How To Fix PowerShell Has Stopped Working or Not Opening in Windows

Introduction

While operating a Windows, people can expect high-grade functionality and simple usability throughout. However, some errors come up and cause issues with steady operations or at least disturb other functions to some extent. The “Windows PowerShell not opening” error is one such issue that is rare but can affect regular functions for users.

The issue typically occurs due to Poweliks, a type of virus that heavily slows the computer down. You can use a solution like IObit Advanced SystemCare 16 to boost the computer speed with some taps, but there are straightforward solutions that fix this issue and resume smooth functioning. In this post, we discuss them further.

Best Ways for Fixing the PowerShell Stopped Working Issue

After trying out varying solutions, we present the best methods to fix the PowerShell performance issue on Windows. The Poweliks virus influences this issue, but various situations also cause the error.

Consider the condition of your system, the operating system version, and which works within your skill range to decide which solution to try.

Fix 1: Handle a Complete System Scan 

In most cases, the Windows PowerShell not opening error is due to the effect of the malware that has entered the system. One of the initial solutions you should scan the system fully.

The main malware in this context is Poweliks, as mentioned, and the files that carry the virus typically are dllhst3g.exe *32 and dllhost.exe *32files. It is possible to access them through the Task Manager and remove them. The best solution, however, is using capable antivirus software, like Avast Free Antivirus, with features like CyberCapture and Rescue Disk.

After activating this software, the program scans the device for possible infected data files and removes them automatically. Before using this method, you should first access Safe Mode and run an overall system security scan.

Fix 2: Operating with another Microsoft Account

For some users, the main reason for the Windows PowerShell not opening issue is related to the account users are utilizing. In this case, the best solution is to start using another account instead of the active Microsoft account. In case you only have and use one Microsoft account, it is better to focus on creating a new one to resolve the problem.

How to proceed?

Step 1: On your PC, tap the Windows key.

Step 2: Then, from the options, choose Settings.

Step 3: In the Settings menu, click on the Accounts option and then choose “Email & accounts” from the left.

Step 4: Choose the Add a Microsoft Account option from the right-side pane. Then, add the necessary data in the text fields here.

Step 5: Then, try to access the PowerShell tool. If it opens successfully, the problem is fixed. If not, you must try other methods.

Fix 3: Utilize Administrative Privileges While Running Windows PowerShell

To fix this PowerShell not opening issue, it is useful to open this using administrative privileges. This is accessible through the Task Manager and involves relatively simple steps.

How to proceed?

Step 1: On your Windows PC, tap on the Start button and type in the term “Task Manager”.

Step 2: Click on the best match choice to access it.

Step 3: At the top-left side of the screen, choose the File option. Under the tab, choose Run New Task.

Step 4: Next, type in the term “Powershell” on the next prompt. Tick the “Create this task with administrative privileges” box.

Step 5: Then press OK.

Fix 4: Start the Clean Boot

Sometimes, the Windows PowerShell not opening error happens due to software conflicts in the Windows 10 system. Therefore, it is best to opt for a clean boot- it will help you understand if any software conflict exists and take action accordingly.

After this process, you would know there is some software conflict in case the error does not repeat. Following that, delete the application detected as the cause.

How to proceed?

Step 1: Press the Win + R keys on your keyboard to access the Run dialog box. In this, type in the command “msconfig” and press the OK button.

Step 2: Choose System Configuration and then tap on the General tab. In this window, remove the checkmark beside the “Load Startup items” option under the Selective Startup category. Then, tap on OK.

Step 3: Next, access the tab named “Services”. Under this section, tick the “Hide all Microsoft services”.

Step 4: Tap on the Disable All button.

Step 5: Go to the Startup category and access the link of Open Task Manager.

Step 6: Choose the individual programs you want to deactivate from the list in the next window, and tap on Disable.

Step 7: Return to the previous System Configuration page and tap on OK.

Step 8: Then, a prompt to restart the computer will appear. Press the Restart button.

Fix 5: Disable the Windows PowerShell and Re-enable It Later

One of the prominent solutions for the “PowerShell not opening” problem on Windows is to deactivate the source utility, i.e., PowerShell. This will automatically stop the issue, creating the problem mid-way. Then, you must re-activate the program again.

Keep in mind that this goes both ways. In some cases, the PowerShell feature was disabled ahead of time. In that case, you should enable the feature again to fix this error when it comes up quickly.

How to proceed?

Step 1: Access the Control Panel from the Start menu on your Windows PC and select the Programs option.

Step 2: Next, tap on Uninstall a program > Turn Windows features on and off.

Step 3: In the next section, search for Windows PowerShell from the list and click the checkbox beside it to uncheck the selection. Press OK.

Step 4: Restart the device. Following that, carry out all of the steps mentioned here again to re-activate Windows PowerShell.

Fix 6: Reset the PowerShell Program to Default 

Some of the changes you made within the Windows PowerShell setting may prove incompatible with the other system configurations. That can inevitably cause functional errors like the Windows PowerShell not opening issue. The solution, in this case, is to reset the program to its default mode.

 How to proceed?

Step 1: Click on Win + E keys on your Windows computer. This will access File Explorer.

Step 2: In the address bar, add the following path. Make sure to put in the name of your device in the “username” section: C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Windows PowerShell

Press the Enter key.

Step 3: Choose the Windows PowerShell entry. Press the delete key and remove this entry.

Step 4: Make another account by clicking on the “create a new user account” option and repeating the same path. Then, copy the shortcut for the PowerShell solution into the USB drive section.

Step 5: Return to the first account. Please search for the Windows PowerShell folder to open it and then paste the shortcut here.

Fix 7: Use Built-in Troubleshooters

Windows has troubleshooters pre-configured into the systems for users to handle most of the common system issues easily. While most of them focus on specific functions, some of these troubleshooters have multi-directional uses.  

So, if the cause of the PowerShell-related issue occurred due to problems with system maintenance, it is best to use the System Maintenance Windows troubleshooter. You can fix the unidentified system issue causing this error when you run this troubleshooter and choose another if this solution does not work.

Two variations are detailed here.

How to proceed with System Maintenance Troubleshooter?

Step 1: Tap on the Start menu on your PC and type the term “Control Panel” in the search field. Then, choose the program that appears and open it.

Step 2: Tap on the drop-down menu for View by > Small icons.

Step 3: Among the menu items available, choose Troubleshooting.

Step 4: Scroll down and choose System and Security > System Maintenance.

Step 5: Then, tap on the Advanced option and tap on the checkbox beside “Apply repairs automatically” to select it.

Step 6: Click on Next. Carry out the on-screen instructions that come up.

How to proceed with Hardware & Devices Troubleshooter?

Step 1: On your PC, click on Win + I keys on the keyboard.

Step 2: When the System Settings section opens, choose the Update & Security option.

Step 3: From the left pane, tap on Troubleshoot.

Step 4: Next, browse for the “Hardware and Devices troubleshooter” option and then click on it.

Step 5: Tap on the “Run the troubleshooter” button. Follow on-screen instructions as they come up next to complete the full troubleshooting process.

Fix 8. Restore the Windows Device

You can utilize the built-in System Restore tool here, as the Windows utility’s feature will undo all recent changes. So, if any of these adjustments are causing system issues like existing bugs, restoring the device removes them efficiently.

How to proceed?

Step 1: Go to the Start Menu. In the search text field, type Control Panel. Then, choose the best match.

Step 2: Tap on “View by” to access the drop-down menu and then choose “Small icons” from the list.

Step 3: Browse and choose Recovery. Then, tap on the Open System Restore selection and press Next.

Step 4: From the following restore points that appear, choose the one you prefer and tap Next.

Fix 9: Reset to Factory Settings on the Device

If none of the other solutions work, you can factory reset the Windows computer to remove this issue. However, avoid using this step as the first solution since all your data will be deleted after resetting. So, try out all of the other fixes, and if they don’t work, back up your device data and then reset its factory settings.

How to proceed?

Step 1: Press the Win and I keys on the PC keyboard to access System Settings directly.

Step 2: Under it, tap on the Update & Security selection and press Recovery next.

Step 3: From the right side, hit the Get Started button. Then, continue as the on-screen instructions mention.

Conclusion

To summarise, the Windows PowerShell not opening error can heavily impact the overall computer experience for users. It is better to use one of the solutions mentioned in this post after considering which one best suits your needs.

Try them out depending on your system’s condition, and use additional tools like IObit Advanced SystemCare to speed the system up. If the issue still continues, you can take the help of professionals.