Windows PowerShell pops up all of a sudden: How to Fix

Sadique Hassan•Updated May 18, 2022

In this guide, we will show you various methods to fix the issue of Windows PowerShell popping up all of a sudden on your PC. The latest OS build has further enhanced its command-line interface. Along with that, you now also get the option to tweak its UI in the form of changing its fonts, layout, and color of the window. Likewise, it has also streamlined the process of enabling/disabling the desired features via just a single click.

However, in spite of all the goodies attached, it isn’t free from its fair share of issues either. Various users have voiced their concerns that the PowerShell window is popping up randomly on their PC. This is resulting in a great deal of inconvenience to the end-users as the window tends to disrupt their normal workflow. If you are also in the same boat, then this guide will make you aware of a few nifty workarounds that will help you resolve this issue. Follow along.

Table of Contents

How to Fix Windows PowerShell pops up all of a sudden

It is recommended that you try out each of the below-mentioned workarounds and then see which one spells out success for you. So with that in mind, let’s get started.

FIX 1: Remove Powershell from Start-Up

If the PowerShell program is part of the start-up apps, then there is every chance of the underlying issue reciprocating itself at regular intervals. Therefore your best course of action should be to temporarily remove it from that category and then test out the results. Here’s how it could be done-

To begin with, bring up the Task Manager via Ctrl Shift Esc shortcut keys.
Then go to the Startup tab, right-click on Windows Powershell and select Disable.
After that, open Run via Windows R shortcut and copy-paste the below location-
```
%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp
```
Then delete the PowerShell app from that directory as well, if present.
Now check if it fixes the issue of Windows PowerShell suddenly popping up on your PC.

FIX 2: Re-Enable Powershell

Your next course of action should be to disable and then re-enable Powershell. Doing so will refresh its underlying settings and this could resolve the issue that we are currently dealing with, So let’s try out this fix right away.

Launch Command Prompt as an administrator from the Start Menu.
Then copy-paste the below command to disable PowerShell
```
Dism /online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:"MicrosoftWindowsPowerShellV2Root"
```
Now wait for a few seconds and then execute the below command to re-enable it
```
Dism /online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:"MicrosoftWindowsPowerShellV2Root"
```
Check if it fixes the issue of Windows PowerShell suddenly popping up on your PC.

FIX 3: Delete Temporary Files

In some instances, the temporarily stored files could lead to a few conflicts with the proper functioning of your PC. Therefore, you should consider deleting these cached files and then test out the results.

Launch Run via Windows + R shortcut keys.
Then copy-paste the below command and hit Enter. This will take you to the temp folder.
```
%temp%
```
Use the Ctrl + A shortcut to select all the files and hit the Del key to delete them.
Check if it fixes the issue of Windows PowerShell suddenly popping up on your PC.

FIX 4: Use Windows Troubleshooter

Windows comes built-in with quite a few troubleshooter apps that scan for issues and bring out the related fixes. As for the current issue, we will be using the System Maintenance and the Hardware and Devices troubleshooters, as they are the best fit to resolve this bug.

Bring up the Run dialog box via Windows R shortcut keys.
Then type in the below command and hit Enter
```
msdt.exe -id MaintenanceDiagnostic
```
This will launch the System Maintenance troubleshooter, click Next to continue.
It will now scan for underlying issues and bring up the related fix as well.
Just select the fix to implement and then check if the issue has been fixed or not.
If it is still there, then enable the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter on your PC.
Then launch it, click Next and let it scan for issues. Then apply the fixes that it brings up.
Check if it fixes the issue of Windows PowerShell suddenly popping up on your PC.

FIX 5: Boot to Safe Mode

In some instances, a third-party app might conflict with the OS functionality as well. The best way to verify and hence rectify this issue is to boot your PC to the Safe Mode. Doing so will disable all the third-party apps and give you the stock environment with just the system apps. If you are able to select multiple files in this mode, then the culprit is an app or software. Therefore, you should consider uninstalling the recently installed apps after which the issue first came to light. Here’s how:

Bring up the Run dialog box via Windows+R shortcut keys.
Then type in the below command and hit Enter to open the System Configuration menu
```
msconfig
```
Now go to its Boot tab and checkmark Safe Mode under Boot Options.
Finally, click OK followed by Restart in the confirmation dialog box.
Your PC will now boot to Windows Recovery Environment.
Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Click Restart > Press 4 to boot to Safe Mode.
Now check if it fixes the issue of Windows PowerShell suddenly popping up on your PC.

FIX 6: Disable Third-Party Service

A third-party service could also create a few roadblocks in the functioning of this feature. Therefore, you should consider disabling all the non-Microsoft-related services and then test out the results. Here’s how it could be done

Head over to the Start Menu, search System Configuration, and open it.
Then go to the Services tab, checkmark Hide All Microsoft Services, and click on the Disable All button.
Then go to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
Now select a process from the list and click Disable. Do so for all the running services.
Once done, restart your PC and then check if it fixes the issue of Windows PowerShell suddenly popping up on your PC.

FIX 7: Use SFC and DISM Commands

System File Checker and Deployment Image Servicing and Management are two command-line utility tools that scan for corrupt Windows files and then replace them with their working counterpart. The major difference between the two is whereas the SFC replaces the corrupt files with the working ones from the cached directory on your PC, DISM does so by downloading the working files from the online Microsoft servers. And as of now, we would be making use of both these tools to fix the underlying issue.

Head over to the Start Menu, search Command Prompt, and launch it as an administrator.
Then copy-paste the below command to open the SFC Tool:
```
sfc /scannow
```
Once the SFC Scanning is complete, it’s time to use the DISM Tool. So copy-paste the below command:
```
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
```
Once DISM finishes the scanning, it is recommended to reboot your PC.
Now check if it fixes the issue of Windows PowerShell suddenly popping up on your PC.

FIX 8: Use a Restore Point

If none of the aforementioned methods spelled out success, then you should consider restoring your system to an earlier point during which it was free from this issue. Here’s how it could be done

To begin with, open the Settings page via the Windows+I shortcut keys.
Then go to the System tab from the left menu bar, scroll all the way to the bottom and click on About.
After that, click on the System Protection option present on the Related Links tab.
This shall launch the System Properties dialog box. Go to the System Protection tab and click on System Restore.
Windows will now bring up the backup under the Recommended Restore section. This is the backup that it finds most suitable according to your PC’s current condition.
If you are satisfied with it, enable the Recommended Restore option and hit Next.
However, if you wish to select any other custom backup, then select Chose a Different Restore point and click Next.
Now select the desired custom restore point and hit Next.
Windows will now bring up the finalized screen showing all your selections. You may click on the Scan for Affected program option and get a list of all the programs that would be uninstalled/re-installed after this restore.
If everything is as per your requirement, hit the Finish button and wait for the restore to complete.
Once done, your PC will automatically boot to that system restore point, with the underlying bug being resolved.

So with this, we round off the guide on how you could fix the issue of Windows PowerShell suddenly popping up on your PC. We have listed eight different methods for the same. Do let us know in the comments section which one spelled out success for you. Likewise, all your queries are welcomed in the comments below.

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