---
title: "Migrating from PowerShell 6 to 7.5: Breaking Changes/New Features"
description: "Migrate from PowerShell Core 6 to 7.5: breaking changes, features, and testing tips."
canonical: "https://adamtheautomator.com/migrating-powershell-6-to-7-5/"
---

# Migrating from PowerShell 6 to 7.5: Breaking Changes/New Features

> Migrate from PowerShell Core 6 to 7.5: breaking changes, features, and testing tips.

Source: https://adamtheautomator.com/migrating-powershell-6-to-7-5/

---

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# Migrating from PowerShell 6 to 7.5: Breaking Changes/New Features

[![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d0b9d42e21e5622713f8b693aa5c0f9244d5f7dd200ed29b8398f52dee5de337?s=192&d=mm&r=g)Adam Bertram](https://adamtheautomator.com/author/adam-bertram/)28 October 20254 min. read

Categories: [IT Ops](/category/it-ops/)

Tags:[PowerShell](/tag/powershell/)

Table of Contents

*   [Why PowerShell 7 Replaced Core 6](#why-powershell-7-replaced-core-6)
*   [Breaking Changes from Core 6](#breaking-changes-from-core-6)
*   [Encoding Consistency](#encoding-consistency)
*   [Error View Changes](#error-view-changes)
*   [Test-Connection Cmdlet Rewritten](#test-connection-cmdlet-rewritten)
*   [Web Cmdlets Proxy Behavior](#web-cmdlets-proxy-behavior)
*   [Performance Improvements](#performance-improvements)
*   [New Features Since Core 6](#new-features-since-core-6)
*   [Parallel Processing](#parallel-processing)
*   [Pipeline Chain Operators](#pipeline-chain-operators)
*   [Null Coalescing Operators](#null-coalescing-operators)
*   [Out-GridView Returns](#out-gridview-returns)
*   [Module Compatibility Updates](#module-compatibility-updates)
*   [Native Support Added](#native-support-added)
*   [Import Changes](#import-changes)
*   [Installation and Side-by-Side Behavior](#installation-and-side-by-side-behavior)
*   [Critical Installation Notes for Windows](#critical-installation-notes-for-windows)
*   [Installation Steps](#installation-steps)
*   [Verify Installation](#verify-installation)
*   [Common Upgrade Issues](#common-upgrade-issues)
*   [JSON Cmdlet Depth](#json-cmdlet-depth)
*   [Experimental Features](#experimental-features)
*   [Module Path Updates](#module-path-updates)
*   [Testing Your Migration](#testing-your-migration)
*   [Syntax Analysis](#syntax-analysis)
*   [Module Compatibility](#module-compatibility)
*   [Performance Comparison](#performance-comparison)
*   [Making the Decision](#making-the-decision)
*   [Next Steps](#next-steps)

You adopted PowerShell Core 6 early. You moved scripts to .NET Core. You dealt with the compatibility issues. Now Microsoft wants you to upgrade again.

Here’s why it matters: PowerShell Core 6 is no longer supported. Your scripts still run, but you’re missing security patches, performance improvements, and features that make PowerShell 7.5 worth the upgrade.

The good news? Moving from Core 6 to 7.5 is easier than the jump from Windows PowerShell. Most scripts work unchanged. But “most” isn’t “all,” and the differences matter.

If this migration is part of a broader PowerShell skills refresh, compare [Udemy technical training courses for PowerShell, cloud, and security skills](https://trk.udemy.com/c/1454808/3193860/39854) before paying for another course library.

## Why PowerShell 7 Replaced Core 6

PowerShell Core 6 was the experiment. It proved PowerShell could run cross-platform but broke too many things. Enterprises complained. Scripts failed. Microsoft listened.

PowerShell 7 fixed the problems:

*   Restored compatibility with more Windows PowerShell modules
*   Improved .NET runtime performance
*   Added back missing cmdlets
*   Unified the PowerShell versioning (no more “Core” in the name)

PowerShell 7.5 (stable, non-LTS) is built on .NET 9 and is supported until May 12, 2026. PowerShell 7.4 (LTS) runs on .NET 8 and is supported until November 10, 2026. Check the [PowerShell support lifecycle](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/scripting/install/powershell-support-lifecycle) for complete details.

## Breaking Changes from Core 6

These changes will affect your scripts:

### Encoding Consistency

Since PowerShell 6, the default text encoding is [UTF-8 without BOM](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.core/about/about_character_encoding) for most text cmdlets. This hasn’t changed in 7.5, but specify `-Encoding` explicitly when interoperability requires it:

```powershell
# Both Core 6 and 7.5 default to UTF-8 without BOM
Get-Content file.txt | Out-File output.txt

# Specify encoding when working with legacy systems
Get-Content file.txt | Out-File output.txt -Encoding UTF8BOM
```

For complete encoding details, see [about\_Character\_Encoding](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.core/about/about_character_encoding).

### Error View Changes

PowerShell 7 introduced `ConciseView` as the [default error display](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/scripting/whats-new/differences-from-windows-powershell) and the new `Get-Error` cmdlet:

```powershell
# PowerShell 7.5 - Cleaner error display by default
$ErrorView = 'ConciseView'  # This is the default

# Use Get-Error for detailed error information
Get-Error -Newest 5
```

Learn more about error handling in [about\_Preference\_Variables](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.core/about/about_preference_variables).

### Test-Connection Cmdlet Rewritten

The [`Test-Connection`](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.management/test-connection) cmdlet parameter names changed completely. The `-ComputerName` parameter from PowerShell 5.1 became `-TargetName` in Core 6+:

```powershell
# Core 6 and 7.5 - Use -TargetName
Test-Connection -TargetName server01 -Count 2

# PowerShell 7.5 - Additional parameters available
Test-Connection -TargetName server01 -Count 2 -IPv4
```

See [Test-Connection documentation](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.management/test-connection) for all parameters.

### Web Cmdlets Proxy Behavior

In PowerShell 7.0+, web cmdlets support proxy configuration via environment variables and explicit `-Proxy` parameter:

```powershell
# PowerShell 7.5 - Honors proxy environment variables
$env:HTTP_PROXY = 'http://proxy:8080'
Invoke-WebRequest -Uri 'https://api.example.com'

# Or use explicit proxy
Invoke-WebRequest -Uri 'https://api.example.com' -Proxy 'http://proxy:8080'
```

Details in [Invoke-WebRequest documentation](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.utility/invoke-webrequest).

> **Quick Win: Chain Operators**  
> Replace verbose `if ($?)` blocks with `&&` and `||` operators to fail fast in CI/CD pipelines. Example: `Build-Project && Deploy-Project`

## Performance Improvements

PowerShell 7.x generally starts and runs faster than Core 6 due to .NET runtime improvements. Rather than rely on generic percentages, benchmark your scripts with `Measure-Command` on your hardware:

```powershell
# Measure startup time
Measure-Command { pwsh -Command "exit" }

# Compare ForEach-Object performance
$data = 1..100000
Measure-Command {
    $data | ForEach-Object { $_ * 2 }
}

# Test parallel performance (new in PowerShell 7)
Measure-Command {
    $data | ForEach-Object -Parallel { $_ * 2 } -ThrottleLimit 5
}
```

## New Features Since Core 6

PowerShell 7.5 adds features that weren’t in Core 6. See [What’s New in PowerShell 7.5](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/scripting/whats-new/what-s-new-in-powershell-75) for complete list.

### Parallel Processing

`ForEach-Object -Parallel` was [introduced in PowerShell 7.0](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/scripting/whats-new/differences-from-windows-powershell) and didn’t exist in Core 6:

```powershell
# Core 6 - Sequential processing only
$servers = Get-Content servers.txt
$servers | ForEach-Object {
    Test-Connection -TargetName $_ -Count 1
}

# PowerShell 7.5 - Parallel execution
$servers | ForEach-Object -Parallel {
    Test-Connection -TargetName $_ -Count 1
} -ThrottleLimit 10
```

### Pipeline Chain Operators

Pipeline chain operators (`&&` and `||`) let you fail fast in pipelines without verbose `if ($?)` blocks:

```powershell
# Core 6 - Manual error checking
$result = Start-Service 'Spooler'
if ($?) {
    Write-Output "Service started"
}

# PowerShell 7.5 - Chain operators
Start-Service 'Spooler' && Write-Output "Service started"
```

Learn more: [about\_Pipeline\_Chain\_Operators](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.core/about/about_pipeline_chain_operators)

### Null Coalescing Operators

Null coalescing operators (`??` and `??=`) reduce null-checking code:

```powershell
# Core 6 - Verbose null checking
if ($null -eq $config) {
    $config = Get-DefaultConfig
}

# PowerShell 7.5 - Null coalescing assignment
$config ??= Get-DefaultConfig
```

Details: [about\_Assignment\_Operators](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.core/about/about_assignment_operators)

### Out-GridView Returns

`Out-GridView` is available again on Windows in PowerShell 7+. For cross-platform scenarios, use `Out-ConsoleGridView` from the `ConsoleGuiTools` module:

```powershell
# PowerShell 7.5 on Windows
Get-Process | Out-GridView -Title "Select Process" -PassThru

# Cross-platform alternative
Install-Module ConsoleGuiTools -Scope CurrentUser
Get-Process | Out-ConsoleGridView
```

See [Out-GridView documentation](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.utility/out-gridview).

## Module Compatibility Updates

PowerShell 7.5 supports more modules than Core 6:

### Native Support Added

These modules now work with PowerShell 7 (version requirements vary):

*   **Active Directory (with RSAT, Windows only):** Works with PowerShell 7.
*   **[Exchange Online Management v3](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/exchange/exchange-online-powershell-v2):** Module version 2.0.4 and later are supported in PowerShell 7.0.3 and later.
*   **[SharePoint Online Management Shell](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/sharepoint/sharepoint-online/connect-sharepoint-online):** Works with PowerShell 7, but requires using the `-UseWindowsPowerShell` parameter for compatibility.
*   **[Microsoft Teams](https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/teams-powershell-install):** Requires PowerShell 7.2 or later.

### Import Changes

Module importing provides better error messages:

```powershell
# PowerShell 7.5 - Use compatibility mode for Windows-only modules
Import-Module SomeWindowsModule -UseWindowsPowerShell
```

> **Gotcha: JSON Depth Defaults**  
> `ConvertTo-Json` defaults to Depth=2 (not 100!). Always set `-Depth` explicitly to prevent data truncation: `$object | ConvertTo-Json -Depth 5`

## Installation and Side-by-Side Behavior

### Critical Installation Notes for Windows

On Windows, [installing PowerShell 7](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/scripting/install/installing-powershell-on-windows):

*   **Removes** PowerShell Core 6.x and replaces its PATH entry
*   Runs **side-by-side** with Windows PowerShell 5.1
*   Upgrades any existing PowerShell 7.x installation

See [Installing PowerShell on Windows](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/scripting/install/installing-powershell-on-windows) for details.

### Installation Steps

```powershell
# Windows - Using winget
winget install --id Microsoft.PowerShell --exact

# Linux - Using package manager
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install -y powershell

# macOS - Using Homebrew
brew install --cask powershell
```

### Verify Installation

```powershell
$PSVersionTable.PSVersion
```

## Common Upgrade Issues

### JSON Cmdlet Depth

[`ConvertTo-Json`](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.utility/convertto-json) defaults to **Depth=2** (warns when exceeded). [`ConvertFrom-Json`](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.utility/convertfrom-json) defaults to **Depth=1024**:

```powershell
# ConvertTo-Json defaults to depth 2 - set it explicitly
$object | ConvertTo-Json -Depth 5   # Prevents truncation

# ConvertFrom-Json handles deeply nested JSON (depth 1024)
$json | ConvertFrom-Json
```

Reference: [ConvertTo-Json documentation](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.utility/convertto-json)

### Experimental Features

Core 6 experimental features changed in 7.5:

```powershell
# List current experimental features
Get-ExperimentalFeature

# Enable specific features
Enable-ExperimentalFeature -Name PSCommandNotFoundSuggestion
```

### Module Path Updates

Check and update module paths:

```powershell
# View PowerShell 7.5 module paths
$env:PSModulePath -split [IO.Path]::PathSeparator
```

## Testing Your Migration

Create a structured testing approach:

### Syntax Analysis

```powershell
Install-Module -Name PSScriptAnalyzer -Force
Invoke-ScriptAnalyzer -Path "C:\Scripts" -Recurse
```

### Module Compatibility

```powershell
$modules = 'Az', 'VMware.PowerCLI', 'ExchangeOnlineManagement'
$modules | ForEach-Object {
    try {
        Import-Module $_ -ErrorAction Stop
        Write-Output "$_ loaded successfully"
    } catch {
        Write-Warning "$_ failed: $_"
    }
}
```

### Performance Comparison

```powershell
# Benchmark in both versions
Measure-Command { & "C:\Scripts\critical-script.ps1" }
```

## Making the Decision

The upgrade from Core 6 to PowerShell 7.5 is straightforward for most scripts. Start with development environments. Test critical scripts. Document required changes.

Remember:

*   PowerShell Core 6 is no longer supported.
*   PowerShell 7.4 LTS is supported until November 10, 2026.
*   PowerShell 7.5 (non-LTS) is supported until May 12, 2026.

## Next Steps

1.  Review the [PowerShell support lifecycle](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/scripting/install/powershell-support-lifecycle)
2.  Download from the [official installation guide](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/scripting/install/installing-powershell)
3.  Test with PSScriptAnalyzer
4.  Check [What’s New in PowerShell 7.5](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/scripting/whats-new/what-s-new-in-powershell-75)
5.  Review [migration documentation](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/scripting/whats-new/migrating-from-windows-powershell-51-to-powershell-7)

Your Core 6 investment wasn’t wasted. It proved that PowerShell could go cross-platform. Now, PowerShell 7.5 delivers on that promise with better performance, compatibility, and support.

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