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To open PowerShell at a specific folder, start a shell whose current location is that folder in File Explorer. On Windows 11, the usual option is Open in Terminal; on many Windows 10 systems, it is Open PowerShell window here. You can also type powershell or pwsh in File Explorer’s address bar.
These methods open an interactive shell; they do not run a script, change your default terminal, or automatically give you administrator privileges.
Windows PowerShell and PowerShell 7 use different commands
Windows PowerShell 5.1 is the legacy Windows-installed edition and uses powershell.exe. PowerShell 7 is a separate, side-by-side installation and uses pwsh.exe. Installing PowerShell 7 does not replace Windows PowerShell 5.1. See Microsoft’s PowerShell installation documentation.
Method 1: Use File Explorer’s context menu
Windows 11: Open in Terminal
- Open File Explorer and browse to the folder.
- Right-click an empty area inside the folder.
- Select Open in Terminal.
- If Windows Terminal opens Command Prompt, open the profile menu and select PowerShell.
You may also be able to right-click a folder itself and choose Open in Terminal. The exact menu wording varies by Windows build, Terminal installation, policy, and customization. Windows 11 22H2 and later commonly host console applications inside Windows Terminal when it is available; Microsoft explains this behavior in its Command Prompt and Windows PowerShell support page.
#1 Best Overall
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
- SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
- FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.
If the command is not visible, select Show more options. You can also press Shift+F10 to open the older context menu.
Windows 10 or legacy menu: Open PowerShell window here
- Open the target folder in File Explorer.
- Hold Shift and right-click an empty area.
- Select Open PowerShell window here.
This option appears on many Windows 10 systems and older Windows PowerShell installations, but it is not guaranteed to be present on every configuration.
Method 2: Type PowerShell in File Explorer’s address bar
This is often the fastest method when the context-menu entry is missing.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsOpen Windows PowerShell 5.1
- Open the desired folder in File Explorer.
- Click the address bar or press Alt+D.
- Type
powershelland press Enter.
Open PowerShell 7
Type the following instead:
pwshIf PowerShell 7 is installed and available through PATH, it opens with the Explorer folder as its current location. The official Windows Terminal FAQ documents this Explorer path behavior.
Rank #2
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
Open Windows Terminal at the current folder
To specifically launch Windows Terminal while preserving the folder shown in Explorer, type:
wt -d .Do not assume that typing only wt will always use the Explorer folder. It may use Windows Terminal’s configured startingDirectory instead.
Method 3: Use Start-Process with a working directory
Use this method when you know the path, want a repeatable shortcut, or are automating the workflow.
Windows PowerShell 5.1
Start-Process -FilePath powershell.exe -WorkingDirectory 'C:WorkProject'PowerShell 7
Start-Process -FilePath pwsh.exe -WorkingDirectory 'C:WorkProject'-WorkingDirectory is preferable to manually constructing a cd command for reusable commands. Paths containing spaces should be quoted:
Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
Start-Process powershell.exe -WorkingDirectory 'C:My ProjectsTest App'To keep the new shell open when launching it with additional commands, use -NoExit:
Start-Process powershell.exe `
-ArgumentList '-NoExit' `
-WorkingDirectory 'C:WorkProject'For PowerShell 7, replace powershell.exe with pwsh.exe.
Using the Run dialog
Press Win+R and enter:
powershell.exe -NoExit -Command "Set-Location -LiteralPath 'C:WorkProject'"For PowerShell 7, use pwsh.exe. The -LiteralPath form is useful when a path could contain wildcard characters, although Start-Process -WorkingDirectory is generally cleaner for reusable commands.
Confirm that PowerShell opened in the correct folder
Run:
Get-LocationYou can also display the current location with:
$PWDTo change it after opening the shell, use:
Set-Location -LiteralPath 'C:CorrectFolder'Which method should you use?
| Method | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Open in Terminal or Open PowerShell window here | Discoverable, mouse-based use | Menu names and availability vary |
| Explorer address bar | Fast everyday access | You must type powershell, pwsh, or wt -d . |
Start-Process -WorkingDirectory |
Scripts, shortcuts, and repeatable workflows | You must provide the folder path |
Troubleshooting
The context-menu option is missing
- Right-click an empty area inside the folder rather than a file.
- Hold Shift while right-clicking.
- On Windows 11, choose Show more options.
- Use the address-bar method instead.
- Check whether Windows Terminal or PowerShell 7 is installed.
The PowerShell MSI installer includes the ADD_EXPLORER_CONTEXT_MENU_OPENPOWERSHELL property, which controls whether an Explorer context-menu entry is added. Corporate policies, registry changes, shell customizers, and debloating tools can also remove menu entries. Registry editing is usually unnecessary for this task.
Rank #4
- Fluid Typing Experience: Laptop-like profile with spherically-dished keys shaped for your fingertips delivers a fast, fluid, precise and quieter typing experience
- Automate Repetitive Tasks: Easily create and share time-saving Smart Actions shortcuts to perform multiple actions with a single keystroke with the Logi Options+ app (1)
- Smarter Illumination: Backlit keyboard keys light up as your hands approach and adapt to the environment; Now with more lighting customizations on Logi Options+ (1)
- More Comfort, Deeper Focus: Work for longer with a solid build, low-profile design and an optimum keyboard angle that is better for your wrist posture
- Multi-Device, Multi OS Bluetooth Keyboard: Pair with up to 3 devices on nearly any operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) via Bluetooth Low Energy or included Logi Bolt USB receiver (2)
pwsh is not recognized
PowerShell 7 may not be installed, or its executable may not be available through PATH. Check with:
where.exe pwshIf no result appears, install PowerShell 7 using Microsoft’s documented WinGet, MSI, MSIX, ZIP, or other supported methods.
Windows Terminal opens Command Prompt
Windows Terminal and the shell profile are separate settings. Open Terminal’s profile menu and choose PowerShell. If needed, change the default profile in Terminal’s Startup settings. Changing Windows’ default terminal application does not automatically change the default shell profile. Microsoft documents the related settings under Settings > System > Advanced > Terminal.
The shell opens in the wrong folder
Check the result with Get-Location. If you launched Terminal from Explorer, use wt -d . instead of plain wt. If you know the destination, use Start-Process with -WorkingDirectory.
Best Value
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
The path contains an apostrophe
In a single-quoted PowerShell string, double the apostrophe:
Set-Location -LiteralPath 'C:User''s Files'For more complicated paths, use a variable:
$folder = "C:User's Files"
Start-Process powershell.exe -WorkingDirectory $folderYou need administrator privileges
Opening PowerShell in a folder does not elevate it. Start PowerShell or Windows Terminal with Run as administrator, then navigate to the folder, or configure an elevated shortcut with the required working directory. Confirm elevation by checking for Administrator in the window title.
Use elevation only when necessary because applications launched from an elevated session can inherit elevated privileges. See Microsoft’s PowerShell getting-started documentation.
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Run with PowerShell is intended to execute a selected script. It is not the same as opening an interactive PowerShell session in that file’s folder. To open a shell, open the containing folder and use one of the three methods above. Microsoft explains the distinction in about_Run_With_PowerShell.
Check which PowerShell version opened
$PSVersionTable.PSVersionWindows PowerShell 5.1 normally reports version 5.1, while PowerShell 7 reports a 7.x version. PowerShell ISE is limited to Windows PowerShell 5.1 and is no longer updated.
Quick Recap
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