Powershel Differences

Understanding the Differences Between Windows PowerShell and Microsoft PowerShell

PowerShell has evolved significantly over the years, and its latest iteration—Microsoft PowerShell—offers a modern approach to scripting and automation. However, many people still confuse Windows PowerShell with Microsoft PowerShell, as both are closely related but have distinct differences. In this article, we’ll explore these differences and provide clarity on how they impact the user experience and workflow.

What is Windows PowerShell?

Windows PowerShell is a task automation framework that was first introduced in 2006 by Microsoft. It’s a command-line shell and scripting language built on the .NET framework and is designed to help IT professionals automate administrative tasks and configuration management. Windows PowerShell was initially only available on Windows operating systems and included numerous cmdlets (pronounced “command-lets”) specifically for managing Windows environments.

Key Characteristics of Windows PowerShell:

  • Built on .NET Framework: Windows PowerShell is tightly integrated with the .NET Framework.
  • Windows-Specific: It was developed for use on Windows operating systems, though versions of PowerShell (like PowerShell Core) were later made available for non-Windows platforms.
  • Versioning: The last version of Windows PowerShell was 5.1, which remains a key part of many legacy Windows environments.
  • Cmdlets: Windows PowerShell provides a vast set of cmdlets specifically for managing Windows systems, such as Get-Process, Get-Service, and Set-ItemProperty.
  • Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI): Windows PowerShell integrates heavily with WMI, a Windows-based technology for querying and managing system resources.

What is Microsoft PowerShell?

Microsoft PowerShell, also known as PowerShell 7, is the next-generation, cross-platform version of PowerShell. It is built on the .NET Core framework, making it capable of running not only on Windows but also on macOS and Linux. The evolution to PowerShell Core (now rebranded as Microsoft PowerShell) aims to provide a more flexible, scalable, and modern scripting experience.

Key Characteristics of Microsoft PowerShell:

  • Built on .NET Core: Microsoft PowerShell is built on .NET Core (now called .NET 5/6+), which allows it to run on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Cross-Platform: Unlike Windows PowerShell, Microsoft PowerShell can be run on multiple platforms, making it a truly cross-platform automation tool.
  • Open Source: Microsoft PowerShell is open-source, meaning the community can contribute to its development and improvement.
  • Compatibility with Windows PowerShell: While Microsoft PowerShell introduces new features, it retains compatibility with many cmdlets from Windows PowerShell, ensuring a smoother transition for existing users.
  • Versioning: Microsoft PowerShell has adopted a simplified versioning system with PowerShell 7 being the current major release (e.g., 7.0, 7.1, etc.).

Key Differences Between Windows PowerShell and Microsoft PowerShell

1. Platform Support

  • Windows PowerShell: Limited to Windows operating systems.
  • Microsoft PowerShell: Available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

2. Framework and Architecture

  • Windows PowerShell: Built on the full .NET Framework.
  • Microsoft PowerShell: Built on the .NET Core framework, providing better performance and cross-platform capabilities.

3. Performance and Speed

  • Windows PowerShell: Generally slower because it relies on the older .NET Framework.
  • Microsoft PowerShell: Improved performance thanks to the optimizations in .NET Core and better handling of modern workloads.

4. Open-Source vs Proprietary

  • Windows PowerShell: Closed-source and tied to Windows-specific features.
  • Microsoft PowerShell: Open-source, allowing contributions from the community and expanding its utility beyond Microsoft’s proprietary technologies.

5. Cmdlet Compatibility

  • Windows PowerShell: Contains a wide range of cmdlets optimized for managing Windows environments, including legacy systems.
  • Microsoft PowerShell: Supports a majority of Windows PowerShell cmdlets, but some Windows-specific cmdlets are replaced with cross-platform equivalents.

6. Versioning and Updates

  • Windows PowerShell: The last official release was PowerShell 5.1, with no major updates expected. It is now considered legacy.
  • Microsoft PowerShell: Actively developed with frequent updates and new features. The current major release is PowerShell 7, with ongoing improvements.

7. Future Focus

  • Windows PowerShell: No longer actively developed, with most new features and improvements focused on Microsoft PowerShell.
  • Microsoft PowerShell: Future-focused, with support for the latest technologies, cross-platform environments, and open-source contributions.

When to Use Windows PowerShell vs Microsoft PowerShell

  • Windows PowerShell is best used for managing legacy Windows environments and systems that require Windows-specific cmdlets and features that aren’t yet available in Microsoft PowerShell.

  • Microsoft PowerShell is the preferred option for modern, cross-platform environments. It is ideal for anyone who needs a versatile, future-proof solution for automation that can be used on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Conclusion

While Windows PowerShell and Microsoft PowerShell share the same basic functionality in terms of command-line interfaces and scripting capabilities, Microsoft PowerShell represents the future of PowerShell with its cross-platform support, modern architecture, and open-source nature. For new projects or environments, it’s strongly recommended to adopt Microsoft PowerShell for its enhanced performance, security, and compatibility with non-Windows platforms.

If you’re still using Windows PowerShell in your environment, it’s important to start familiarizing yourself with Microsoft PowerShell, as the latter is where all future developments are focused.