Is Powershell present in all Windows OS by default

MS, Neha 20 Reputation points
2025-11-03T08:11:13.16+00:00

I want to introduce a powershell script inside an installer, so just wnted to confirm Is Powershell present in all Windows OS by default?

Windows for home | Other | Desktop, Start, and personalization
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  1. Norah-L 1,560 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-11-03T10:58:46.0166667+00:00

    Welcome MS, Neha,

    Thanks for posting your question to the Q&A Forum. That's an interesting one!

    I understand you’re asking whether PowerShell is included by default across all Windows operating systems.

    In fact, PowerShell is included by default in Windows operating systems from Windows 7 onward (it means just except for Windows XP and Vista). The PowerShell version varies by Windows edition and newer releases like PowerShell 7.x are optional installs that users can add separately if needed.

    Currently, Windows PowerShell 5.1 ships with most editions of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Insider builds. Note that PowerShell 2.0 has been removed in recent Windows 11 Insider builds, but PowerShell itself remains available (version 5.1 continues to be included by default). Users are encouraged to use 5.1 or install PowerShell 7.x for the latest features.

    Hope this response could address your concern. Please let me know if you need more information or questions, I'm happy to support!


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