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Running scripts on Windows 10 can sometimes be blocked by default security settings. These settings are designed to protect your system but can interfere when you need to execute PowerShell scripts. If you encounter errors related to the execution policy, it means Windows is preventing the script from running.

Fortunately, changing the execution policy is straightforward. This guide will walk you through each step to enable script running safely and effectively. You don’t need to be an expert to follow along.

By the end of this article, you will understand how to adjust execution policies to fix common errors. You will also learn alternative methods and troubleshooting tips if things don’t work as expected.

Let’s get started with the basics and work our way up.

Quick Note Before You Begin

• Make sure you have administrator rights on your Windows 10 PC. Changing execution policies requires admin access.
• Understand that execution policies control the level of script execution allowed to protect your computer from potentially harmful scripts.
• PowerShell is the tool used to manage these settings, so familiarity with opening and using PowerShell will help.
• If you are working in a corporate or managed environment, check with your IT department before changing policies, as there may be restrictions.

Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator

To change the execution policy, you need to run PowerShell with administrator privileges. This is important because standard user permissions do not allow policy modifications.

1. Click the Start menu (Windows icon) at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
2. Type PowerShell in the search bar.
3. Right-click on Windows PowerShell from the search results.
4. Select Run as administrator.
5. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow.

Step 2: Check the Current Execution Policy

Before changing anything, it’s good to see the current policy setting. This helps you know what you are modifying.

1. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:

Get-ExecutionPolicy

The output will be one of several policies, such as Restricted, RemoteSigned, or Unrestricted. Restricted means scripts are not allowed to run at all, which is usually why you get errors.

Step 3: Change the Execution Policy

To allow scripts to run, you need to set an execution policy that permits script execution. The most common and safer option is RemoteSigned, which allows scripts created on your computer to run but requires scripts downloaded from the internet to be signed by a trusted publisher.

1. In the same PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:

Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned

You may see a warning about changing the execution policy. This is normal and meant to ensure you understand the potential risks.

2. Type Y and press Enter to confirm the change.

This change enables most scripts to run while still providing a level of security.

Alternative Policies You Can Use

• Unrestricted: Allows all scripts to run regardless of source but can expose you to risk.
• AllSigned: Requires all scripts to be signed by a trusted publisher.
• Restricted: Default policy that blocks all scripts.

Choose the policy that best fits your security needs.

Step 4: Verify the Change

To confirm that the policy has been updated, run:

Get-ExecutionPolicy

The output should now show RemoteSigned or whichever policy you set.

Step 5: Run Your Script

Now, try running your PowerShell script again. It should execute without the previous policy error.

Alternative Method: Bypass Execution Policy for a Single Session

If you don’t want to change the execution policy permanently, you can bypass it temporarily for one PowerShell session:

1. Open PowerShell as administrator.
2. Run this command to start a new PowerShell session with execution policy bypassed:

powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "C:PathToYourScript.ps1"

This method runs the script without changing system-wide settings and is useful for one-time tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why am I getting an execution policy error when running scripts?

Windows PowerShell prevents scripts from running by default for security reasons. The execution policy controls this behavior. If it is set to Restricted, scripts won’t run, causing errors.

Is it safe to change the execution policy to Unrestricted?

Changing to Unrestricted removes many protections and can expose your computer to malicious scripts. It is safer to use RemoteSigned unless you fully trust the scripts you run.

Can I revert the execution policy back to default?

Yes, you can reset it by running:

Set-ExecutionPolicy Restricted

This will block all scripts again.

What if I don’t have administrator access?

Without admin rights, you cannot change the system execution policy. However, you can bypass the policy for one session using the method described above.

Will changing execution policy affect my entire system?

Yes, setting the execution policy affects all PowerShell sessions on your machine unless you specify scope parameters (like for the current user only).

When Nothing Works

If you continue to experience issues after following these steps, consider the following:

• Ensure you are running PowerShell as an administrator.
• Check if group policies set by your organization override local execution policies.
• Visit the official Microsoft documentation on PowerShell execution policies for detailed guidance: Microsoft Docs – Execution Policies.
• Seek help from IT support if using a managed PC.

Conclusion

Enabling script running on Windows 10 is mainly about understanding and adjusting the PowerShell execution policy. By opening PowerShell as an administrator, checking your current policy, and setting it to RemoteSigned, you can fix most execution policy errors.

Remember to balance security and convenience by choosing the right policy for your needs. When unsure, use temporary bypass options or consult official resources. This simple process will help you run your scripts smoothly and avoid frustrating errors.