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Windows Cannot Find PowerShell.exe: 5 Ways to Fix It
Try updating PowerShell to the latest version
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
When you’re using Windows, it’s usually a good idea to keep a few basic utilities in your toolkit. One of the most important ones isPowerShell– Microsoft’s command-line interface for Windows. It’s fast, powerful, and easy to use but sometimes you’ll have a hard time locating it.
If you can’t find the executable file,nothing will happen when you click Run as administratorwhen you try to open PowerShell. Luckily, this is no cause for alarm as you shall see below with easy troubleshooting solutions.
Why can’t I open Windows PowerShell?
If you’re trying to launch the PowerShell executable file but for some reason, you get theWindows cannot find PowerShell.exemessage, below are some possible reasons:
What can I do if I can’t find Windows PowerShell?
As always, we recommend starting with the basic steps before any advanced troubleshooting:
1. Create a PowerShell shortcut
2. Re-enable Windows PowerShell
3. Run an SFC scan
4. Update PowerShell
5. Switch to another user account
If you’re having trouble finding PowerShell.exe, you can switch to another user account orcreate a new oneand then try it again. This is usually done to test whether the current user account has a problem or it’s an issue with Windows.
If it works, then you’ll know that it’s a problem with your profile and take the necessary steps to repair it.
Should the proposed solutions above fail, as a last resort, considerresetting your PC. Resetting the PC will remove any user accounts and any data that was stored on the computer. This can be a good way of making sure that Windows PowerShell is installed correctly.
You may also run into a problem wherePowerShell is not workingso don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive article for available fixes.
SometimesWindows may fail to recognize PowerShellas an internal or external command but we’re here to help you bypass such errors.
We appreciate your feedback so share with us in the comment section below what solution worked for you.
More about the topics:PowerShell,Windows 11
Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
Claire has a knack for solving problems and improving the quality of life for those around her. She’s driven by rationality, curiosity, and simplicity, and always eager to learn more about Microsoft’s products. With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11, errors, and software.
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Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11 errors.
