Pro Tip: Replace Command Prompt with PowerShell on Windows + X Menu

Do you have a preference for the Command Prompt or PowerShell? Make it easier to reach your favorite with this Pro Tip.

Richard Hay, Senior Content Producer

August 17, 2016

1 Min Read
Pro Tip: Replace Command Prompt with PowerShell on Windows + X Menu

I know many of you work with the Command Prompt and PowerShell everyday.

Many of you likely have a favorite between these two tools but by default Microsoft places shortcuts to the Command Prompt on the WINDOWS + X key shortcut off of the Start Button context menu.

In Windows 10 you can modify that context menu and have it show PowerShell instead of the Command Prompt if that is your preference and it just takes a quick visit to the Windows Settings app.

Step One: Open Personalization Settings

Open up Windows Settings and then click or tap on Personalization to get started.

Step Two: Turn On/Off Command Prompt or PowerShell for Start Button Context Menu

Once you are in Personalization Settings tap/click on Taskbar and then look for the Replace Command Prompt with Windows PowerShell in the menu when I right-click the start button or press Windows key+X entry.

Just toggle the button to On and the context menu will switch to PowerShell. If you want to switch back to Command Prompt just return here and turn the toggle back to Off.

But, wait...there's probably more so be sure to follow me on Twitter and Google+.

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About the Author

Richard Hay

Senior Content Producer, IT Pro Today (Informa Tech)

I served for 29 plus years in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer in November 2011. My work background in the Navy was telecommunications related so my hobby of computers fit well with what I did for the Navy. I consider myself a tech geek and enjoy most things in that arena.

My first website – AnotherWin95.com – came online in 1995. Back then I used GeoCities Web Hosting for it and WindowsObserver.com is the result of the work I have done on that site since 1995.

In January 2010 my community contributions were recognized by Microsoft when I received my first Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award for the Windows Operating System. Since then I have been renewed as a Microsoft MVP each subsequent year since that initial award. I am also a member of the inaugural group of Windows Insider MVPs which began in 2016.

I previously hosted the Observed Tech PODCAST for 10 years and 317 episodes and now host a new podcast called Faith, Tech, and Space. 

I began contributing to Penton Technology websites in January 2015 and in April 2017 I was hired as the Senior Content Producer for Penton Technology which is now Informa Tech. In that role, I contribute to ITPro Today and cover operating systems, enterprise technology, and productivity.

https://twitter.com/winobs

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