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Installing PowerShell 7 on Windows 11

Overview

This guide covers installing the latest stable release of PowerShell 7 on a Windows 11 VM.

What you'll do

  • Download the official MSI installer from Microsoft’s GitHub
  • Install PowerShell 7 with recommended options
  • Verify the installation and version
  • (Optional) Set PowerShell 7 as the default in Windows Terminal

Before you start

Take a VM snapshot before making system changes.

Prerequisites

  • Windows 11 VM running
  • Internet access in the VM
  • Administrator permissions to install software
  • (Optional) Windows Terminal already installed

Helpful links

Steps

1. Download PowerShell 7

  1. Open a browser inside your VM.
  2. Go to the official releases page:
    PowerShell Releases
  3. Scroll to the latest stable release (avoid Preview).
  4. Under Assets, download:
  5. MSI installer (x64) — Example: PowerShell-7.x.x-win-x64.msi
  6. Save the file to Downloads or your Tools folder.

2. Install PowerShell 7

  1. Run the downloaded .msi file.
  2. In the installer, select:
  3. ✅ Add pwsh to PATH
  4. ✅ Enable PowerShell Remoting (optional)
  5. ✅ Add Explorer context menu (optional)
  6. Complete the installation.
  7. Restart the VM if prompted.

Caution

Always confirm you installed the x64 MSI — avoid ARM/x86 unless needed.

3. Verify Installation

Open Start → PowerShell 7 (x64), or run pwsh from the Run dialog. Then check the version:

$PSVersionTable.PSVersion

Example output:

Major  Minor  Patch
-----  -----  -----
7      4      0

4. (Optional) Make PowerShell 7 Default in Windows Terminal

  1. Open Windows Terminal.
  2. Go to Settings → Startup → Default Profile.
  3. Select PowerShell 7.
  4. Save changes.

Verification

  • pwsh launches without error
  • $PSVersionTable.PSVersion reports 7.x.x
  • (If configured) Windows Terminal opens with PowerShell 7

It worked if…

  • Running pwsh starts PowerShell 7
  • Version table confirms 7.x.x
  • Windows Terminal defaults to PowerShell 7

Troubleshooting

  • pwsh not recognized → PATH not updated → reinstall with PATH option
  • Still on 5.1 → Make sure you run PowerShell 7 (x64), not the built-in 5.1
  • Installer blocked → Right-click .msi → Properties → tick Unblock

Common issues

  • Wrong build installed → uninstall/reinstall MSI x64
  • Execution blocked by SmartScreen → allow or unblock file

References