Should I Uninstall Powershell for Improved Security?

Steve C · 31 Jul 2016

I've seen a few posts on the forum that disabling Powershell can improve system security. I never use Powershell so will I have any problems maintaining my PC if I simply uninstall Powershell via Windows Features?

swarfega · 31 Jul 2016

Please elaborate why you think its a security risk.

Steve C · 31 Jul 2016

swarfega said:

Please elaborate why you think its a security risk.

There are a few posts like this one which mention disabling Powershell for improved security Ransomware Protection?

See post 6 where TairikuOkami says I disable WSH and remove powershell, that prevents ransomware and majority of other malware as well. Hence, my idea of uninstalling Powershell since I never use it.

cereberus · 31 Jul 2016

Steve C said:

There are a few posts like this one which mention disabling Powershell for improved security Ransomware Protection?

See post 6 where TairikuOkami says I disable WSH and remove powershell, that prevents ransomware and majority of other malware as well. Hence, my idea of uninstalling Powershell since I never use it.

Best protection against ransomware and malware is

1) common sense - be careful when installing things etc.

2) make full image backups regularly, coupled with (say) daily differential backups if you like.

Uninstalling tools like powershell can have unexpected side effects.

LMiller7 · 31 Jul 2016

Disabling powershell may help to reduce the incidence of ransomwhere and other rmalware but not by much. It certainly won't eliminate it. You may not be using powershell but that doesn't mean that other Windows components or applications won't be using it's components.

Steve C · 31 Jul 2016

Thanks - I'll leave Powershell installed if it's needed by other Windows components

RubberDucky · 31 Jul 2016

Steve C said:

Thanks - I'll leave Powershell install if it's needed by other Windows components

You have Kaspersky Internet Security 2016, so there's no need to be paranoid unless you visit 100 malicious websites and download everything you see on the internet.