Alex Ruben
How To Resolve PowerShell Script Issues on Windows 11
If PowerShell scripts are giving you the silent treatment or throwing up errors, you’re definitely not alone. Sometimes Windows 11’s default security settings block scripts from running, which makes automation a pain. Luckily, there are a few ways to loosen those restrictions — just enough to get your scripts going without turning your PC into a complete zoo. The goal here is to adjust execution policies safely, making sure you’re not accidentally opening the door for sketchy scripts. After sticking to these steps, you should be able to run your PowerShell scripts smoothly, whether they’re local or from the net.
How to Fix PowerShell Script Not Running in Windows 11
Method 1: Run PowerShell as Administrator — No Brainer
This is the easiest first step. PowerShell’s execution policies often require admin rights to change. Right-click that Start button (or press Win + X) and pick Windows Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin). It must run with admin privileges, otherwise, your commands won’t stick. Do a quick test by executing your script afterward. Sometimes, just running as admin resolves the issue because it grants the necessary permissions. On some setups, this alone is enough — other times, you’ll need to tweak settings further.
Method 2: Change the Execution Policy to Allow Scripts
This is the core fix. It’s kind of weird, but Windows defaults to a restrictive policy, which stops most scripts from running unless they’re signed or specifically trusted. To loosen things up, open PowerShell with admin rights again and type:
Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned
Hit Enter. When prompted, type Y and then press Enter again. This command lets you run local scripts freely but still checks signatures if you’re pulling code from the internet. On some machines, this command might ‘fail’ the first time, then work after a reboot — no clue why, but it’s a meme in the PowerShell community. If it doesn’t work immediately, give it a reboot and try again.
Method 3: Tweak Registry for Deep-Level Fixes
This is a little more involved, but sometimes your system’s policies are locked down tight at the registry level. If changing PowerShell settings didn’t cut it, you might need to dive into the registry. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter. Before messing with registry files, back up your registry because Windows likes to make things tricky.
Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
Right-click on Windows, select New > Key, and call it PowerShell. Then, in the new PowerShell key, right-click on the right panel, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it EnableScripts. Double-click it and set the value to 1. This basically signals Windows to allow scripts at a lower security level.
Close the registry editor and restart your PC. That’s often enough, but remember — editing the registry is kinda scary if you don’t know what you’re doing, so don’t go wild. Also, some security tools may still block scripts, so check those as well.
Bonus Tips & Common Snags
Some extra pointers because Windows can be unpredictable:
- Back up your registry first, just in case you mess something up.
- Make sure your security software isn’t blocking PowerShell — sometimes antiviruses can be a pain here.
- If commands throw errors, double-check syntax, especially if copying from guides. Windows loves typos.
And keep in mind: changing execution policies can be risky if you run bad scripts. Always be cautious about what you execute. Better safe than sorry, yeah?
Wrap-up
Getting PowerShell scripts to run in Windows 11 isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but it’s doable. First, running as admin often helps, followed by relaxing the execution policy with Set-ExecutionPolicy. When that’s not enough, registry tweaks come into play, which can push things over the edge. Just remember to keep backups and double-check your commands. Once set, your scripts should execute without fuss, helping you automate all sorts of tasks and save time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the execution policy in PowerShell?
It’s basically Windows’ way of deciding which scripts are allowed to run. Think of it as a security gate — more locked down ones prevent scripts from running, which is fine for safety but annoying if you need automation.
Can I revert the execution policy back to default?
Totally. Just run Set-ExecutionPolicy Restricted in PowerShell as admin, and it’ll lock things back up. Handy if you want to undo what you did or tighten security again.
Will changing the execution policy compromise security?
It can if you’re not careful. Loosening restrictions means malicious scripts might run if you’re not cautious. Always only run scripts from sources you trust — no exceptions.