Install PowerShell module

OK, CAT seems cool. What do I do to start using it?

Prerequisites #

PowerShell 7.6 #

You need PowerShell version 7.6 or newer. Run ($PSVersionTable).PSVersion.ToString() if you are not sure what version of PowerShell you have. If your version is lower, you need to install PowerShell 7.6 or later. The easiest way to install PowerShell is using WinGet:

winget install --id Microsoft.Powershell --source winget

Alternatively, go to PowerShell release page and download and install PowerShell-7.x.x-win-x64.msi (the installation is quick and simple - next, next, next…).

Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable #

Go to this Microsoft webpage: Latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Version

Download and install “X64” version:

If you get a dialog with “Repair”, “Uninstall” and “Close” buttons, just close it - you already have this prerequisite. Otherwise install it (next, next, next…).

Install CAT PowerShell Module #

A single command:

Install-Module CAT -AcceptLicense -Force -AllowClobber -Scope CurrentUser

You can verify your installation by running

Import-Module CAT

One-time setup #

CAT PowerShell module is available in the Enterprise plan only (no technical limits). It runs on an Enterprise license key and never signs in. Go to CAT Portal and activate a free Enterprise plan trial — no credit card needed.

1. Get the license key that arrived in your email.
2. Set it using Import-Module CAT and then Set-CatInstance -LicenseKey "your-key".

Apart from feature-usage telemetry, no data is sent to CAT Portal, and CAT works even without Internet access. Without a key the module refuses to start; CAT Studio and CAT CLI are available in the Starter and Team plans.

What Next? #

OK, you now have CAT PowerShell module. In the next step, create a sample project and explore it.