How to Replace Command Prompt (CMD) with PowerShell in Windows 10 & 11 (Any version)

The ultimate guide to making PowerShell your default command-line tool!

Before diving into the steps, here’s why replacing CMD with PowerShell is a game-changer:

✅ More Powerful – PowerShell supports automation, scripting, and advanced commands CMD can’t handle. 

 ✅ Microsoft is Prioritizing PowerShell – Windows Terminal defaults to PowerShell, signaling the shift away from CMD.

 ✅ Better for Developers, Sysadmins & Power Users – PowerShell offers more control, better system management, and integration with Windows APIs. 

 ✅ CMD is Limited – While functional, CMD lacks modern scripting & task automation features.

💡 Trending Query: Why is CMD still opening instead of PowerShell? 🔥 Fix: This guide will show you every possible way to make PowerShell the default terminal!

This guide covers everything—from replacing CMD permanently, setting up Windows Terminal defaults, and troubleshooting common issues, so every user—whether a beginner or advanced user—can transition smoothly!

Step-by-Step: How to Replace CMD with PowerShell in Windows 10 & 11

Method 1: Set PowerShell as Default Terminal in Windows Terminal

✅ Recommended for Modern Windows Users

If you use Windows Terminal, follow these steps to make PowerShell your default instead of CMD:

1. Open Windows Terminal (Press Win + X, then click Terminal).

2. Click the Down Arrow Icon at the top bar.

3. Select Settings.

4. Under Profiles, click Windows PowerShell.

5. Scroll down and find Default Profile.

6. Change it from Command Prompt to PowerShell.

7. Click Save—now PowerShell will open by default in Windows Terminal.

💡 Pro Tip: If you ever want to switch back, just repeat the steps and set CMD as the default again.

✅ Method 2: Replace CMD in Win + X Menu

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

2. Go to Apps > Optional Features.

3. Scroll down and find Command Prompt—disable or uninstall it.

4. Restart your computer.

5. Now, PowerShell will be the default terminal when using Win + X.

💡 Bonus: This method ensures PowerShell takes over CMD in key system shortcuts!

Method 3: Set PowerShell as Default in Run Command

✅ When Pressing Win + R, Make PowerShell Open Instead of CMD

1. Press Win + R to open Run.

2. Type regedit and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.

3. Navigate to:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions

4. Look for the Default Command-Line Interface entry.

5. Change the value from cmd.exe to powershell.exe.

6. Close Regedit and restart your PC—now PowerShell will open instead of CMD!

💡 Why This Works: Windows relies on registry settings to determine the default terminal for system operations!

Method 4: Change Default Console Host to PowerShell

✅ If Your System Keeps Launching CMD Instead of PowerShell

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (Win + S, type CMD, click Run as Administrator).

2. Type: powershell Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Scope CurrentUser

3. Hit Enter.

4. Run this command to change the default execution shell: powershell Set-DefaultTerminalApplication

5. Restart your PC, and CMD will be fully replaced by PowerShell!

💡 Common Query: Can I replace Command Prompt completely? 🔥 Answer: Yes! These steps ensure CMD doesn’t open by default anywhere!

💥 Troubleshooting: CMD Still Opening Instead of PowerShell?

⚠️ Issue: CMD keeps launching despite changes?

✅ Restart your PC after editing registry settings. ✅ Use Windows Terminal settings to manually select PowerShell. ✅ Run PowerShell as Administrator and apply execution policy changes.

⚠️ Issue: Windows Terminal still opens CMD?

✅ Check default profile settings inside Windows Terminal > Settings. ✅ Ensure PowerShell is installed and updated.

⚠️ Issue: CMD appears in Run (Win + R) but not PowerShell?

✅ Recheck the registry changes (regedit method above). ✅ If CMD persists, manually delete its registry entry using Administrator privileges.

🔥 With these fixes, CMD will be completely removed from default settings!

⚡ Why PowerShell is Better Than CMD?

Here’s a quick comparison showing why PowerShell is the future:

Feature	CMD	PowerShell
Command Execution	Basic Commands	Advanced Scripts
Automation	Very Limited	Fully Scriptable
Error Handling	Minimal	Strong Control
Integration	Legacy Windows	Modern Windows APIs
Customizability	Limited	Highly Configurable

💡 Key Takeaway: PowerShell is faster, more efficient, and better for long-term Windows management!

If you’re tired of CMD opening by default, this guide gives you everything you need to replace it with PowerShell permanently—across Windows Terminal, Run (Win + R), File Explorer, and system-wide registry settings!

💥 PowerShell is the future—it’s time to make the switch! 🚀🔥

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