PowerShell 7: Cross-Platform Scripting Made Easy

What is PowerShell 7?

PowerShell 7 is the latest major version of Microsoft’s cross-platform command-line shell and scripting language. It is built on .NET 6+ (previously .NET Core) and is the successor to Windows PowerShell 5.1.

Unlike Windows PowerShell, which is limited to Windows, PowerShell 7 runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It introduces improved performance, parallel execution, compatibility with existing modules, and new operators to make scripting more powerful and flexible.

This version is part of the open-source PowerShell project hosted on GitHub and receives regular feature updates from Microsoft and the community.

Why Use PowerShell 7?

PowerShell 7 delivers several advantages over earlier versions:

• Cross-Platform Support: Run scripts consistently across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Backward Compatibility Use WindowsCompatibility module to run legacy Windows PowerShell modules.
• Pipeline Parallelization: Use ForEach-Object -Parallel for faster script execution
• Enhanced Error Handling New -ErrorAction Ignore and Get-Error for cleaner debugging.
• New Operators: Introduction of ??, ??=, and ternary if operator improves scripting logic.
• Open Source and Actively Maintained: Continuous updates and community-driven improvements.

For Microsoft 365 and cloud admins, PowerShell 7 brings performance and consistency across platforms—ideal for hybrid environments and modern automation workflows.

How to Upgrade to PowerShell 7?

Upgrading to PowerShell 7 is simple and non-intrusive:

1. Download PowerShell 7
   Visit the official GitHub release page: https://aka.ms/powershell
   Choose the installer for your OS (Windows MSI, macOS PKG, Linux package).
2. Install Side-by-Side:
   PowerShell 7 installs alongside Windows PowerShell 5.1—it does not replace it. You can run both versions independently.
3. Launch PowerShell 7
   After installation, search for “PowerShell 7” in your Start Menu or terminal.
   
PowerShell 7 is a future-ready upgrade that combines compatibility, performance, and cross-platform support—making it the preferred choice for scripting and automation today.