Managing Microsoft 365 with PowerShell and CLI Tools

When you start Managing Microsoft 365, you face many daily challenges. You might see synchronization issues, sign-in problems, or co-authoring challenges. Command-line tools like PowerShell and CLI help you solve these tasks quickly. These tools let you automate actions, save time, and work on Windows, macOS, or Linux. You gain more control and can handle problems faster. By learning these tools, you make your work easier and more efficient.

Key Takeaways

• Tools like PowerShell and CLI help you do Microsoft 365 jobs faster. They make your work more accurate. You can automate jobs you do often. This saves time and lowers mistakes.

• PowerShell works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can use it on any device. This makes you more productive.

• You can use scripts to automate tasks like user management. Scripts also help with license assignments. This makes your work easier. It helps keep things the same each time.

• Always check your PowerShell version. Update your tools often. This gives you new features and better security.

• Use good security habits like multi-factor authentication. Do regular audits to keep your Microsoft 365 safe.

Why Use Command-Line Tools

Benefits for Managing Microsoft 365

When you use command-line tools, you get many benefits. You can finish tasks faster than using a mouse. You can be more exact with your work. The table below lists some main benefits:

You also get logs that show what you did. These logs help you see changes and fix problems. When you use scripts, you can do the same job many times and make fewer mistakes. This makes Managing Microsoft 365 easier and less stressful.

Automation and Efficiency

Command-line tools help you save time every day. You can automate jobs you do often. For example, you can make users, give licenses, or make reports with one script. PowerShell has over 350 commands for Microsoft 365. This means you can control almost everything in your environment.

Using a CLI with Microsoft 365 and Azure lets you automate more, use scripts, and control hard tasks better. This helps you manage and set up resources faster.

You can also make hard jobs simple. Instead of clicking menus, you run a command or script. This makes your work quicker and more correct.

Cross-Platform Support

You can use PowerShell and CLI tools on many systems. These tools work on:

• Windows

• macOS

• Linux

This means you can manage Microsoft 365 from almost any device. You do not need to worry about which computer you use. You get the same experience everywhere.

Setup

PowerShell Installation

You need PowerShell to manage Microsoft 365 with commands. First, check if PowerShell is on your computer. Open the Run box and type PowerShell. If a window opens, you have it. To see which version you have, type this command:

$PSVersionTable

You need version 5.1 or higher to use it. If your version is too old, get the newest PowerShell from Microsoft. The table below shows what you need:

PowerShell works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. On macOS or Linux, you can use Homebrew or apt to install it.

CLI Tools Installation

CLI tools help you do Microsoft 365 jobs. These tools work on Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can add the Visual Studio Code extension to use commands in PowerShell. You can also use .NET Tool to get more choices.

To get the Microsoft 365 Agents Toolkit CLI, use this command:

npm install -g @microsoft/m365agentstoolkit-cli

To see what commands you can use, type:

atk -h

Initial Configuration

After you install PowerShell and CLI tools, set up your environment. Open your terminal or PowerShell window. Make sure you have permission to manage Microsoft 365. You may need to sign in with your admin account. Always update your tools to the newest version for best results.

Tip: Use these setup steps on Windows, macOS, or Linux. This lets you manage your environment from any device.

Now your tools are ready for Managing Microsoft 365. You can start automating jobs and save time.

Connecting to Services

Entra ID

To start working with Microsoft 365, you must connect to Entra ID. This service helps control who can use what. You can pick how you want to sign in when using PowerShell or CLI tools. The table below shows the main ways to sign in:

Pick the sign-in way that fits your safety needs. Using a FIDO2 key or phone check is safer.

Exchange Online

You can use PowerShell or CLI to manage mailboxes, groups, and rules in Exchange Online. Before you start, make sure your computer and network are ready. The table below shows what you need:

Once you have everything ready, use the Connect-ExchangeOnline command to log in.

SharePoint and Teams

You can use PowerShell to manage SharePoint sites and Teams. Here are the steps:

1. Add the Microsoft Teams PowerShell module:

Install-Module -Name MicrosoftTeams

1. Sign in to your Teams account:

Connect-MicrosoftTeams

1. Type your username and password when asked.

Now you can use commands to work with Teams and SharePoint.

Security & Compliance

Security & Compliance tools help keep your data safe and follow the rules. Use PowerShell modules like Connect-IPPSSession to do compliance jobs. Always use accounts with the right permissions. This keeps your work safe and follows company rules.

Managing Microsoft 365 Tasks

Users and Groups

You do many jobs every day when you manage users and groups in Microsoft 365. PowerShell and CLI tools help you finish these jobs fast. You make fewer mistakes when you use these tools. Some common jobs are listed below:

You can also do these things:

• Get and show users

• Add a user

• Change user details like name or department

• Delete users

• Turn user accounts on or off

• Give or take away Microsoft 365 licenses

Tip: Use scripts to do these jobs for you. This saves time and helps you make fewer mistakes. You can set a script to run every week to export group members.

Here are some commands that help with groups:

If you want to add many users, use a CSV file with their details. Then run a script to add them all at once. Always test your scripts with a test user before using them for everyone.

Licenses

Licenses are important when you manage Microsoft 365. PowerShell lets you give licenses to many users or groups at the same time. Here is how you do it step by step:

1. Import the Microsoft Graph Groups module:

Import-Module Microsoft.Graph.Groups

1. Set the group ID:

$groupId = "11111111-1111-1111-1111-111111111111"

1. Make a hashtable for license settings.

2. Give licenses to the group:

Set-MgGroupLicense -GroupId $groupId -AddLicenses $licenses

Note: Always check that each user has a usage location before you give a license. If you get an error about usage location, fix the user’s settings.

Here are some license errors and how to fix them:

You can make scripts that find users without licenses and give them the right license. This keeps your system up to date.

Sites and Teams

You can use PowerShell to manage SharePoint sites and Microsoft Teams. First, install the right modules:

• Install SharePoint PnP PowerShell:

Install-Module SharePointPnPPowerShellOnline

• Install Microsoft Teams PowerShell:

Install-Module MicrosoftTeams

• Install SharePoint Online Management Shell:

Install-Module -Name Microsoft.Online.SharePoint.PowerShell

To make a new team, use this command:

New-Team -DisplayName "Contoso Marketing" -Description "Collaboration space for Contoso's Marketing department"

Automating these jobs makes creating sites and teams faster and easier. You can:

• Make site requests and setup simple

• Set security rules automatically

• Track requests for new teams or sites

Tip: Use automation to set names and permissions. This keeps your system neat as your company gets bigger.

Security Settings

Security is very important in Microsoft 365. PowerShell helps you set up and automate security jobs. Here is a simple way to connect and set security settings:

1. Set the execution policy:

Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned

1. Enter your login info:

$UserCredential = Get-Credential

1. Start a session with the Security & Compliance Center:

$Session = New-PSSession -ConfigurationName Microsoft.Exchange -ConnectionUri https://ps.compliance.protection.outlook.com/powershell-liveid/ -Credential $UserCredential -Authentication Basic -AllowRedirection

1. Import the session:

Import-PSSession $Session -DisableNameChecking

1. Remove the session when done:

Remove-PSSession $Session

Remember these tips:

• Do not use only default security settings. Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) for everyone, especially admins.

• Turn off old login methods that do not use MFA.

• Use private browsing so you do not leave sensitive data behind.

• Turn on audit logging to watch what users do.

• Check admin roles often and give only the access needed.

• Watch your system with tools like Microsoft Sentinel.

Note: Automating security settings helps you set rules and react to threats faster. Always test changes in a safe place before using them for everyone.

Using PowerShell and CLI tools makes Microsoft 365 jobs faster, safer, and more dependable. Automation helps you do regular jobs and avoid mistakes, so you can work on bigger things.

Automation Best Practices

Scripting

You can use scripts to do many Microsoft 365 jobs. PowerShell is the main scripting language for Microsoft 365. It works well with Microsoft tools. Python and JavaScript are also used. PowerShell gives you the most control.

When you write scripts, follow these tips. Automate lists and libraries to keep files neat. Use scripts that run when something happens. This helps your work go smoother. Connect SharePoint with other apps for easy data sharing.

Keep your scripts safe. Use trusted libraries. Store secrets in a safe place. Never put passwords in your code. Decide who can run your scripts. Test your scripts to make sure they are safe.

Scheduling

You can set your scripts to run by themselves. This saves time and helps you make fewer mistakes. Azure Automation is good for PowerShell scripts. Azure DevOps is good for CLI scripts with pipelines.

You can also use Windows Task Scheduler for regular jobs. This keeps your system working well without you doing it by hand.

Tip: Automate jobs like checking licenses or making user reports. This makes your day easier.

Monitoring

You need to watch your Microsoft 365 system to keep it safe. PowerShell commands help you check email flow and find problems fast. The Get-MessageTrace command shows details about emails. You see who sent it, who got it, and its status.

Use PowerShell to watch Exchange Online and fix email problems. Check service health, usage, and security alerts to stay updated.

Checking your system often helps you find problems early and keeps Microsoft 365 safe.

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You get things done faster with command-line tools in Microsoft 365. You fix problems quickly and automate jobs you do every day. Many companies have made their work better by using these tools:

You can learn more and get better at these skills with these links:

• Office Scripts in Excel

• Power Automate

• Run Office Scripts with Power Automate tutorial

• Office Scripts samples and scenarios

You make your work simpler and safer by following these tips and steps. Both new and skilled admins can use command-line tools every day to help with their jobs.

FAQ

How do you update PowerShell modules for Microsoft 365?

First, open PowerShell on your computer. Type the command below:

Update-Module -Name ModuleName

Change ModuleName to the module you want, like MicrosoftTeams. This helps your tools stay up to date and safe.

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Can you manage Microsoft 365 from a Mac or Linux computer?

Yes, you can do this. PowerShell Core and CLI tools work on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Use your computer’s package manager to install them. Then connect to Microsoft 365 the same way as on Windows.

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What should you do if a script fails with a permissions error?

Check your admin roles in your account. Make sure you have the right permissions for the job. If you use multi-factor authentication, sign in the right way. Fix your permissions and try running the script again.

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How can you automate daily Microsoft 365 reports?

Write a PowerShell script to collect your data. Use Task Scheduler or Azure Automation to run it every day. Save the results as a CSV file so you can look at them easily.

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Is it safe to store passwords in scripts?

No, you should not put passwords in scripts. Use safe ways like environment variables or credential managers. This keeps your accounts and data protected.