Microsoft Entra PowerShell Module: Streamlining IT Resource Management and Automation

Key Takeaways:

• The Microsoft Entra PowerShell module allows IT administrators to programmatically manage and automate Entra resources.
• The module offers backward compatibility with the deprecated AzureAD module, facilitating a smoother transition to the new system while retaining existing scripts and commands.
• Future updates to the Entra PowerShell module will introduce new cmdlets for managing Entitlement Management, Privileged Identity Management (PIM), and more.

Microsoft has recently announced the public preview of its Entra PowerShell module, a new command-line tool designed for IT administrators. This module enables the programmatic management and automation of Microsoft Entra resources, streamlining administrative tasks and enhancing efficiency.

The new Microsoft Entra PowerShell module is built on and fully interoperable with the Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK. It also offers backward compatibility with the deprecated AzureAD module. This feature accelerates the migration process by allowing organizations to continue using their existing scripts and commands while gradually transitioning to the new module.

“Microsoft Entra PowerShell is a part of our increased investment in Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK. It brings high-quality and scenario-optimized Entra resource management to the Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK. Still, it keeps all the benefits of Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK for authorization, connection management, error handling, and (low-level) API coverage,” Microsoft explained.

What are the benefits of the Microsoft Entra PowerShell module?

The Microsoft Entra PowerShell module features human-readable parameters that simplify scripting and automation tasks. It also includes deliberate parameter set specifications, inline documentation, and adheres to core PowerShell fundamentals like pipelining. As an open-source tool, it encourages collaboration and supports the development of innovative business solutions.

Additionally, the Microsoft Entra PowerShell module aligns with the Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK by supporting administrative consent. This allows IT professionals to grant permissions to applications at the administrative level. The module also enables administrators to specify their own application identity, providing maximum granularity in app permission management.

Should you wait for the general availability of Microsoft Entra PowerShell?

Microsoft advises that the Entra PowerShell module is currently in preview and should only be used in non-production environments. Organizations using the deprecated Azure AD Graph and MSOnline PowerShell modules will need to switch to the Graph PowerShell SDK, rather than waiting for the general availability of the Entra PowerShell module. These legacy modules will stop working on March 30, 2025.

“We recommend that you act now to begin migrating your MSOnline and AzureAD PowerShell scripts,” Microsoft added. “If you migrate scripts to Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK now, there is no need to update them again with Microsoft Entra PowerShell, as it enhances and will not replace Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK.”

Getting started with Microsoft Entra PowerShell module (preview)

The Microsoft Entra PowerShell module is available on the PowerShell Gallery and supports both PowerShell versions 5.1 and 7+. Microsoft recommends using PowerShell version 7 or higher for the best experience across Windows, Linux, and macOS. You can learn more about installing the Entra PowerShell module on the support page.

Microsoft plans to add support for more capabilities to the Entra PowerShell module over time. The company will improve existing cmdlets with intuitive names, detailed help, and additional parameters. Microsoft also expects to add new cmdlets for Entitlement Management, Privileged Identity Management (PIM), Per-User multifactor authentication (MFA), and Tenant Configuration settings.