How do I open a .ps1 file?

On Windows use PowerShell (built in); on macOS use PowerShell 7; on Linux use PowerShell 7. A script for Windows PowerShell — Microsoft's modern automation shell.

Can I convert a .ps1 file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .bat, .txt or .exe, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

.ps1 files

.ps1 file

PowerShell Script

A script for Windows PowerShell — Microsoft's modern automation shell.

What opens a .ps1 file

Windows: PowerShell (built in), Windows PowerShell ISE (built in), Visual Studio Code, Notepad (to read)
macOS: PowerShell 7, Visual Studio Code
Linux: PowerShell 7, Visual Studio Code

What a .ps1 file is

PS1 files contain PowerShell commands, which work with structured objects rather than plain text and reach deep into Windows administration. Windows blocks scripts by default: running one usually needs an execution policy change or the -ExecutionPolicy Bypass flag, which is a deliberate safety gate and a good moment to read the script first. PowerShell 7 also runs on macOS and Linux.

Converting it

A .ps1 file is commonly converted to .bat, .txt or .exe. It is a plain text format, so any text editor can open and edit it directly.

Details

Extension: .ps1
Full name: PowerShell Script
Category: Programs and installers
Created by: Microsoft
Format: Plain text

Common questions

How do I open a .ps1 file?: On Windows use PowerShell (built in); on macOS use PowerShell 7; on Linux use PowerShell 7. A script for Windows PowerShell — Microsoft's modern automation shell.
What is a .ps1 file?: PowerShell Script. PS1 files contain PowerShell commands, which work with structured objects rather than plain text and reach deep into Windows administration. Windows blocks scripts by default: running one usually needs an execution policy change or the -ExecutionPolicy Bypass flag, which is a deliberate safety gate and a good moment to read the script first.
Can I convert a .ps1 file?: Yes. It is usually converted to .bat, .txt or .exe, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

.exe — Windows Executable A Windows program. It runs code, which is why it is also the classic way to get
.apk — Android Application Package An Android app installer — a zip of code and resources.
.msi — Windows Installer Package A structured Windows installer that the OS installs and can cleanly uninstall.
.dll — Dynamic Link Library Shared Windows code that programs load — not something you open or run.
.sh — Shell Script A text file of Unix shell commands, run by bash, zsh or sh.
.deb — Debian Software Package The installer format for Debian, Ubuntu and their derivatives.
.jar — Java Archive A zip of compiled Java classes — a library, or a runnable program.
.bat — Windows Batch File A plain-text list of Command Prompt commands that runs when you double-click it.
.pkg — macOS Installer Package A macOS installer that runs a guided setup, rather than a drag-and-drop app.
.ipa — iOS Application Archive An iPhone or iPad app package — installable only through Apple-sanctioned channe
.rpm — RPM Package The installer format for Fedora, Red Hat, openSUSE and their relatives.
.appimage — AppImage Portable Application A whole Linux application in one file that runs without being installed.

Sources

Media Types Registry — IANA
Official vendor product documentation — At One Place

How these figures are compiled and checked