PowerShell Execution Policy Error

[youraccounts]

Problem

When running phat commands, you see this error:

phat : File C:\Program Files (x86)\Phat\phat.ps1 cannot be loaded. The file C:\Program Files (x86)\Phat\phat.ps1 is
not digitally signed. You cannot run this script on the current system. For more information about running scripts and
setting execution policy, see about_Execution_Policies at https:/go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=135170.
At line:1 char:1
+ phat
+ ~~~~
    + CategoryInfo          : SecurityError: (:) [], PSSecurityException
    + FullyQualifiedErrorId : UnauthorizedAccess

Cause

Windows PowerShell has an execution policy that prevents unsigned scripts from running. By default, Windows blocks all scripts for security reasons.

[pphatdev]

Solutions

Solution 1: Set Execution Policy (Recommended)

This is the recommended approach that balances security and functionality.

Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator

• Press Win + X and select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" or "Terminal (Admin)"

Step 2: Set the execution policy

Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser

When prompted, type Y and press Enter.

Step 3: Unblock the script file

Unblock-File "C:\Program Files (x86)\Phat\phat.ps1"

Step 4: Test the installation

phat --version

Solution 2: Unblock File Only

If your execution policy is already set but the script is still blocked:

Unblock-File "C:\Program Files (x86)\Phat\phat.ps1"

Solution 3: Bypass for Current Session

If you only need to run Phat temporarily:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process

This only affects the current PowerShell session and doesn't make permanent changes.

Understanding Execution Policies

Policy	Description
Restricted	No scripts allowed (Windows default)
RemoteSigned	Local scripts run; downloaded scripts need signature (Recommended)
Unrestricted	All scripts run with warnings for downloaded ones
Bypass	Nothing blocked, no warnings

Check Current Policy

To see your current execution policy settings:

Get-ExecutionPolicy -List

Why RemoteSigned is Recommended

• Security: Downloaded scripts still require a digital signature
• Functionality: Your own local scripts (like Phat) can run without issues
• Balance: Provides protection against malicious downloaded scripts while allowing legitimate local development

Related Resources

• PowerShell Execution Policies Documentation
• Back to Troubleshooting Index