Windows PowerShell Quick Reference

Common Customization Points

Console Settings

The Windows PowerShell user interface offers several features that can make your shell experience more efficient.

Adjust your window size

In the system menu (right-click the PowerShell icon at the top left of the console window,) and select “Properties,” and then “Layout.” The Window Size options let you control the actual window size, while the Screen Buffer Size options let you control the virtual window ("screen buffer") size. If the screen buffer size is larger than the actual window size, the console window changes to include scrollbars. Increase the virtual window height to scroll back to make PowerShell store more output from earlier in your session. If you launch PowerShell from the Start menu, PowerShell launches already with customizations to the window size.

Make text selection easier

In the system menu, click “Options,” then select “QuickEdit Mode.” QuickEdit mode lets you use the mouse to efficiently cut and paste text into your PowerShell console. If you launch PowerShell from the Start menu, PowerShell launches already with QuickEdit mode enabled.

Use hotkeys to operate the shell more efficiently

The Windows PowerShell console supports many hotkeys that help make operating the console more efficient.

Windows PowerShell hotkeys
Hotkey	Meaning
Windows key + r, and then type powershell	Launch Windows PowerShell.
Up arrow	Scan backward through your command history.
Down arrow	Scan forward through your command history.
Page Up	Display the first ...