Time to Upgrade Windows PowerShell to Version 5.0

Chris Wahl · Posted on

With the release of Microsoft’s Windows Management Framework 5.0, I wanted to update my development workstation to take advantage of all the new goodies. Especially those found with PowerShell 5.0; the What’s New list is rather lengthy and exciting.

Be wary when downloading WMF 5.0 – Google has cached many of the older links for early releases and previews. You want the release from December 18th which is available here. To begin, click the Download button.

posh5-step1

This will provide a list of download options based on your operating system and bit flavors (32 or 64). Pay close attention to the version information, as x64 bit desktop flavors have been combined with file names that specify a server build. I’ve highlighted the combinations in the list below:

  • Windows Server 2012 R2
    • x64: W2K12R2-KB3094174-x64.msu
  • Windows Server 2012
    • x64: W2K12-KB3094175-x64.msu
  • Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1
    • x64: W2K8R2-KB3094176-x64.msu
  • Windows 8.1
    • [symple_highlight color=”blue”]x64: W2K12R2-KB3094174-x64.msu[/symple_highlight]
    • x86: Win8.1-KB3094174-x86.msu
  • Windows 7 SP1
    • [symple_highlight color=”blue”]x64: W2K8R2-KB3094176-x64.msu[/symple_highlight]
    • x86: Win7-KB3094176-x86.msu

When you’ve identified the version you want, check the box next to the file name and begin the download.

posh5-step2

Installation

The actual download and installation portion is fairly boring. Start by accepting the license.

license-terms

A little while later, the install is complete. In my case, a restart of the OS was required.

install-complete

Once completed, a quick verification has revealed that my development workstation is now running PowerShell version 5.0.

$PSVersionTable.PSVersion | Format-List
powershell-version-5

Updating Shortcuts

Because the shortcut for PowerShell changes, you might have to also update your Start Menu shortcut. In my case, the PowerShell link now resides in:

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Administrative Tools

I also like to run PowerShell with the Run as Administrator option as a default. To do this, edit the shortcut, click the Advanced button, then select the Run as administrator check box.

powershell-shortcut