Windows PowerShell Has Stopped Working [Solved]

Windows PowerShell Has Stopped Working: Solving the Issue

Encountering the "Windows PowerShell has stopped working" error can be frustrating, particularly when you rely on PowerShell for system administration, automation tasks, and script execution. This issue can arise due to various reasons, including corrupted system files, malware, or conflicts with other software. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to diagnose and resolve this problem, restoring PowerShell to its full functionality.

Checking for System File Corruption

One of the most common causes of PowerShell errors is corrupted system files. Windows provides a built-in tool called System File Checker (SFC) that can scan for and repair corrupted files. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by typing cmd in the Start menu, right-clicking on Command Prompt, and selecting Run as administrator.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete. If any corrupted files are found, SFC will attempt to repair them automatically.

After the scan, restart your computer and check if PowerShell is working correctly.

Running the DISM Tool

If the SFC scan does not resolve the issue, you can use the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) to repair the Windows image. This tool can fix deeper corruption issues that SFC might not be able to handle. Here’s how to run DISM:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

   dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
   dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

3. Allow each command to complete before proceeding to the next. The process might take some time.

Once DISM has finished its operations, restart your computer and check if the PowerShell issue persists.

Checking for Malware

Malware infections can cause various issues, including interfering with system tools like PowerShell. Running a full system scan with your antivirus software can help identify and remove any malicious software. Additionally, you can use Windows Defender Offline for a more thorough scan:

1. Open Windows Security by typing Windows Security in the Start menu.
2. Go to Virus & threat protection.
3. Click on Scan options.
4. Select Windows Defender Offline scan and click Scan now.

Your computer will restart and perform a scan before Windows loads, which can help detect and remove hidden malware.

Updating Windows and Drivers

Outdated Windows versions or drivers can lead to compatibility issues that might cause PowerShell to stop working. Ensure that your system is up to date by following these steps:

1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
2. Go to Update & Security.
3. Click on Check for updates and install any available updates.

Additionally, updating your device drivers can resolve potential conflicts. You can do this via Device Manager:

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand each category, right-click on the devices, and select Update driver.
3. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

Reinstalling Windows PowerShell

If none of the above methods work, reinstalling PowerShell might be necessary. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Run the following command to uninstall PowerShell:

   Get-WindowsCapability -Online | where-object {$_.Name -like "Microsoft.Windows.PowerShell*"} | Remove-WindowsCapability -Online

3. Restart your computer.
4. Reinstall PowerShell by running the following command:

   Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name "Microsoft.Windows.PowerShell."

   Replace “ with the appropriate version number.

Using System Restore

If the PowerShell issue started recently, using System Restore to revert your system to an earlier state might resolve the problem. Here’s how to perform a system restore:

1. Open the Start menu and type System Restore.
2. Select Create a restore point.
3. In the System Properties window, click on System Restore.
4. Follow the prompts to choose a restore point and restore your system.

Keep in mind that System Restore will undo recent system changes but will not affect your personal files.

Summary

Addressing the "Windows PowerShell has stopped working" error involves a combination of troubleshooting steps. From checking for system file corruption and running malware scans to updating your system and drivers, these methods can help you identify and fix the underlying issues. If necessary, reinstalling PowerShell or using System Restore can provide a more comprehensive solution. By following these steps, you can restore PowerShell’s functionality and maintain a stable, efficient computing environment.