Windows Powershell cannot be stopped from coming up again.

Terry Stepp 0 Reputation points
2026-09-12T14:07:51.74+00:00

Windows Powershell does show up on Task Manager of Windows 11. When I remove it from Task Manager, that Windows PowerPoint app will come up again when I reboot my desktop computer.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures
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  1. Ivan B 123.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-12T14:52:02.0633333+00:00

    Hi,

    In addition to the Q&A procedure, try performing a clean boot and check the Task Scheduler to see if there are any active PowerShell tasks.

    Search for "Task Scheduler" in the search bar > Task Scheduler Library.

    Open the Command Prompt (as administrator) and run the following commands: sfc /scannow and dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth. Wait for the process to complete and restart the computer.

    Then, perform a clean boot and uninstall any applications you do not use.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-execute-a-simple-boot-start-in-windows-da2f9573-6eec-00ad-2f8a-a97a1807f3dd

    Thanks.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-12T14:08:03.6066667+00:00

    If Windows PowerShell keeps returning after reboot, the startup trigger is likely not the Task Manager entry alone. Check the other common startup locations and disable the item that launches powershell.exe.

    1. In Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), open the Startup apps tab and disable any entry related to Windows PowerShell.
    2. Open Settings > Apps > Startup and turn off anything related to PowerShell or Terminal.
    3. Check the Startup folder:
      • Press Win + R
      • Run shell:startup
      • Remove any shortcut that starts PowerShell or Windows Terminal.
    4. Check Task Scheduler for a logon or startup task that runs PowerShell:
      • Open Task Scheduler
      • Review scheduled tasks and look for actions that start powershell.exe
      • Disable the matching task
    5. If the popup still returns, disable scheduled startup items one at a time, restart, and test after each change to identify which task is causing it.

    If the PowerShell window is being opened by an old script or scheduled task, Windows 11 uses Windows PowerShell 5.1 by default, and older startup items can continue to relaunch it until the startup entry or task is removed.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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