Windows PowerShell versions
Windows PowerShell has come a long way since its initial release in 2006. This powerful scripting language and command-line shell has become an essential tool for system administrators and power users alike. Let’s take a journey through the various versions of PowerShell and explore their key features and improvements.
| Version | Release date | Notes |
| PowerShell 7.2 | November 2021 | Built on .NET 6.0. |
| PowerShell 7.1 | November 2020 | Built on .NET 5.0. |
| PowerShell 7.0 | March 2020 | Built on .NET Core 3.1. |
| PowerShell 6.0 | September 2018 | Built on .NET Core 2.0. First release that’s installable on Windows, Linux, and macOS. |
| PowerShell 5.1 | August 2016 | Released in Windows 10 Anniversary Update and Windows Server 2016 and as part of Windows Management Framework (WMF) 5.1. |
| PowerShell 5.0 | February 2016 | Integrated in Windows 10 version 1511. Released in Windows Management Framework (WMF) 5.0. Can be installed on Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows 10, Windows 8.1 Enterprise, Windows 8.1 Pro, and Windows 7 SP1. |
| PowerShell 4.0 | October 2013 | Integrated in Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2. Can be installed on Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 SP1, and Windows Server 2012. |
| PowerShell 3.0 | October 2012 | Integrated in Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012. Can be installed on Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 SP1, and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1. |
| PowerShell 2.0 | July 2009 | Integrated in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. Can be installed on Windows XP SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, and Windows Vista SP1. |
| PowerShell 1.0 | November 2006 | Installable on Windows XP SP2, Windows Server 2003 SP1, and Windows Vista. Optional component of Windows Server 2008. |
Each version of PowerShell has brought new capabilities and improvements, making it an increasingly powerful tool for automation and system management. Whether you’re a longtime PowerShell user or just getting started, understanding this version history can help you appreciate the evolution of this versatile scripting language.
As Microsoft continues to develop PowerShell, we can expect even more features and improvements in future versions, further cementing its place as a crucial tool in the IT professional’s toolkit.
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