PowerShell 6.2.6 Release Date and Version Details

PowerShell 6.2.6 was released on September 4, 2020, as a servicing update to PowerShell Core 6.2. It was a maintenance release, not a new major version; if you are deciding what to install now, note that PowerShell 6.2 is an old, unsupported release line.

What PowerShell 6.2.6 Was

PowerShell 6.2.6 was the sixth patch update in the 6.2 series of PowerShell Core, Microsoft’s cross-platform edition of PowerShell. The “6” identifies the major generation, “2” the minor release, and the final “6” the patch number. It followed PowerShell 6.2.5 and continued the line of fixes and servicing updates rather than introducing a new feature generation.

PowerShell Core was designed to run on Windows, Linux, and macOS, unlike the original Windows PowerShell, which is built into Windows and based on the .NET Framework. PowerShell 6.2 used the modern .NET Core platform. Microsoft later renamed the cross-platform product simply “PowerShell,” starting with PowerShell 7, so current documentation and downloads generally use that name.

Release Date and Release Notes

The PowerShell 6.2.6 release was published on September 4, 2020. Its release notes and source code are available in the PowerShell project’s GitHub repository. Release notes are the best reference for the precise changes in a particular patch: they identify fixes, affected components, and any known issues rather than relying on a version number alone.

As a patch release, 6.2.6 was intended primarily for users already on the 6.2 branch who needed the latest maintenance updates available for that branch. It should not be confused with PowerShell 7.0, which had already been released earlier in 2020 as the successor to PowerShell Core 6.x.

PowerShell 6.2.6 Versus Windows PowerShell

The similar names can be confusing because Windows PowerShell 5.1 and PowerShell 6.2.6 are separate products. Windows PowerShell 5.1 remains the built-in Windows version and is tied to the .NET Framework. PowerShell 6.2.6 is a separately installed, cross-platform application based on .NET Core.

They can coexist on a Windows computer. Their usual command names differ: Windows PowerShell starts with powershell.exe, while PowerShell Core 6.x starts with pwsh. Consequently, a script or terminal shortcut that launches one does not necessarily launch the other. Check the version inside the session with:

• $PSVersionTable.PSVersion — displays the running PowerShell version.
• $PSVersionTable.PSEdition — distinguishes editions such as Desktop and Core.

Compatibility also matters. Many PowerShell modules work in both editions, but some depend on Windows-only components, older .NET Framework behavior, or specific system features. Before replacing a working Windows PowerShell workflow, check the modules and scripts it relies on.

Should You Install 6.2.6 Today?

For most users, installing 6.2.6 is not a good choice for a new setup. The 6.2 release line is no longer supported, so it does not receive current maintenance or security fixes. The more sensible option is a currently supported PowerShell release, selected for the operating system and software requirements involved.

PowerShell 7 is the continuation of the cross-platform product and is the normal starting point for new PowerShell installations. It is also separate from Windows PowerShell 5.1, so installing PowerShell 7 generally does not remove the built-in version. Some environments may still require an older release for compatibility or reproducibility; in those cases, use it only when necessary and follow the organization’s maintenance and security policies.

Before changing versions, check the project’s current supported releases and the requirements of your scripts, modules, deployment tools, and operating system. A script that runs successfully under 6.2.6 is not automatically guaranteed to behave identically in another major version, even if the commands look the same.

How to Check Your Installed Version

Open the PowerShell application you intend to check and run $PSVersionTable. The output includes the version, edition, and platform details. This is more reliable than identifying a version from an icon, shortcut, or installation folder, because multiple PowerShell editions can exist on one machine.

For example, a result showing 6.2.6 under PSVersion means that session is running that particular patch. A result showing 5.1 and Desktop indicates Windows PowerShell, not PowerShell Core 6.2.6. If the command reports a different version than expected, inspect how the terminal or script is being launched and whether it calls powershell.exe or pwsh.

Common Version Confusion

• “PowerShell 6.2.6 is the latest version.” No. It is a 2020 patch release in the 6.2 line, which has reached end of support.
• “Installing PowerShell Core replaces Windows PowerShell.” Not usually. The editions can be installed side by side and launched separately.
• “A higher patch number means a new major release.” No. The patch number changes within a release line; it does not by itself mean a major-version upgrade.
• “All PowerShell modules work in every edition.” No. Module compatibility depends on the module’s requirements and the features it uses.

If a specific script requires 6.2.6, confirm that requirement with its maintainers before upgrading or downgrading. If there is no such dependency, choose a supported release and test important scripts in a non-production environment before relying on them.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was PowerShell 6.2.6 released?
PowerShell 6.2.6 was released on September 4, 2020.

Is PowerShell 6.2.6 the same as PowerShell 7?
No. Version 6.2.6 is part of PowerShell Core 6.x. PowerShell 7 is the later successor and a separate release line.

Is PowerShell 6.2.6 still supported?
No. The 6.2 release line is out of support. For ongoing use, check Microsoft’s current support information and choose a supported release.

How do I find my PowerShell version?
Run $PSVersionTable in the session you want to identify. The PSVersion and PSEdition fields show its version and edition.

Can Windows PowerShell 5.1 and PowerShell 6.2.6 be installed together?
They can coexist on Windows. Launching powershell.exe usually opens Windows PowerShell, while pwsh launches PowerShell Core.

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