Enable bash-like Autocompletion, Autosuggestions, and Predictive IntelliSense in Windows PowerShell
Enable bash-like Autocompletion, Autosuggestions, and Predictive IntelliSense in Windows PowerShell.
How to Enable bash-like Autocompletion, Autosuggestions, and Predictive IntelliSense in Windows PowerShell
If you’ve ever used a modern IDE or the Zsh shell on Linux, you’re likely used to Predictive IntelliSense—that “ghost text” that suggests your next command based on your history.
By default, the Windows PowerShell console feels a bit “old school,” but with a few tweaks to the PSReadLine module, you can turn it into a high-productivity powerhouse. Here is how to set it up step-by-step.
Step 1: Update Your PowerShell Tools
The most common reason autocomplete fails is an outdated version of the PSReadLine module. Windows PowerShell 5.1 often ships with version 2.0.0 or older, which doesn’t support modern predictions.
- Right-click your Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Run the following command to install the latest version: ```powershell Install-Module -Name PSReadLine -Force -Scope CurrentUser
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3. If prompted to trust the repository, type **Y** and hit **Enter**.
4. **Restart PowerShell** to ensure the new version is loaded.
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## Step 2: Enable Predictions
Now that your module is updated, you can turn on the history-based suggestions.
In your PowerShell window, type:
```powershell
Set-PSReadLineOption -PredictionSource History
As soon as you start typing a command you’ve used before, you will see a gray “ghost” suggestion.
How to use it:
- To accept the suggestion: Press the Right Arrow () or the End key.
- To accept word-by-word: Press Ctrl + Right Arrow ().
Step 3: Choose Your Visual Style
There are two ways to view these suggestions. You can switch between them at any time by pressing F2.
Option A: Inline View (The Ghost Text)
This is the subtle, modern look where the suggestion sits right on your cursor line.
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Set-PSReadLineOption -PredictionViewStyle InlineView
Option B: List View (The Drop-down)
If you prefer a menu of possible matches from your history, use List View.
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Set-PSReadLineOption -PredictionViewStyle ListView
Step 4: Make it Permanent (The PowerShell Profile)
If you close PowerShell now, your settings will be lost. To keep them forever, you need to add them to your Profile script.
- In PowerShell, type:
notepad $PROFILE - If Notepad asks to create a new file, click Yes.
- Paste the following code into the Notepad file: ```powershell
Ensure the latest PSReadLine is used
Import-Module PSReadLine
Enable History-based suggestions
Set-PSReadLineOption -PredictionSource History
Set the default view to Inline (Change to ListView if preferred)
Set-PSReadLineOption -PredictionViewStyle InlineView
Bonus: Use Up/Down arrows to search through history matches only
Set-PSReadLineKeyHandler -Key UpArrow -Function HistorySearchBackward Set-PSReadLineKeyHandler -Key DownArrow -Function HistorySearchForward
```
- Save and close Notepad.
🛠 Troubleshooting: “Parameter Cannot Be Found”
If you see an error saying -PredictionSource cannot be found, your system is still trying to use the old version of PSReadLine.
The Fix: Run Get-Module PSReadLine -ListAvailable to see if you have multiple versions. If you do, ensure you have followed Step 1 above. You may need to manually delete the older folder version located in C:\Program Files\WindowsPowerShell\Modules\PSReadLine (requires Admin).
Happy Coding! Your PowerShell experience should now feel much faster and more intuitive.