The first step in using PowerShell is making sure that it’s installed on the computer(s) that need it. As time passes, it will become as ubiquitous as Cmd.exe and VBScript. However, it’s currently important to verify that PowerShell is available when getting started.

Beginning with Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, PowerShell is installed and enabled by default. As people realize its significance, more and more administrators and power users are installing PowerShell on earlier operating systems. There’s a good chance that PowerShell is already installed on your computer, even if you didn’t put it there yourself!

Here are the steps for verifying that PowerShell is ready to use:

1. Open the Windows® Run dialog box
   1. Press the + keys
2. Type PowerShell.exe into the Open text box and press the key

• If PowerShell is installed, a console window will be displayed:

  

• If PowerShell is not installed, you will see the following error message:

  Windows cannot find 'PowerShell.exe'. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again.

  That means it’s time install PowerShell!