
As an IT consultant working with Microsoft 365, choosing the right PowerShell module can save you hours of work and frustration. Each module has its own strengths, limitations, and requirements. Below, I’ve created a comparison of the most common PowerShell modules used for Microsoft 365 administration.
Key Takeaways:
PnP.PowerShell 1.12.0 without Azure app registration is limited to SharePoint operations. For cross-service capabilities, either enable app registration or use service-specific modules.
Microsoft.Graph offers the most complete API across all Microsoft 365 services, but requires Azure app registration and permission setup.
PnP.PowerShell 3.x.x is optimized for PowerShell 7 with enhanced capabilities, but requires both PowerShell 7.4.6+ and Azure app registration.
Use specialized modules for single-service operations:
• Teams: MicrosoftTeams
• Groups: ExchangeOnlineManagement
• Power BI: MicrosoftPowerBIMgmt
Module | PS5 | PS7 | Azure App Required | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
Microsoft.Online.SharePoint.PowerShell | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | Classic SharePoint Online |
PnP.PowerShell 1.12.0 | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | SharePoint operations |
PnP.PowerShell 3.x.x | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | SharePoint, M365 Groups, Teams |
ExchangeOnlineManagement | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | Email and M365 Groups |
MicrosoftTeams | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | Teams management |
Microsoft.Graph | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Comprehensive Microsoft 365 access |
Microsoft PowerApps | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Power Apps and Power Automate |
MicrosoftPowerBIMgmt | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | Power BI administration |
AzureAD | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Legacy groups (retiring March 2025) |
When working with clients, you often need to quickly assess their environment, make changes, or generate reports. Having the right tools for the job is crucial. For example:
Understanding these differences helps you make the right choice for each client engagement and task.
While no single module covers everything, understanding their capabilities allows you to choose the right tool for each specific administration task. For most consultants, I recommend maintaining proficiency with at least one module from each category to handle various client scenarios effectively.