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.

Microsoft Account option

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.

msconfig

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.

System Configuration

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.

Disable All

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.

deactivate

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.

Windows PowerShell

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.

Windows PowerShell 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.

Run the troubleshooter

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.

system restore

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.

recovery

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.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Post

Recent Post

How To Fix PC Turns On But No Display Error On Windows 11 And Windows 10

By CleanerBestComputer / December 8, 2023

Discover troubleshooting steps to resolve the ‘PC Turns On But No Display’ error on Windows 11 and Windows 10. Learn how to tackle this frustrating issue effectively and get your system back up and running.

Steam Won’t Open? 7 Ways To Fix

By CleanerBestComputer / December 5, 2023

Steam won’t open is one of the common problems gamers face today, and several reasons promote this issue. Here are a few ways you can overcome it.

How To Download and Update 802 11n WLAN Driver

By CleanerBestComputer / September 4, 2023

Having trouble with your WLAN drivers? Explore a step-by-step guide to download 802 11n WLAN driver on Windows, including manual settings and automatic updates.

How to Fix Mac Won’t Boot Into Recovery Mode (9 Solutions)

By CleanerBestComputer / August 26, 2023

Stuck with the Mac won’t boot into recovery mode issue? In this guide, we will explore the most probable causes behind this issue and provide you with practical solutions. 

How to Print Double-Sided on a Mac

By CleanerBestComputer / August 19, 2023

Learn how to print double sided on Mac, whether you’re using the Notes app, Word app or want to print web pages or PDFs online.

How to Fix Calendar App Not Working on Windows (7 Solutions)

By CleanerBestComputer / August 12, 2023

The calendar app plays a vital role in managing daily schedules. In this troubleshooting guide, we have listed some of the best fixes to fix the Calendar app not working issue on Windows.

How to Fix Downloads Folder Not Responding on Windows

By CleanerBestComputer / August 5, 2023

Introduction: The Downloads folder on our Windows computers serves as a crucial hub for storing all the files we acquired from the web. Whether it’s important documents, entertaining videos, or software installations, this folder plays a vital role in organizing and accessing our digital content. However, encountering the downloads folder not responding issue can be […]

How to Fix Your IP Has Been Temporarily Blocked

By CleanerBestComputer / July 23, 2023

Introduction: Encountering the “Your IP has been temporarily blocked” on your PC can be frustrating as it hinders your browsing experience. Whether you are trying to access a website, send an important email, or stream your favorite content, receiving the dreaded message can leave you feeling helpless and disconnected from the online world. The good […]

How to Print Text Messages From Android Phone (3 Methods)

By CleanerBestComputer / July 16, 2023

Introduction: Text messaging has become deeply ingrained in our daily lives. Whether it’s a heartfelt conversation, important information, or cherished memories, our Android phones store a treasure trove of valuable messages. But what happens when you need a hard copy of those messages? Fear not, for we have the solution. In this comprehensive guide, we […]

How to Upload Videos on YouTube: A Step-By-Step Guide!

By CleanerBestComputer / July 9, 2023

Introduction: Gone are the days when video creation and sharing were reserved for a privileged few. In today’s age, YouTube has become the ultimate hub for video content and entertainment that draws countless viewers from all corners of the world. Whether you’re a budding filmmaker, a passionate vlogger, or a business owner seeking to expand […]