Next time, Microsoft will release PowerShell updates via Windows Update Windows

PowerShell provides a command line utility and a scripting language focused on automation and a framework for handling PowerShell cmdlets.

It runs on all major operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, and allows working with structured data such as JSON, CSV, and XML, as well as object models and REST APIs.

Microsoft has started working on a PowerShell release and will upgrade 7.2 preview.5 to 7.2 preview.7 via Microsoft Update.

However, it will only be pushed after the update is released on GitHub due to significant changes to the update process and additional validation requirements.

"Previously, Windows users were notified in their console that a new version of PowerShell 7 was available, but they still had to visit our GitHub release page to download and install it, or rely on a tool separate package manager like Windows Package Manager, Chocolatey or Scoop," said PowerShell engineer Plunk. "But with Microsoft Update, you get the latest PowerShell 7 updates directly in your traditional Windows Update management workflow, whether it's with Windows Update for Business, WSUS, or SCCM."

How to upgrade PowerShell via Microsoft Update

To update PowerShell via Microsoft Update, your computer needs to be running Windows 10 RS3 (10.0.16299) or later with PowerShell 7.2 (preview 5 or 6).

You also need to configure your device to receive updates for Microsoft products. You can enable this feature by going to: 

Settings -> Windows Update -> Advanced options and enable " Receive update for other Microsoft products when you update Windows ".

You also need to opt-in to use Microsoft Update for PowerShell 7 updates by running a script available here.

When the PowerShell team releases update 7.2 preview.7, you'll be able to update through the standard Windows update process.

To keep PowerShell up to date, you need to select Start -> Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update -> Check for updates .

"With today's announcement, you'll soon be able to try this new update process on the latest PowerShell 7.2 previews," added Plunk.

Microsoft provides more information on how to test new installations of the PowerShell 7.2 preview and report any issues you encounter in today's announcement.

Lesley Montoya

Update 17 June 2021