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How to Fix “Windows Cannot Find PowerShell.exe” Error in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

If you are encountering the “Windows cannot find PowerShell.exe” error on your Windows 11 PC, it can be frustrating. This error prevents you from opening PowerShell, which is important for running scripts and managing your system. Fortunately, there are simple ways to fix it.

In this guide, we will walk you through easy and detailed steps to resolve this issue. Each solution is explained clearly, so even beginners can follow along. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the fixes.

PowerShell is a core part of Windows, so this error usually means something has gone wrong with your system files or settings. Fixing it will help ensure your system runs smoothly.

By the end of this article, you will know multiple ways to fix the problem and restore PowerShell functionality on your PC.

Quick Note: What to Check Before Starting

  • Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Sometimes, updates fix underlying bugs that cause errors like this.
  • Confirm that you are logged in as an administrator. Some fixes require admin rights to work.
  • Check if PowerShell is disabled by group policy or system settings. This can block access to PowerShell.exe.
  • Look for simple typos when you try to open PowerShell. The correct executable name is powershell.exe.

Step 1: Use the Search to Open PowerShell

Sometimes, the error appears because you are trying to run PowerShell from a shortcut or location that no longer works. Instead of using shortcuts, try this:

  1. Click the Start button or press the Windows key.
  2. Type PowerShell in the search box.
  3. Look for Windows PowerShell in the search results.
  4. Click on it to open.

If PowerShell opens successfully this way, your shortcuts might be broken. You can create a new shortcut by right-clicking the app and choosing Pin to Start or Pin to taskbar.

Step 2: Check if PowerShell.exe Exists in the System Folder

PowerShell.exe should be located in the C:WindowsSystem32WindowsPowerShellv1.0 folder. You need to verify if the file is there.

  1. Open File Explorer (click the folder icon on the taskbar).
  2. Navigate to C:WindowsSystem32WindowsPowerShellv1.0.
  3. Look for powershell.exe in this folder.

If the file is missing, this is likely the cause of the error. You will need to repair your system files, which we will cover in the next step.

Step 3: Run System File Checker (SFC) to Repair Missing or Corrupted Files

The System File Checker tool scans and repairs corrupted or missing Windows system files, which might include PowerShell.exe.

  1. Press Windows key + S to open search.
  2. Type cmd.
  3. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  4. In the black Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This scan can take some time. It will automatically fix any corrupted or missing files it detects. After it finishes, restart your computer and try opening PowerShell again.

Step 4: Use DISM Tool to Repair Windows Image

If the SFC scan did not fix the problem, the Windows image itself might be damaged. The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can help repair it.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (as explained in Step 3).
  2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These commands check for corruption and restore the Windows image. This process may take several minutes. When done, restart your PC and check if PowerShell opens.

Step 5: Re-register PowerShell Using Windows Settings

Sometimes, reinstalling or re-registering Windows features can solve the problem.

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps > Optional Features.
  3. Scroll to find Windows PowerShell (or similar) and click on it.
  4. If available, choose Uninstall and then reinstall it.
  5. If uninstall is not an option, try to add the feature again by clicking Add a feature and searching for PowerShell.

This will ensure PowerShell is properly registered in Windows.

Alternative Method: Use Windows Terminal as a Workaround

If you urgently need to run PowerShell commands and PowerShell.exe won’t launch, you can use Windows Terminal as an alternative. Windows Terminal supports PowerShell and other shells.

  1. Press Windows key + S and type Windows Terminal.
  2. Open Windows Terminal.
  3. By default, Windows Terminal opens PowerShell or Command Prompt tabs.
  4. You can run PowerShell commands directly inside Windows Terminal.

This is not a fix, but a useful workaround while you troubleshoot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Windows say it cannot find PowerShell.exe?

This usually happens when PowerShell.exe is missing, corrupted, or the system path is incorrect. It can also occur if group policies or security settings block access.

Can I reinstall PowerShell separately?

PowerShell is a built-in Windows feature, so you cannot uninstall it like a normal app. However, you can repair system files or reinstall Windows features as shown in the steps above.

Will running SFC or DISM harm my system?

No, both tools are safe and designed by Microsoft to repair system files without affecting your personal data.

Is PowerShell the same as Command Prompt?

No, PowerShell is a more powerful shell with scripting capabilities, while Command Prompt is simpler. Both can be used for system tasks but PowerShell offers more features.

What if the error started after an update?

Sometimes updates cause temporary issues. Try restarting your PC or running Windows Update to install any new patches that fix bugs.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still see the “Windows cannot find PowerShell.exe” error, it may indicate a deeper system problem.

  • Consider performing a System Restore to revert your PC to a previous working state.
  • You can also run the Windows Reset feature to reinstall Windows without losing your personal files.
  • For advanced help, visit the official Microsoft support page: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows.

Backing up your important data before major repairs is always recommended.

Conclusion

The “Windows cannot find PowerShell.exe” error on Windows 11 can be caused by missing files, corrupted system images, or incorrect settings. Starting with simple checks, like opening PowerShell via search and verifying the file location, helps identify the problem quickly.

Running system repair tools like SFC and DISM can often restore missing or corrupted files. Reinstalling PowerShell through optional features or using Windows Terminal offers additional solutions and workarounds.

By following these step-by-step instructions carefully, you can fix this error and get PowerShell working again on your PC. If all else fails, more advanced options like system restore or reset can help recover your system.

Remember, keeping your system updated and regularly backing up data will prevent many common Windows issues.

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