Common Fixes
- Restart PC – Press the Windows + X shortcut to open the Power User Menu, select Shut down or sign out, and click Restart.
- Launch PowerShell from the Run dialog – Open the Run dialog using the Windows + R shortcut, type PowerShell, and hit Enter to launch it.
- Perform a clean boot – Third-party software might conflict with Windows PowerShell, preventing its launch. Clean boot the Windows 11, identify the culprit app and uninstall it.
Fix 1: Enable the Windows PowerShell
If you’re unable to run the Windows PowerShell, ensure it is enabled under Windows features.
Step 1: Press the Windows key, search Turn Windows features on or off, and click to open it.
Step 2: Locate and enable Windows PowerShell 2.0 and click OK to save changes. Restart your PC.
Fix 2: Remove and Reinstall Windows PowerShell
Windows PowerShell may fail to open on Windows 11 if its installation files are corrupt. Remove and reinstall it to restore normalcy.
Step 1: Press the Windows key, search Optional features, and click to open it.
Step 2: Expand Windows PowerShell ISE under Added features, and click Remove to uninstall it.
Step 3: Restart your PC, download the Windows PowerShell MSI package from Microsoft, and install it afresh.
Fix 3: Tweak the Local Group Policy Editor Settings
The “Don’t run specified Windows applications” policy can stop the PowerShell from opening on Windows 11. Disable it manually using the Local Group Policy Editor to resolve the issue.
Note: Enable the Local Group Policy Editor app if you’re using a Windows 11 Home edition.
Step 1: Press the Windows + R shortcut to open the Run dialog, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > System, and double-click the Don’t run specified Windows applications policy.
Step 3: Set its value to Not Configured and click Apply to save changes. Restart your PC.
Fix 4: Repair Corrupt System Files
If you can’t open Windows PowerShell due to corrupt system files, run the SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scans to repair the system image.
Step 1: Press the Windows key, search Command Prompt, and click Run as administrator.
Step 2: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete followed by restarting your PC.
Step 3: Execute the following DISM commands sequentially to repair the Windows 11 system image and reboot the PC.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
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Last updated on 16 May, 2024
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