Facing the issue of PowerShell not opening on your PC can be quite frustrating. This not only disrupts your smooth user experience but also prevents you from running commands and scripts. But there’s no need to worry because you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, you’ll find several effective solutions to help you overcome the problem of PowerShell not launching.

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However, before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to identify the root cause behind the error so you can resolve the issue accordingly. Let’s explore some of the main causes you are unable to open PowerShell and how to eliminate them.

  • What stops PowerShell from opening in Windows? Fix 1. Restart Your PC Fix 2. Open PowerShell as Administrator Fix 3. Check for Windows Updates Fix 4. Run Windows App Troubleshooter Fix 5. Perform SFC and DISM Scans

What stops PowerShell from opening in Windows?

The causes mentioned below contribute largely to PowerShell not opening on your computer. Here’s how:

  • Corrupted System Files: Many applications rely on system files to function properly. If any of these system files get damaged, it can impact the smooth execution of PowerShell. Hence, corrupted system files can result in various issues leading to the inability of launching PowerShell.
  • Conflicting Programs: Background process and any application clashing with PowerShell can also serve as a potential cause for the program not opening. These conflicting programs take place due to incompatibility of software, therefore causing clashes.
  • Outdated App Version: A system bug within the current version of the app or an outdated app version can also be the reason for PowerShell not opening. Ensure you have the latest version of the program downloaded on your PC to fix any bugs or compatibility issues related to PowerShell and allow for optimal performance. Moreover, an outdated Windows system may also be the culprit.
  • Hidden Malware: Another main cause for PowerShell not opening can be hidden software, such as a virus or malware. These malicious software can prevent the application from opening and can interfere with its function.

Now that we know the main causes behind this problem, lets’ go about fixing this issue.

Fix 1. Restart Your PC

Before we start with the technical solutions, the first fix is to restart your computer. If PowerShell is not opening due to damaged system files or temporary glitches interfering with the program, then simply restarting the system will resolve the issue. Doing so will refresh your computer system.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. First, click on the Start menu from the taskbar.
  2. Then, click on the Power icon .
  3. Select the Restart option.
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Your PC will now restart. Once it does, launch PowerShell and check if it opens.

Fix 2. Open PowerShell as Administrator

Another way to ensure that PowerShell launches effectively is to run the application with admin rights. This allows the necessary permissions needed by Windows PowerShell in order to function properly and run certain scripts and commands.

So make sure the system has the required rights by opening PowerShell as administrator. Follow the steps below to do so:

  1. Click on the Search icon from the taskbar.
  2. Type PowerShell in the search bar.
  3. From the right pane, click on Run as administrator and wait for it to launch.
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Fix 3. Check for Windows Updates

To fix PowerShell not opening, check for any pending Windows updates and download and install if there are any available. Having the latest Windows updates installed ensures that any bugs within the system or any other compatibility issues are resolved as it comes with the required fixes.

Therefore, this can also be a potential solution to your problem related to PowerShell.

You can check for Windows updates in the following way:

  1. Go to the Start icon .
  2. Next click on the Gear icon .
  3. From there, select Update & Security .
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  1. Click on the Windows Update option from the left pane.
  2. Now, click on the Check for updates button on the right pane.
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  1. If there are any updates available, click on Download and install .

Fix 4. Run Windows App Troubleshooter

Since PowerShell is a Windows Store app, running the Windows App troubleshooter can help detect any possible issues with it. So, run this diagnostic tool to identify the cause of PowerShell not opening and how to fix it.

Follow the steps below to do it:

  1. Go to the Start menu and click on it.
  2. Then, select Settings .
  3. After that, click on Update & Security .
  4. From the left pane, go to the Troubleshoot tab.
  5. Click on Additional troubleshooters .
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  1. Now, scroll down and select Windows Store Apps .
  2. Finally, click on Run the troubleshooter .
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Fix 5. Perform SFC and DISM Scans

The SFC and DISM utilities are Microsoft built-in that enable the system to repair or replace damaged system files. So, if the PowerShell not opening issue is arising due to missing or corrupt system files, then running the SFC and DISM scans will prove to be an effective fix as these will restore the associated files to their original state.

Run the SFC and DISM by following the steps below:

  1. First, click on the Search bar located on the taskbar of your computer.
  2. Search for cmd .
  3. Then, select Run as administrator from the right pane.
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  1. For and SFC scan , type in the following command and wait for its completion:
sfc/scannow
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  1. Similarly, for a DISM scan, run the command given below:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  1. Once done, restart your computer and see if the PowerShell not opening issue is resolved.

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