How to one show the current directory in PowerShell

powershell

I'd like to have the current working directory show on the powershell command line, as would be done in a (for example) CMD prompt. How can I do so?

Best Answer

Check this out: http://mshforfun.blogspot.com/2006/05/perfect-prompt-for-windows-powershell.html

Basically, you can create a 'profile' file called Microsoft.PowerShell_profile.ps1 which will run every time you start powershell.

Depending on whom you want it to run for, there are several folders you can put this file in (explained in the link above). If it's just for yourself, you can create a folder called WindowsPowerShell in your My Documents folder, and put it there.

If you put this function in that file:

function prompt
{
    "PS " + $(get-location) + "> "
}

It will make your prompt look like this:

PS C:\directory\path\here>

There's a whole lot of other stuff you can put in it, but that's the basics.

NOTE: before you can use the profile script, you'll need to run "set-executionpolicy remotesigned" from the powershell - this will allow you to run unsigned scripts written locally on the computer and signed scripts from others.

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You have to customize the prompt function in your PowerShell profile (%userprofile%\Documents\WindowsPowerShell\Microsoft.PowerShell_profile.ps1); it may be blank or even not exist if you have never modified it before.

Open your profile (e.g., open the aforementioned file or while in PowerShell, Notepad $profile)

Add the following to your profile:

function prompt {
  $p = Split-Path -leaf -path (Get-Location)
  "$p> "
}

Save the profile
Restart PowerShell

Optional. If you get a message that says you are not allowed to run scripts, then you need to copy/paste this line in PowerShell:
```
Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser
```
and restart.

Windows PowerShell execution policies let you determine the conditions under which Windows PowerShell loads configuration files and runs scripts.

You can set an execution policy for the local computer, for the current user, or for a particular session. You can also use a Group Policy setting to set execution policy for computers and users.

Source: Microsoft Documentation

Best Answer

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