Hey remember Windows 7? Yeah, that feels like ages ago. Well, PowerShell 2.0 came with it. And now Microsoft removes PowerShell 2.0 from Windows 11 & Server. They said they would stop using it eight years back, but it was still there if you wanted. Not anymore!
August 2025 is when Microsoft removes PowerShell 2.0 from Windows 11 version 24H2. Then September 2025 is when they do same for Windows Server 2025.
People testing new Windows versions (the “Insiders”) already lost it in July 2025. After these dates, it is gone forever from new versions.
Why?
Because it is old tech, like 14 years old!
Microsoft says removing old stuff like this makes Windows simpler and safer.
For most people using their computers at home or work, nothing bad happens. You might not even know it is gone.
Because the newer PowerShell, like version 5.1 and the latest 7.x, are still there and they work just fine.
Microsoft says “this change will be uneventful” for most.
But… Got Old Stuff? Watch Out!
If you have old scripts or old software that must have PowerShell 2.0 to run?
Then you have a problem.
You need to fix your scripts or find another way. If you don’t, things might stop working.
Who needs to worry most?
Think companies using very old Microsoft server programs.
Things like old Exchange, old SharePoint, or old SQL Server. If these use scripts made for PowerShell 2.0, they will have trouble.
Microsoft says Windows will try to help – if an old script tries to use PowerShell 2.0, it might use PowerShell 5.1 instead.
This works okay for many old commands.
But it is not perfect. Some really old installers from other companies might just fail if they try to turn on PowerShell 2.0.
What Should You Do?
Microsoft is saying it straight: Update your stuff!
Get your scripts to work with PowerShell 5.1 or even better, use the new PowerShell 7. And stop using software that only works with PowerShell 2.0.
Why?
Because the new versions are more safe.
Microsoft clearly says: “By using the newer and supported PowerShell 7 or PowerShell 5.1, you can help ensure that scripts run safer.”
So if your work needs this old PowerShell 2.0, do not wait. Fix your things now or get ready for problems later this year!
Also Read: Windows 11 Update Removes Copilot: What You Need to Know
FAQs: Microsoft removes PowerShell 2.0
Q1: When was PowerShell 2.0 released?
A1: It came with Windows 7, so that was around 2009. That is 14 years back.
Q2: Where is PowerShell 2.0 located?
A2: It was not a normal program. It was a “Windows Feature” that you can turn on from Control Panel, under “Turn Windows features on or off”.
Q3: How to tell if PowerShell 2.0 is installed?
A3: Open PowerShell (the newer one) and type this command: Get-WindowsFeature -Name PowerShell-V2. If it says “Installed”, then it is there. If it does not, then it is gone.
Q4: How to tell which version of PowerShell is installed?
A4: It is easy. Open any PowerShell and type: $PSVersionTable.PSVersion. Then look at the “Major” number – that is the main version, like 5 or 7.
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