Microsoft Eliminates PowerShell 2.0 from Windows 11 and Windows Server

Microsoft announced the removal of PowerShell 2.0 from Windows, effective August 2025, following its deprecation eight years prior. This command processor, introduced with Windows 7, was already eliminated for Windows Insiders in July 2025 with the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27891. According to a support document, PowerShell 2.0 will be permanently removed from Windows 11 version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025 in September 2025. While most users will find this change uneventful, those relying on legacy scripts or software that depend on PowerShell 2.0 must take action to update or implement workarounds to avoid disruptions. Microsoft emphasised that newer versions, such as PowerShell 5.1 and PowerShell 7.x, remain available and supported.

This decision aligns with Microsoft’s broader initiative to eliminate legacy code, thereby reducing system complexity and enhancing Windows security. Customers using older Microsoft server products, including Exchange, SharePoint, and SQL Server, may be directly affected by this change. Although legacy scripts attempting to launch PowerShell 2.0 will default to PowerShell 5.1, which is generally backward-compatible, users are encouraged to migrate their scripts and tools to the newer versions. Microsoft advised that outdated software lacking PowerShell 2.0 support may encounter issues on newer Windows versions. By transitioning to PowerShell 5.1 or PowerShell 7, users can ensure safer script execution and mitigate potential disruptions. 

Categories: Software Deprecation, Legacy Support, Security Improvements 

Tags: PowerShell 2.0, Windows 11, Deprecation, Legacy Scripts, Microsoft, Security, PowerShell 5.1, PowerShell 7, Windows Server 2025, System Complexity