[Bug] Cannot Update `pwsh` Because Scoop Uses `pwsh` To Update

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Bug: Cannot Update pwsh Because Scoop Uses pwsh to Update

Scoop, a popular package manager for Windows, has been experiencing an issue where it cannot update the PowerShell (pwsh) binary. This problem arises due to the circular dependency between Scoop and pwsh, where Scoop relies on pwsh to update itself, but pwsh cannot be updated while it is in use. In this article, we will delve into the details of this issue, explore the possible causes, and discuss potential solutions to resolve this problem.

The current behavior of Scoop when trying to update pwsh is that it fails to do so. This is because Scoop uses the pwsh binary to update itself, but pwsh is not updatable while it is in use. As a result, Scoop gets stuck in an infinite loop, unable to update pwsh or itself.

The expected behavior of Scoop when updating pwsh is that it should be able to update the binary successfully. This would involve Scoop using a different method to update itself, such as using a temporary copy of the pwsh binary or by using a different executable altogether.

To better understand the issue, here are some additional details:

  • Installing pwsh works fine, indicating that the problem lies with updating the existing binary.
  • This issue is not specific to the pwsh package, but rather a result of how Scoop operates.

One possible solution to this problem is to add a CLI option to Scoop that allows users to specify the path to the executable of their choice. This would enable users to update pwsh using a different binary, bypassing the circular dependency issue.

Here are the system details relevant to this issue:

  • Windows version: 11
  • OS architecture: amd64
  • PowerShell version: 7.5.0
  • Additional software: None

The Scoop configuration file (~/.config/scoop/config.json) contains the following information:

{
  "last_update": "2025-04-24T11:30:12.2985148+00:00",
  "scoop_repo": "https://github.com/ScoopInstaller/Scoop",
  "scoop_branch": "master"
}

The issue of Scoop being unable to update pwsh due to the circular dependency between the two is a complex problem that requires a thoughtful solution. By adding a CLI option to specify the path to the executable of choice, users can bypass this issue and update pwsh successfully. This solution would require modifications to the Scoop codebase, but it would provide a much-needed fix for this problem.

Based on the analysis of this issue, here are some recommendations for Scoop developers:

  • Add a CLI option to specify the path to the executable of choice.
  • Modify the Scoop codebase to use a temporary copy of the pwsh binary or a different executable altogether.
  • Provide more detailed error messages to help diagnose and troubleshoot the issue.

By implementing these recommendations, Scoop developers can resolve this issue and provide a better experience for users.
Q&A: Scoop and pwsh Update Issue

In our previous article, we discussed the issue of Scoop being unable to update the PowerShell (pwsh) binary due to a circular dependency between Scoop and pwsh. In this article, we will provide a Q&A section to address some of the common questions and concerns related to this issue.

A: The cause of this issue is the circular dependency between Scoop and pwsh. Scoop relies on pwsh to update itself, but pwsh cannot be updated while it is in use. This creates an infinite loop, preventing Scoop from updating pwsh or itself.

A: Scoop uses the pwsh binary to update itself, but pwsh is not updatable while it is in use. This is because pwsh is a critical system component, and updating it while it is in use could potentially cause system instability or crashes.

A: No, this issue is not specific to the pwsh package. It is a result of how Scoop operates, and it can affect any package that relies on pwsh to update itself.

A: The impact of this issue is that users are unable to update pwsh using Scoop, which can lead to security vulnerabilities and other issues. Additionally, this issue can also prevent users from updating other packages that rely on pwsh to update themselves.

A: One possible solution to this issue is to add a CLI option to Scoop that allows users to specify the path to the executable of their choice. This would enable users to update pwsh using a different binary, bypassing the circular dependency issue.

A: One possible workaround is to use a different package manager, such as Chocolatey, to update pwsh. Alternatively, you can use a temporary copy of the pwsh binary to update Scoop, but this may not be a reliable solution.

A: Yes, the Scoop developers are aware of this issue and are working on a solution. However, no specific timeline has been announced for when the fix will be released.

A: You can help the Scoop developers by providing feedback and suggestions on how to fix this issue. You can also contribute to the Scoop project by reporting bugs, fixing issues, and translating the Scoop documentation.

The issue of Scoop being unable to update pwsh due to a circular dependency between the two is a complex problem that requires a thoughtful solution. By understanding the cause and impact of this issue, users can work around it and provide feedback to the Scoop developers to help fix the problem.