How to Launch Windows PowerShell

Windows PowerShell is a powerful command-line tool used for task automation and system management, offering extensive capabilities for administrators. There are several ways to launch PowerShell in Windows, and here’s a quick guide to get you started.

1. Launching PowerShell from the Start Menu

The easiest way to open PowerShell is through the Start menu. Follow these steps:

• Click on the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
• Type PowerShell in the search bar.
• Select Windows PowerShell from the search results to open it.

2. Launching PowerShell via the Run Dialog

You can also open PowerShell using the Run dialog box:

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type powershell and press Enter or click "OK".

3. Running PowerShell as Administrator

Some tasks require elevated permissions, so you may need to run PowerShell as an administrator:

• Find Windows PowerShell in the Start menu.
• Right-click the PowerShell icon and select “Run as Administrator”.

4. Opening PowerShell from File Explorer

If you’re working within File Explorer, you can open PowerShell in the current directory:

• Open any folder or File Explorer window.
• Right-click in the empty space inside the folder and choose “Open in Windows PowerShell”.

5. Launching PowerShell via Task Manager

The Task Manager also allows a quick way to open PowerShell:

• Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc or Ctrl + Alt + Delete and selecting "Task Manager".
• Go to “File” > “Run new task”.
• Type powershell and press Enter or click "OK".