---
title: ".ps1 file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .ps1 file is a PowerShell Script. A script for Windows PowerShell — Microsoft's modern automation shell. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/ps1/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .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.

## Related pages

- [.exe — Windows Executable](https://atoneplace.net/file/exe/)
- [.apk — Android Application Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/apk/)
- [.msi — Windows Installer Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/msi/)
- [.dll — Dynamic Link Library](https://atoneplace.net/file/dll/)
- [.sh — Shell Script](https://atoneplace.net/file/sh/)
- [.deb — Debian Software Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/deb/)
- [.jar — Java Archive](https://atoneplace.net/file/jar/)
- [.bat — Windows Batch File](https://atoneplace.net/file/bat/)
- [.pkg — macOS Installer Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/pkg/)
- [.ipa — iOS Application Archive](https://atoneplace.net/file/ipa/)
- [.rpm — RPM Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/rpm/)
- [.appimage — AppImage Portable Application](https://atoneplace.net/file/appimage/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)