What’s pwsh.exe (PowerShell 7)? Is it safe or a virus?

The file "pwsh.exe" is the executable for PowerShell, a cross-platform command-line shell and scripting language developed by Microsoft. Unlike Windows PowerShell, which uses "powershell.exe" and is exclusive to Windows, "pwsh.exe" pertains to the latest more modern open-source version of PowerShell that operates across Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. This version offers enhanced features and broader compatibility, making it suitable for diverse environments.

The presence of pwsh.exe instead of powershell.exe indicates the use of PowerShell 7.x, the cross-platform version of PowerShell built on .NET Core. This version offers enhanced performance, new features, and is actively developed, whereas Windows PowerShell 5.1 (powershell.exe) is no longer receiving feature updates. The renaming to pwsh.exe allows both versions to coexist on the same system without conflict.

Windows users primarily utilize PowerShell for its robust capabilities in system administration and automation. It allows for efficient management of system configurations, user accounts, and processes. PowerShell's scripting language enables the automation of repetitive tasks, such as batch file processing and system monitoring. Its integration with the .NET framework and support for cmdlets provides a powerful toolset for managing both local and remote systems. Additionally, PowerShell's object-oriented approach and extensive command-line interface make it a preferred choice for advanced users seeking to streamline complex administrative tasks.

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs