Windows PowerShell issues

Question

I am experiencing a critical issue on my Windows 11 computer (version 25H2) that prevents normal use of Windows PowerShell, as well as the installation of essential drivers, such as Intel graphics drivers.

Problem Description:

When attempting to open the main Windows PowerShell (64-bit version), I receive the following message:

"Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions."

This error occurs only with the main PowerShell version. Auxiliary versions, such as Windows PowerShell (x86) and Windows PowerShell ISE (x86), are present on the system but cannot serve as a replacement, as they cannot execute essential scripts or install system drivers.

Any driver installation or update that depends on PowerShell fails immediately due to this issue.

Steps Already Taken to Resolve the Problem:

SFC (System File Checker): I ran sfc /scannow from an elevated Command Prompt. No errors were fixed.

DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management): I ran DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. The command completed but did not restore the main PowerShell.

Reboots and Permission Checks: I confirmed that I am using accounts with administrative privileges, but the problem persists.

Attempted Repair via "Turn Windows features on or off": The main PowerShell does not appear in the feature list, preventing any manual repair.

Attempted Use of Alternative PowerShell Versions (x86 / ISE): They work partially but cannot replace the main version, so essential scripts and driver installations still fail.

Answer 1

The Deny permission entry is causing the problem.

Please open the following folder.

C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0

Right-click powershell.exe and choose Properties.

Click on the Security tab.

Click Advanced.

Delete the "Deny" entries from the list.

The list should now look like the following:

Answer 2

This is what showed up

Answer 3

Hi Wankaike,

Please check the permissions for PowerShell.exe. You can do so by running the following command from Command Prompt (admin)

icacls "C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe"

Post the output here.