Windows PowerShell Enters Maintenance Mode

PowerShell Core will gradually replace Windows PowerShell, which will receive limited future updates. Windows PowerShell is a command-line shell and automation engine that has become the preferred technology for large-scale management of Windows and Microsoft applications. PowerShell Core, a cross-platform and open source edition of PowerShell, will become the focus of the company’s engineering efforts, even though it is not fully backward compatible with Windows PowerShell. Administrators have no need for immediate concern, as Windows PowerShell will continue to receive support for many years. However, organizations should become familiar with PowerShell Core as future enhancements will likely require that edition.

PowerShell Core and Cross-Platform Focus

PowerShell Core is the edition of PowerShell based on the .NET Core runtime system. Both PowerShell Core and .NET Core are open source, cross-platform projects. PowerShell Core runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS.

In a July 2017 blog post, Microsoft announced the shift away from Windows PowerShell to PowerShell Core. Microsoft’s announcement stated that Windows PowerShell will likely “not receive major feature updates or lower-priority bug fixes,” implying that engineering efforts will instead be focused on PowerShell Core.