A Comprehensive Guide to Installing PowerShell on MacOS

PowerShell is a versatile command-line shell and scripting language designed for system administration and automation. Originally developed for Windows, PowerShell has been open-sourced and made available for other platforms, including MacOS. This guide will walk you through the process of installing PowerShell on MacOS, enabling you to harness its powerful features for managing your system and automating tasks.

Step 1: Check for Pre-requisites

Before proceeding with the installation of PowerShell, make sure your MacOS system meets the following requirements:

• macOS Version: Ensure that you are running a compatible version of MacOS. PowerShell supports MacOS 10.12 Sierra and later versions. For the most up-to-date compatibility information, visit the official PowerShell GitHub repository.

• Homebrew: PowerShell installation on MacOS leverages Homebrew, a package manager for MacOS. If you haven’t installed Homebrew yet, refer to our guide on installing Homebrew on MacOS.

Step 2: Install PowerShell via Homebrew

With Homebrew installed, you can easily install PowerShell by entering the following command in your Terminal:

brew install --cask powershell

This command tells Homebrew to fetch and install the PowerShell cask, a pre-compiled application packaged for easy installation. The process may take a few minutes, depending on your internet connection speed.

Step 3: Launch PowerShell

Once the installation is complete, you can start PowerShell by opening a new Terminal window and typing:

pwsh

This command launches the PowerShell shell, and you should see the PowerShell command prompt, indicating that you’re now running PowerShell on your MacOS system.

Step 4: Verify the Installation

To confirm that PowerShell is correctly installed and functioning, you can execute the following command, which prints the installed PowerShell version:

$PSVersionTable.PSVersion

This command returns the version of PowerShell that is currently running, helping you verify that the installation was successful.

Step 5: Using PowerShell on MacOS

With PowerShell installed, you can begin exploring its vast array of features and commands. PowerShell is known for its powerful object manipulation capabilities, extensive scripting language, and the ability to interface with various APIs and services. Whether you’re automating tasks, managing system resources, or developing scripts, PowerShell provides a robust toolkit for your needs.

Conclusion

You have successfully installed PowerShell on your MacOS system, unlocking a new level of control and automation for your computing environment. PowerShell’s cross-platform support ensures that you can apply your scripts and skills across different operating systems, making it a valuable tool for system administrators and power users alike. Explore the rich ecosystem of PowerShell modules and community resources to make the most out of your PowerShell experience on MacOS.