If you're looking to change the version of PowerShell that is launched from the Power User Menu (also known as the WinX menu) in Windows, you've come to the right place. This guide will help you navigate the process with ease. Below, I’ll walk you through the original problem scenario, provide an easy-to-understand explanation, and offer practical insights into the process.
Original Problem Scenario
The original problem statement is as follows:
"How do you change the PowerShell version run from the Power User Menu? (WinX) [duplicate]"
Understanding the Problem
The question asks how to switch between different versions of PowerShell—such as Windows PowerShell and PowerShell Core (also referred to as PowerShell 7)—when accessing PowerShell from the WinX menu, which is accessible by right-clicking the Start button or pressing Windows + X.
Step-by-Step Guide to Change PowerShell Version in WinX Menu
To change the PowerShell version that launches from the Power User Menu, follow these steps:
-
Open the WinX Menu:
- Right-click on the Start button or press
Windows + X. - You will see a list of options, including "Windows PowerShell" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)".
- Right-click on the Start button or press
-
Replace Windows PowerShell with PowerShell 7:
- First, ensure that PowerShell 7 (or any version you want to use) is installed on your computer. You can download it from the official PowerShell GitHub releases page.
- Now, navigate to the following directory:
C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\WinX\Group3
(replace<YourUsername>with your actual user profile name).
-
Create a New Shortcut:
- Right-click in the directory and choose New > Shortcut.
- In the shortcut location, input the path to the PowerShell 7 executable, which is usually found at:
C:\Program Files\PowerShell\7\pwsh.exe. - Name your shortcut something recognizable like "PowerShell 7" and click Finish.
-
Replace Existing PowerShell Shortcut:
- You can either rename the existing "Windows PowerShell" shortcut to something like "Windows PowerShell (old)" or delete it entirely.
- You may want to pin the new "PowerShell 7" shortcut to the Start menu for easy access.
Practical Example
Let’s say you are a developer who primarily uses PowerShell for scripting and automation tasks. By replacing the default PowerShell entry in the WinX menu with PowerShell 7, you ensure that whenever you access PowerShell from this menu, you're using the latest features, enhanced performance, and cross-platform capabilities that PowerShell 7 provides.
Conclusion
Changing the version of PowerShell that opens from the Power User Menu can significantly enhance your productivity, especially if you prefer to use a more modern version like PowerShell 7. This guide provided you with simple, step-by-step instructions on how to achieve this.
Additional Resources
By following these instructions, you'll have an optimized setup for your PowerShell environment that suits your development and automation needs. Enjoy using the powerful capabilities of PowerShell 7!
