How to fix the following issue:
When using Windows 11, intermittently a Windows PowerShell window opens up and disappears randomly. When you look in Task Manager, there are often multiple instances of Windows PowerShell running which you then have to close. When running certain applications, sometimes it freezes the software and you see Windows PowerShell flash up then disappear. Or about 50% of the time when you switch your computer on, Windows PowerShell opens then disappears.
What is causing this and how do you prevent it?
It sounds like there’s a background task or scheduled job that is triggering Windows PowerShell to open intermittently. This can be due to various reasons such as scheduled tasks, startup programs, or even malware. Here are steps to diagnose and resolve this issue:
1. Check Task Scheduler
Open Task Scheduler:
- Press Win + S to open the search bar.
- Type Task Scheduler and press Enter.
Look for Scheduled Tasks:
- In the left pane, navigate to Task Scheduler Library.
- Look through the tasks listed in the middle pane, paying special attention to any tasks that mention PowerShell or scripts.
- Be careful not to remove any essential Windows tasks that are required to run. (for example taskhostw and conhost are safe whereas notepads may be considered a risk). While you are in Task Scheduler is is also worth removing any software tasks that you no longer use. Such as removing tasks for a printer that you go rid of 2 years ago!
Disable Suspicious Tasks:
- If you find any tasks that seem suspicious or are related to PowerShell and you don’t recognize them, right-click on the task and select Disable.
2. Check Startup Programs
Open Task Manager:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Go to the Startup tab.
Disable Unnecessary Startup Items:
- Look for any entries that might involve PowerShell scripts or unknown applications.
- Right-click and select Disable for any suspicious items.
3. Check for Malware
Run a Full System Scan:
- Use Windows Defender or any reputable third-party antivirus software to run a full system scan to check for malware.
- Use Malware Removal Tools:
- Tools like Malwarebytes can be used for an additional scan to ensure there are no hidden threats.
4. Check Event Viewer
Open Event Viewer:
- Press Win + X and select Event Viewer.
Check for PowerShell Events:
- In the left pane, navigate to Windows Logs > Application or System.
- Look for any error or information events that mention PowerShell to see if you can find a pattern or source.
5. Inspect PowerShell Profile
Check for Profile Scripts:
- Open PowerShell (without Admin rights) and type:
powershell
Copy code
notepad $PROFILE
- Check if there are any scripts in the profile that might be causing this behavior. If unsure, you can comment out or remove unnecessary lines.
6. Update Windows and Software
Check for Updates:
- Make sure Windows is up to date. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
Update Drivers and Applications:
- Ensure all your drivers and applications are up to date, as sometimes issues can be related to outdated software.
7. Check for Scripts in Common Locations
Common Script Locations:
- Sometimes scripts are placed in common locations like the Startup folder or specific registry keys.
- Check C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.
- Check the registry at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the intermittent PowerShell window pop-ups and take appropriate action to prevent them. If the problem persists after these steps, consider seeking help from a professional as it might require more in-depth investigation into the problem.
It is also worth running SFC Scan. Here is a post with instructions on how to run SFC Scan in Windows 11.
End.