell on Multiple Computers (GPO)Since Microsoft provides PowerShell Core as an MSI file you can use group policy to deploy it to multiple computers. I wrote a guide on how to deploy software using group policy that includes step by step instructions and examples. It’s very easy here is a quick summary of the article. Download MSI install fileCreate a network share that is available to users. Place the MSI install file hereCreate and link a GPO to target devicesWait for GPO update on remote computers. If you use a 3rd party product to push out updates and software packages then I’d recommend using that over group policy. Frequently Asked QuestionsShould I use Powershell 5.1 or PowerShell Core 7? PowerShell 5.1 is still installed by default on Windows client and server operating systems. Microsoft has no plans to remove 5.1, it will be around for a long time. Unless PowerShell 7 introduces a needed feature or fix

How to Update PowerShell in Windows 10Updating PowerShell on Windows 10 can help you take advantage of the latest features, security improvements, and bug fixes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to update PowerShell, ensuring your system is up-to-date. This should take no more than a few minutes if you follow these steps carefully.In the following steps, you will learn how to update PowerShell on your Windows 10 machine to the latest version available. This process involves downloading the latest version and installing it on your system.Step 1: Open the Microsoft StoreFirst, open the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 computer.You can find the Microsoft Store in the Start menu or by searching for it in the search bar next to the Start button. The Microsoft Store is where you’ll download the latest version of PowerShell.Step 2: Search for PowerShellIn the Microsoft Store, use the search bar to look for "PowerShell."Once you’ve found the search bar at the top of the Microsoft Store window, type "PowerShell" and press Enter. This will bring up the app you need to download.Step 3: Select and Install PowerShellSelect the PowerShell app from the search results and click the "Install" button.Make sure you choose the correct app from the results. After you click "Install," the Microsoft Store will begin downloading and installing the latest version of PowerShell on your computer.Step 4: Verify the InstallationAfter installation, verify that the latest version of PowerShell has been installed by opening PowerShell and checking the version number.Open PowerShell by searching for it in the Start menu or by pressing Win + X and selecting PowerShell. Type pwsh --version and hit Enter to see the installed version.Step 5: Restart Your ComputerRestart your computer to ensure all changes take effect properly.A restart helps finalize the update process, making sure the new version of PowerShell integrates smoothly with your system.Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll have the latest version of PowerShell installed on your Windows 10 computer. This update process ensures that you have access to the newest features and security improvements.Tips on How to Update PowerShell in Windows 10Ensure Internet Connection: Make sure you have a stable internet connection before starting the update process.Backup Important Data: Always backup important data before making significant system changes.Check Compatibility: Verify that your system meets the requirements for the latest version of PowerShell.System Updates: Ensure your Windows 10 system is up-to-date with