Add PowerShell to context menu (Windows)

0. Get PowerShell

Get the new PowerShell from GitHub: https://github.com/PowerShell/PowerShell/


1. Add system path

Depending on the variant you have chosen to get the new PowerShell (MSI vs. ZIP) you possibly have to add a system path to the binary folder (or have to add the full path in the registry later on).

  • MSI: Not necessary (if selected in the installation wizard)
  • ZIP: Necessary

Default installation path: C:\Program Files\PowerShell\7\


2. Add registry keys

To add an entry in the context menu, you have to modify the registry from windows. You can either do this directly there or use a tool which does it for you.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell\Powershell_v7]
"(Default)"="PowerShell v7"
"Extended"=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell\Powershell_v7\command]
"(Default)"="pwsh.exe" 

The ‘Extended’ key means you have to press shift next to the right click to see the ‘PowerShell v7’ entry in the context menu.