Download Windows Speedup Tool to fix errors and make PC run faster
PowerShell is not an application that we wish to open automatically at Startup. There are instances that users report that Powershell is opening at startup on Windows 11/10. In this guide, we have solutions to fix that issue.
Generally, we use Windows PowerShell to configure, manage, and administer our PC or a network. For a normal user, Powershell has no uses except for rare circumstances like running SFC or DISM scans or troubleshooting.
The issue of PowerShell opening at startup can be fixed with any of the following methods.
- Disable Opening PowerShell at Startup in Task Manager
- Delete PowerShell shortcut from Startup folder
- Run anti-malware software
- Troubleshoot in Clean Boot State.
Let’s see each method in detail.
1] Disable Opening PowerShell at Startup in Task Manager
PowerShell might have been added to Startup programs accidentally. Disabling it from the Startup in Task Manager will stop it from opening at startup. To do so, right-click on the Taskbar and select Task Manager. In the Task Manager window, click on the Start-up tab.
Right-click on Windows PowerShell from the list of programs in the Start-up tab and select Disable.
It will stop Windows PowerShell from opening at startup. If not, try the following method.
This post offers more ways in which you can disable startup programs.
2] Delete PowerShell shortcut from Startup folder
Another method to stop PowerShell from opening at startup is removing its shortcut from the Startup folder. To do so, press Win+R on your keyboard and type the following text, and press Enter:
shell:startup
Find the PowerShell shortcut in the folder and delete it. This should stop PowerShell from opening at startup.
3] Run an anti-malware tool
In most cases, the above two methods should fix the issue. If not, it could be malware. To confirm if it is not caused by a virus or malware, run your antivirus or software on your PC.
If it finds any such issue, the application will take care of it, and PowerShell should stop opening at startup.
4] Troubleshoot in Clean Boot State
If the issue is still not fixed, it is recommended to perform Clean Boot where only the necessary apps and drivers run.
If PowerShell doesn’t open at startup, it must have been caused by a third-party application you have installed.
Clean-boot troubleshooting is designed to isolate a performance problem. To perform clean-boot troubleshooting, you must take several actions and then restart the computer after each action. You may need to manually disable one item after another to try to pinpoint the one causing the problem. Once you have identified the offender, you can consider removing or disabling it.
TIP: If you don’t use it, you can uninstall PowerShell.
I hope this guide helped you fix your issues with the PowerShell opening at startup.
Related: Command Prompt cmd.exe keeps popping up on Startup.
Guru is a Communications graduate with hands-on experience with computers, cameras, and editing tools. A tech enthusiast and a movie buff who loves writing about computers, he dreams of living a life devoid of all tech and modern-day advancements in a forest.
What to do if Windows PowerShell keeps popping up on startup in Windows 11/10? This is a common issue on your PC. Take it easy! Go to read this post and you know how to stop Windows PowerShell from popping up. Try some methods gathered by MiniTool to easily get rid of this situation.
Like Command Prompt, Windows PowerShell is a command-line tool that can be used to run basic administrative tasks like installing, configuring, and uninstalling software, performing some troubleshooting tasks using scripts, etc.
Tips:
If you are interested in the difference between Command Prompt and PowerShell, see this article — PowerShell vs CMD: What Are They? What Are Their Differences.
Sometimes Windows PowerShell keeps popping up and closing, especially when booting up the operating system each time on your Windows 10/11 PC. That is, this tool opens by itself on startup and then automatically closes. This is frustrating when you run into this common issue.
The possible reasons for this situation may be various, for example, enabled PowerShell in Startup of Task Manager, virus and malware infection, corrupt registry entries, and more. No matter which triggers the random Windows PowerShell popup, you can try to troubleshoot it, and here multiple methods will be introduced.
Fixes for Windows PowerShell Keeps Popping up on Startup
Disable Windows PowerShell in Task Manager
It is likely that Windows PowerShell is configured to run in the Startup tab in Task Manager. So, to stop Windows PowerShell from popping up on startup in Windows 11/10, you can disable this process in these steps:
Step 1: Simultaneously press the shortcut – Ctrl + Shift + Esc on the keyboard to open Task Manager.
Step 2: Click More details > Startup.
Step 3: In the tab, choose Windows PowerShell and click Disable. Or, right-click on PowerShell and select Disable.
Step 4: Close Task Manager and restart the PC to see if Windows PowerShell keeps popping up and closing.
Delete Windows PowerShell Shortcut from the Startup Folder
On your PC, there is a folder called Startup. In this folder, some apps and shortcuts are saved. Once you start up your computer, the apps and shortcuts can run. That is, if you copied the shortcut of Windows PowerShell mistakenly to the Startup folder, it can run on startup. As a result, Windows PowerShell keeps popping up on startup.
To deal with this issue, remove the shortcut from that folder:
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog. (Related post: How to Open Run Command in Windows 11 (5 Ways) & Unix OSes?)
Step 2: Type %ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp to the text box and click OK to open the Startup folder.
Step 3: Right-click on the shortcut and choose Delete. Or choose this shortcut and press the Delete key on your keyboard.
Run Autoruns to Disable Windows PowerShell Popup on Startup
If Windows PowerShell keeps popping up randomly in Windows 11/10, another solution which you can try is to use the Autoruns program that is from Microsoft.
Sometimes you cannot easily tell whether PowerShell is configured to launch on startup or not. In this case, Autoruns can help a lot since it lists all the apps that are programmed to run during the system startup. Although Windows PowerShell is configured to open at startup elsewhere, this free program can detect it.
Step 1: Go to the official website of Microsoft and click the corresponding link to download Autoruns.
Step 2: After getting the Autoruns.zip file and unzip it.
Tips:
To unzip a file, you can use a professional file archiver, and here we recommend using 7-Zip. To get it, follow this post — 7-Zip Download for Windows 10/11/Mac to Zip/Unzip Files.
Step 3: Double-click the Autoruns.exe file to run this program.
Step 4: Input PowerShell to the search box. If Windows PowerShell is configured to open at startup, it will be listed and you need to uncheck the box next to the entry to disable it, then reboot the PC. If you cannot find it, it means PowerShell is not set to automatically start anywhere in the registry.
Run SFC and DISM
According to users, running SFC and DISM scans is worth trying if Windows PowerShell keeps popping up since this issue sometimes is caused by faulty system files. SFC (System File Checker) can be used to check the system for damaged system files and repair corruption; and DISM helps to deal with faulty Windows images and download actual replacement files from Windows’ online servers to repair them.
See how to run scans:
Step 1: In Windows 11/10, run Command Prompt with admin permissions.
Step 2: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Then, this tool starts the verification process which may take some time.
Tips:
SFC scan stuck is a common issue. If you run into this trouble, go to find solutions from our previous post — Windows 10 SFC /Scannow Stuck at 4/5/30/40/73, etc.? Try 7 Ways.
Step 3: Execute these commands one by one:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Tips:
Some users recommend running another command tool – CHKDSK. And you can also execute the command — chkdsk /f /r in the CMD window.
After finishing all the scans, restart your device and see if Windows PowerShell keeps popping up randomly.
Scan Your PC with Malware Removal Tool
If your computer is infected with viruses or malware, the Windows PowerShell popup may keep appearing when a malicious script is running. So, you can run Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) to remove malware from your PC.
This tool is available in Windows 10/11 and you can directly access it in the operating system. Besides, Microsoft offers a link to download and install its desktop app. To know details, refer to this post – Download/Run/Update/Del Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool.
Step 1: Open the Run window by pressing Win + R.
Step 2: Input mrt to the text box and click OK.
Step 3: In the following interface, choose Full scan to scan the entire system to keep your computer free from prevalent malware.
In addition, you can run other antivirus programs like Windows Defender, Malwarebytes, Avast, etc. to scan your entire system and remove viruses and malware.
Use System Maintenance Troubleshooter
At times, running the system maintenance troubleshooter in Windows 10/11 is a workaround to help you stop Windows PowerShell from popping up on startup. Have a try as follows:
Step 1: Launch Control Panel and view all the items by Large icons.
Step 2: Click Troubleshooting and choose Run maintenance tasks under System and Security.
Step 3: Click Next and this troubleshooter starts detecting the issues. Then, follow the instructions on the screen to finish the troubleshooting.
Restart Your PC in Clean Boot Mode
The random PowerShell popup could be triggered by the third-party apps and you can boot the PC in Clean Boot Mode to find the suspicious app and remove it.
Step 1: Input msconfig to the Run window (press Win + R to get it) and click OK.
Step 2: In the System Configuration tab, click Services, check the box of Hide all Microsoft services, and click Disable all.
Step 3: In the Startup tab, launch Task Manager and disable all the third-party startup apps.
Step 4: Reboot Windows 11/10. If Windows PowerShell won’t pop up in this mode, a certain third-party program is a culprit. Just enable those apps one by one to have a check.
Disable Windows PowerShell Temporarily
If Windows PowerShell keeps popping up after trying these methods above, you can consider disabling it via these steps.
Step 1: In Windows 11/10, launch Command Prompt as an administrator.
Step 2: In the CMD window, type in the command – Dism /online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:”MicrosoftWindowsPowerShellV2Root” and press Enter.
Step 3: Wait for the process to complete and then restart your computer.
Tips:
If you need to re-enable PowerShell, execute this command in the CMD window — Dism /online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:»MicrosoftWindowsPowerShellV2Root».
In addition to these ways to stop Windows PowerShell from popping up and closing, there are some workarounds you can try, for example, create a new local administrator account (related article: How to Create Administrator Account in Windows 10), scan your computer with CCleaner, check active tasks in the Task Scheduler to see if any scripts may repeatedly launch PowerShell, and update Windows.
Common Issues about Windows PowerShell Keeps Popping up on Startup
Here, you can find some answers to frequently asked questions about PowerShell opening at startup.
FAQ 1: Is Windows PowerShell Virus
PowerShell is not a virus and it is a legitimate Windows utility like Command Prompt. But if a virus or malware attacks your computer, your PowerShell may act in an unexpected way – the tool keeps opening on startup in Windows 10/11. Thus, you can run a malware removal tool to scan your computer and remove the threat.
FAQ 2: Is It Safe to Disable Windows PowerShell?
Of course, this behavior is safe for your computer. If you need, follow the last method mentioned above to disable it.
FAQ 3: Why Does PowerShell Keep Randomly Popping up?
The reasons for this issue are various and we have mentioned them above. Usually, malware infection, scheduled tasks that use Powershell, Windows PowerShell shortcut added to the Startup folder, etc.
Suggestion – Back up Windows 11/10
Windows PowerShell popping up on startup/randomly is an annoying common issue. If you don’t want to spend much time looking for solutions when it happens, you should form a habit of backing up your PC when it is in a normal state.
Here, we recommend creating a system image with the professional free backup software – MiniTool ShadowMaker. Once the system issues appear like the random open PowerShell popup, a system image recovery can be done to restore the PC to its previous state.
MiniTool ShadowMaker can help a lot when it comes to system image backup. During the backup process, the backup source is compressed – by default, the mode is medium. Importantly, you can use this software to create a bootable USB flash drive/external hard drive or CD/DVD. Although the system fails to run, you can boot the PC from the drive or disc and use MiniTool ShadowMaker for system recovery.
Besides, this software can help you to back up files, folders, disks, and partitions, sync data, and clone a hard drive to another. Now, don’t hesitate to download MiniTool ShadowMaker and install it on your Windows 11/10/8/7 PC.
MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
Step 1: Launch MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial Edition (free use all the features in 30 days) and click Keep Trial to go on.
Step 2: By default, system-related partitions have been chosen as the backup source. Also, you can find the destination folder is selected. If you don’t want to back up your PC to that path, re-select it by clicking Destination.
Step 3: Click Back up Now to execute the system image now. After finishing the system backup, go to Tools > Media Builder to get a bootable drive or disc.
The End
How to stop Windows PowerShell from popping up on startup in Windows 11/10? After reading this post, you know much information. Just try these methods to easily get rid of the trouble if you are hit by it right now. Hope they are helpful to you. If you find some other useful solutions, you can leave a comment below. Thanks very much.
Quick Tips
- Run a thorough system scan of your PC to ensure malware or a malicious program isn’t causing PowerShell to pop up repeatedly.
- Check the Task Scheduler app to see if any active tasks are causing PowerShell to run at startup.
- Consider temporarily disabling PowerShell on your PC if you don’t intend to use it.
Fix 1: Prevent PowerShell From Running at the Startup
A common reason why Windows PowerShell may keep opening on startup is if you have previously set it as a startup app on Windows.
Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut to launch the Task Manager. In the Startup apps tab, select PowerShell, and click the Disable option at the top.
Further, you’ll need to ensure that the PowerShell shortcut isn’t added to the Startup folder on Windows.
To do so, press the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to launch the Run dialog box, type in shell:startup, and press Enter. Locate and delete the PowerShell shortcut, if any.
Fix 2: Check the Task Scheduler for Active Tasks
Another thing you should do is check the active tasks in the Task Scheduler. This will help you determine if PowerShell is configured to run scripts in the background, allowing you to stop it.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + S keyboard shortcut to open the search menu. Type in task scheduler and press Enter.
Step 2: Under Active Tasks, look for any activities that require the use of PowerShell. If you find one, double-click on it to view the description.
Step 3: Click the Disable option on your right to turn off the selected task.
Fix 3: Use Microsoft Autoruns to Stop PowerShell From Running at Startup
Microsoft’s Autoruns tool offers a detailed overview of all the apps and services configured to run automatically on your system. So, if you can’t find any tasks related to PowerShell in Task Scheduler, use this tool to stop PowerShell from popping up on Windows.
Step 1: Download and install Autoruns on your PC.
Step 2: Open Autoruns and switch to the Logon tab. Type PowerShell in the search box and press Enter.
Step 3: Autoruns should show a list of entries that may be causing PowerShell to open automatically. Uncheck the boxes related to PowerShell and see if that solves the problem.
Fix 4: Disable Windows PowerShell Temporarily
Another thing you can do to solve this problem is to disable Windows PowerShell temporarily on your PC. To do this, you’ll need to use another command-line tool — Command Prompt.
Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Terminal (Admin) from the list.
Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter.
Dism /online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:"MicrosoftWindowsPowerShellV2Root"
Fix 5: Run SFC and DISM Scan
Damaged or corrupt system files can also result in such anomalies. If that’s the case, running the SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scan on your PC should help.
Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Terminal (Admin) from the resulting menu.
Step 2: Type the command mentioned below and press Enter.
SFC /scannow
Step 3: Run the following commands one by one and press Enter after each.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Wait for the process to complete. After that, restart your PC and check if PowerShell still pops up on Windows.
Fix 6: Try Clean Boot
If nothing else works, you can try booting your PC in a clean boot state. This will help you determine if the issue is occurring due to a rouge background app or service.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run dialog. Type msconfig.msc in the box and press Enter.
Step 2: Under the Services tab, check the box that reads Hide all Microsoft services box and click Disable all button.
Step 3: Switch to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
Step 4: In the Startup tab, disable all third-party startup apps and programs one by one.
Restart your computer after that. If PowerShell doesn’t open automatically in the clean boot state, one of the third-party apps or programs may be to blame. You’ll need to remove any recently installed apps and programs one by one to fix the problem.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.
Windows PowerShell on startup is certainly an error that can create a sense of irritation real quick when left untreated.
If you’re someone who has been bothered by something similar, get ready to put an end to the irritation.
The following article presents everything that you need to know about PowerShell keeps opening on startup and the best ways to fix it.
Contents
- Why Does Windows PowerShell Keep Popping Up
- – Windows PowerShell Sitting Inside the Startup Folder
- – Verifying if You’ve Added Powershell to the Windows Startup Folder
- – Issues Related to the Version of Windows PowerShell
- – The System Might Be Infected With a Malware
- How To Fix It in a Quick and Easy Way
- – Disable PowerShell From Task Manager
- – Eliminating Windows PowerShell on Startup Folder
- – Uninstalling Windows PowerShell
- – Getting Rid of Virus and Malware
- – Pro Tip: Performing the Fixes in the Clean Boot Mode
- FAQ
- 1. What if I Find Powershell Open on Startup Again?
- Conclusion
Why Does Windows PowerShell Keep Popping Up
Windows PowerShell is undoubtedly a great utility at times, but encountering immediate and frequent popups on startup is annoying. Luckily, resolving it won’t take much of your time, provided you’re well aware of the factors that might be causing it.
– Windows PowerShell Sitting Inside the Startup Folder
Adding Windows PowerShell on Startup folder is one of the prime reasons for the annoying popups. In case you don’t know, the startup folder in Windows is a feature made available for users who’re willing to set their system in a manner that automatically runs desired set of programs as soon as the Windows boots up.
This very feature has been around since the days of Windows 95. So, if you’re a long-term Window user, the concept of startup folders won’t be a stranger.
– Verifying if You’ve Added Powershell to the Windows Startup Folder
Having learned why PowerShell keeps opening on startup, you might wonder about the last time you knowingly added the utility to the Window startup folder. It is worth remembering that committing mistakes isn’t unusual. For that reason, it is always a good idea to verify whether or not you’ve added PowerShell to the startup folder, and that’s what is causing issues around Windows PowerShell on startup.
- The first thing to do is launch the Task Manager by using the Ctrl+Alt+Del key combination.
- Right from the main screen, head over to the Startup tab and click on it.
- Scroll along with the list and find Windows PowerShell
- Have a look at the adjacent column and check if it says Enabled or Disabled.
- In case you see Enabled, it means that the same is causing the popup issue with Windows PowerShell on startup.
Can’t see the Enabled tag?
Well then, try searching the Startup folder.
Although in most cases, Task Manager does detect and display the availability of Windows PowerShell on startup folder, if it doesn’t, a manual search would help.
- Log in to your desktop computer.
- Click on the Windows icon sitting on the bottom left corner
- Head over to the search field and input the following:
%ProgramData%MicrosoftWindowsStart MenuProgramsStartUp
- Hit the Enter key and start searching for the Windows PowerShell icon.
Have you tried looking for the Windows PowerShell on startup folder and found nothing listed?
If that’s a yes, then possibly the version of PowerShell utility installed on your system is the culprit. Trouble offered by bugs and glitches is nothing new. Users all around the globe confront multiple issues related to that throughout the day. The same may lead to Windows PowerShell running on startup unnecessarily.
– The System Might Be Infected With a Malware
Lastly, check for malware infections as it can also conduct issues revolving around Windows PowerShell. Similar to less toxic bugs, malware can lead to unusual automatic popups; however, these are even capable of directing everything to something worse.
How To Fix It in a Quick and Easy Way
Now that you know what might be leading to the issue, PowerShell keeps opening on startup; it is indeed the best time to learn about the possible fixes. Considering the fact that finding PowerShell open on startup is an unusual situation to be in, especially when you haven’t manually opted for automatic launch, we’d recommend you employ all the following fixes and help yourself out of trouble.
– Disable PowerShell From Task Manager
Windows PowerShell on startup can be disabled directly from the task manager. The process is pretty easy to conclude and won’t bother any technical skills. Just follow the guide below; you’ll find yourself positioned in the best possible location.
- Start by launching the Task Manager. To do that, you can use the Ctrl+Alt+Del key combination. Alternative, head over to the search bar, input Task Manager and access it from there.
- From the main screen, navigate to the Startup tab, right next to the Published column, and click on it.
- You’ll then come across a list; simply scroll your way through until you find the Windows PowerShell listed.
- Right-click on the Windows PowerShell option.
- A menu shall popup; tap Disable, and you’re done.
Lastly, perform a quick reboot and check if the issues around Windows PowerShell on startup continue to trouble.
– Eliminating Windows PowerShell on Startup Folder
Disabling Windows PowerShell on startup from the Task Manager tool is pretty straightforward.
But what if you can’t find the PowerShell utility to be enabled there?
This is when the manual approach clicks in.
- Get inside your computer and click on the Windows icon.
- Look for the search bar and navigate the cursor there.
- Input the following destination, followed by hitting the Enter key
- %ProgramData%MicrosoftWindowsStart MenuProgramsStartUp
- You should see the Windows PowerShell shortcut, Hover over to that and delete the file. It will possibly resolve you from encountering PowerShell open on startup. Verify by restarting your system.
– Uninstalling Windows PowerShell
If none of the above-mentioned techniques help you get rid of the PowerShell keeps opening on startup issue, you’re left with the sole option of uninstalling the utility and getting yourself a new copy.
As already mentioned, bugged apps often lead to all sorts of issues, and the one we’re discussing here isn’t far from reach. With that being said, attempting to reinstall the PowerShell utility won’t be a bad deal as it can aid in bidding the issue farewell once and for all.
As an experienced Windows user, you might know how the usual uninstallation proceeds. However, for this tutorial, we’ll suggest opting for another way around.
– Getting Rid of Virus and Malware
Getting rid of unwanted elements sitting on your system (popular as malware) is an easy and complicated task at the same time. Scenes can get really messy when you don’t know how to proceed; however, the same can get swift once you have access to the required tools.
To date, there are several super-efficient tools available that can help clean up all the harmful entities with ease. Choose one that fits all your requirements and secure your system, not only from Windows PowerShell running automatically but also from other future issues.
That’s how you prevent the issue Windows PowerShell keeps popping up on Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and so on.
– Pro Tip: Performing the Fixes in the Clean Boot Mode
Entering the Clean boot mode and troubleshooting your system is a life-saving act when the usual approach doesn’t help much.
– Entering the Clean Boot State:
Proceed with the fixes. Once done, undo the changes and boot your Windows normally.
FAQ
1. What if I Find Powershell Open on Startup Again?
If you follow everything, we’ve uncovered so far, encountering PowerShell keeps opening on startup shouldn’t be a case anymore. If not, there is sadly no more toggling to do. What you can do instead is either contact the Microsoft support team or getting touch with an experienced technician nearby.
The team of experts behind the Microsoft Support panel is promising, especially when you’ve got nowhere else to go.
- Visit the dedicated page and click on the Get Started button.
- Describe the issue within the offered field. You can write something like, “I’ve been troubled with Windows PowerShell running automatically on startup.”
- Once done, hit the Get Help option.
Conclusion
Preventing the automatic launch of Windows PowerShell on startup isn’t as painful as many consider it to be. Reading until this point might have helped you realize that.
Still, to be on the safer end, let’s do a quick recap:
- Windows PowerShell keeps opening on startup, especially when the same feature is enabled. You can verify that by using the Task Manager utility or searching the Startup folder manually.
- Right from the Task Manager tool, you can disable PowerShell startup and prevent it from offering annoying popups.
- In many cases, malware and bugs also found responsible for Windows PowerShell keep popping up on Windows 10 and other versions. It is the reason performing a quick reinstallation or employing attention-worthy anti-viruses has helped save the day on multiple occasions.
- If nothing helps, try troubleshooting the Clean boot state.
- At times, you can contact the Microsoft support team and narrate the issue. It can also help you put an end to the annoyance.
We all know that unwanted popups are irritating. But the fact that we can always devise a fix around serves in easing up the headache to a great extent.
A PowerShell window that often pops up randomly can be quite irritating. But then it’s even more frustrating when you don’t know what’s causing this issue.
In this article, we’ll take a look at this strange PowerShell issue in detail, what causes the problem, and all the possible solutions you can implement to fix it.
1. Remove the PowerShell Shortcut From the Startup Folder
Your Windows device has a folder named “Startup folder.” All the shortcuts or apps within this folder will run as soon as you boot up your device.
Now, PowerShell will also run on startup if its shortcut is inside this folder. To tackle this issue, remove the PowerShell shortcut from this folder as follows:
- Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.
- Type %ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp and press Enter.
Locate and delete the PowerShell shortcut from the Startup folder.
2. Disable the PowerShell Startup Status on the Task Manager
This issue might also be caused by the way you’ve configured a few settings. For example, the PowerShell Startup status might be enabled in the Task Manager.
So, let’s check out how you can disable the PowerShell Startup status on the Task Manager:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- Navigate to the Startup tab.
- Right-click on the Windows PowerShell option and select Disable. Finally, close the Task Manager and restart your device.
3. Disable the PowerShell Startup Status Using the Autoruns Program
At times, it’s hard to tell whether PowerShell is configured to run on startup or not.
In this instance, you can use an incredible tool called Autoruns. This feature helps you identify the apps that run immediately when you switch on your device.
Now, here’s how you can use the Autoruns program to tackle this issue:
- Download Autoruns from the Microsoft website.
- Run the program and navigate to the Logon tab.
- Locate PowerShell from the options and then uncheck its box. As an example, the image below shows how you’d do this for the OneDrive app.
Finally, close the Autoruns program and restart your device to save these changes.
4. Restart Your Device in Clean Boot Mode
This PowerShell error might be caused by some corrupted third-party apps on your device. Now, the best solution here is to perform a clean boot. From there, you can remove any suspicious app.
And once you’ve gotten rid of the problematic app, try downloading it again—but use a safe website this time. However, if you don’t want to delete the faulty app, try updating it and see if that helps.
5. Perform a Basic Scan on Your Device
In some cases, this error might be caused by some corrupted system files. To resolve the problem, you can perform a simple scan using the Check Disk (CHKDSK) tool.
So, here’s how you can run this scan:
- Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.
- Type CMD and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open an elevated Command prompt.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
chkdsk C: /f
The C: command represents the letter of your PC’s hard drive. So, make sure that this command matches the letter displayed next to your hard drive.
Run the scan and then restart your device to save these changes.
6. Run an Advanced Scan on Your Device
If the Check Disk scan didn’t help, then you need to take a different approach. For example, you could now run an advanced scan using the DISM and SFC tools. These two features are helpful when it comes to fixing or replacing faulty system files.
To get started, you’d need to run the DISM tool through these steps:
- Type Task Manager in the Start Menu search bar and select the Best match.
- Click the File tab and select Run new task.
- Type CMD and then check the Create this task with administrative privileges box.
- Press OK to run an elevated Command Prompt.
- Next, type the following command and press Enter to run the DISM scan:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
When you’re done running this command, type the following command and press Enter:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
From there, restart your device to save the changes. Next, run an SFC scan through these two steps:
- Open an elevated Command Prompt by following the previous steps.
- Type the following command and press Enter to run an SFC scan:
sfc /scannow
Once the scan is complete, close the Command Prompt window and then restart your device.
7. Run the System Maintenance Troubleshooter
Perhaps this is an issue you can resolve with one of the built-in troubleshooters. In this case, we’ll assume that this error is caused by system maintenance problems. So, an easy way out is to use the System Maintenance troubleshooter.
Now, here’s how you can run this troubleshooter to resolve the issue:
- Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.
- Type msdt.exe -id MaintenanceDiagnostic and press Enter.
- Next click the Advanced option in the System Maintenance troubleshooter window. From there, check the Apply repairs automatically box and click Next.
- Follow the on-screen steps and restart your device when you finish.
8. Update Windows
A simple Windows update might be one of the best solutions to this problem. That’s because the latest features could get rid of the system bugs that cause this error. Now, the best part is that this will also take care of other system problems.
So, here’s how you can update your device:
- Press Win + I to open the System Settings.
- Click Update & Security and select the Windows Update option.
- Finally, press the Check for updates button on the right and follow the on-screen instructions.
9. Disable the Windows PowerShell Temporarily
If you still can’t resolve this problem, then you could consider disabling the Windows PowerShell temporarily. Besides, you can always run your commands using the Command Prompt. And even if the Command Prompt fails, there are lots of other Command Prompt alternatives to try.
Now, here’s how you can temporarily disable PowerShell:
- Open the Start Menu search bar and type CMD.
- Right-click on the Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
Dism /online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:"MicrosoftWindowsPowerShellV2Root"
Wait for the process to complete and then restart your device.
In case you want to re-enable PowerShell, here’s what you can do:
- Open the Command Prompt as per the previous steps.
- Run the following command and press Enter:
Dism /online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:"MicrosoftWindowsPowerShellV2Root"
Get Rid of Random PowerShell Pop-Up Messages Easily
PowerShell is a handy tool that you can use for various purposes like automating PC tasks. However, it’s unpleasant when a PowerShell window keeps popping up randomly.
So, if PowerShell keeps showing up on your screen randomly, try any of the tips covered.