Windows 10 has been a major upgrade to Microsoft’s operating system. PowerShell is among the useful software components of this OS. You can use it for task automation and configuration management.
Microsoft created this utility, which means it’s perfectly safe to use. This article will cover eight ways to open PowerShell in Windows 10. Check out the available option and pick the most suitable method for launching this utility!
Where is PowerShell Located in Windows 10
Let’s start by clarifying the exact location of the PowerShell Windows 10 utility. You get this tool as a part of the default installation package of your operating system. That means you can find it in the Windows subfolders.
The exact path is:
C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0
You can run the PowerShell directly from this folder. The problem is that it’s a hassle to navigate to this place. You need to search through multiple folders, which takes time and effort. Fortunately, there are easiest ways to launch PowerShell in Windows 10, and we’ll cover them below!
Method 1. Open PowerShell in Windows 10 from the Start Menu
Ever since Windows 95, the Start menu has been an integral part of this operating system. Although it changed its appearance, this menu is still active today. You can use it to access any app, and PowerShell isn’t an exception.
Here is a step-by-step process to opening PowerShell in Windows 10 from the Start menu:
Step 1. Access the Start menu by clicking the icon in the lower-left section of your screen. You’ll see something similar to the following:
Step 2. You’ll notice the list of all apps, which is sorted alphabetically by default. Scroll down and find the Windows PowerShell folder.
Step 3. Open this folder, and you’ll notice the utility’s icon. You can use the left click and run the utility immediately.
Step 4. If you need to run the PowerShell as an administrator, press right-click on the app’s icon. From the listed options, choose “Run as Administrator” and start the utility.
Method 2. Open PowerShell in Windows 10 by Searching
The searching function is another way to use the taskbar to access PowerShell in Windows 10. By default, you’ll find the search field in the left section of your taskbar. Once you click the field, you’ll be able to type inside it. Enter “PowerShell,” and you’ll see a variety of options.
The top option and the recommended match will be on the first one shown. You can use it to access Windows PowerShell. You will notice the big icon on the right and the additional options for the PS app. You can run the tool as an administrator from there.
Method 3. Open PowerShell in Windows 10 from the File Explorer
What if you need to navigate PowerShell to a particular folder? It might be a hassle to type the desired path into the utility. You could find it easier to open PowerShell from the File Explorer.
You start by opening the File Explorer and choosing the desired path. You can navigate to any folder. Once you are in the preferred location, open the File menu in the upper-left corner.
From here, you will see the Open Windows PowerShell menu. You can run the utility regularly or as an administrator. Once you open it, PS will immediately show the folder path chosen. For example, if you were in the “Program Files,” it will look like this:
You can now execute the desired commands and scripts easily.
Method 4. Open PowerShell in Windows 10 via the Run Command Box
The Run command box is often the fastest way to access desired tools. You can activate it by pressing the Win+R combination on your keyboard.
Once you load the Run pop-up window, type “PowerShell” in that field. Next, press OK or hit Enter to run PowerShell. The simplicity is why many users prefer this method of opening the tool.
Method 5. Open PowerShell in Windows 10 from Task Manager
It’s also possible to use Task Manager to open PowerShell Windows 10 utility. Here is a step-by-step explanation of the process.
Step 1. Begin by opening the Task Manager. There are various ways, but the fastest is to use the Ctrl+Shift+Esc shortcut.
Step 2. By default, your Task Manager is set to show only the necessary information. Click on More Details in the bottom left to expand the utility.
Step 3. You’ll notice active processes and the top menu appearing. Pick File from the menu and choose Run New Task.
Step 4. A pop-up will appear. You will see a field where you can run a new task. Enter “PowerShell” and press Enter. The system will open the utility in seconds.
Method 6. Open PowerShell in Windows 10 via Command Prompt
Command prompt has some similarities with PowerShell. If necessary, you can access PowerShell in Windows 10 directly from the Command Prompt.
The initial requirement is to open the command prompt. You can use the Run box and enter “cmd” or utilize the search menu to open it.
Once you are in the command prompt, type “start_PowerShell.” The system will execute the action and open PowerShell in seconds.
Method 7. Open PowerShell in Windows 10 in This PC
If you find This PC window open, you can access PowerShell directly from it. Here is a quick guide to using this method:
Step 1. Access the “This PC” screen. You can open File Explorer and pick it from the left-hand menu.
Step 2. In This PC screen, type “PowerShell” in the address bar on top. Here is an image of this step:
Step 3. Press Enter to execute the command and open PowerShell.
Method 8. Create a Shortcut to Open PowerShell in Windows 10
Can you think of an easier method to open PowerShell than clicking on its icon on the desktop? Before doing that, it’s necessary to create a PowerShell shortcut. That process starts by choosing “New >> Shortcut” from the right-click menu. You can pick any location, but we assume it’s most convenient to put the PowerShell shortcut on the desktop.
After initiating the Create Shortcut utility, the system will require entering the desired item’s location. The good news is you don’t have to navigate to the folder where PowerShell is placed. Instead, it’s sufficient to type the utility’s name in the field.
Click Next, and the system will create a shortcut. The only remaining thing is to name your shortcut. You can enter anything you like, but we suggest something that will associate you with this utility.
After creating the shortcut, you’ll find it on the desktop. Windows 10 will recognize PowerShell and assign it a unique icon. That way, you will easily recognize the utility whenever you want to run it.
You only need to create this shortcut once. Unless you delete it, it will remain on your desktop every time you run Windows 10. That means you can open PowerShell by simply clicking this icon.
FAQs About PowerShell in Windows 10
What Is PowerShell?
PowerShell is a utility tool for Windows operating system. It’s a command-line utility that comes with a scripting environment. Windows administrators can use it for automating various tasks.
What’s the Difference Between PowerShell and Command Prompt?
The fact the creators used .NET to create it allows PowerShell to have a scripting environment. Although this is essentially a command-line shell, it can use scripting to assist with task automation. Unlike that, the command prompt is an interpreter that can put CMD commands into action. It utilizes batch scripting for task automation.
Do I Need to Install PowerShell Before Using It?
If you have Windows 10, it will come with pre-installed PowerShell. That means you only need to run the utility to use it.
Conclusion
PowerShell is a convenient Windows utility. It’s a useful command-line tool that offers a scripting environment. Administrators appreciate this software component for task automation. Thanks to the methods provided in this article, it won’t take more than a couple of seconds to open PowerShell in Windows 10. All the recommended ways have the same outcome – fast access to this utility. Don’t hesitate to try various approaches and find your favorite way of opening PS!