Exchange Online PowerShell Modules: Understanding the Different Versions
Introduction
As the cloud industry continues to evolve, the Exchange Online teams have to keep up with the pace of change. Exchange Online PowerShell modules are a great way to manage and configure Exchange Online from the command line. However, the versions of the modules have changed over time, and this article will provide a comprehensive overview of the different versions that are available.
Exchange Online PowerShell V1 and V2
The original version of Exchange Online PowerShell was released in 2015 and was known as V1. This version was based on the Microsoft Online Services Sign-in Assistant and the Microsoft Azure Active Directory Module for Windows PowerShell. This version was designed to be used by administrators with the necessary permissions to access and manage Exchange Online.
In 2018, Microsoft released the V2 version of Exchange Online PowerShell. This version was based on the Azure Active Directory PowerShell for Graph module and was designed to be used by administrators with the necessary permissions to access and manage Exchange Online. This version of the module was more secure and provided access to additional features, such as the ability to search for users, create and manage user accounts, and more.
Using Exchange Online PowerShell
In order to use Exchange Online PowerShell, you will need to install the appropriate module on your computer. To install the V1 module, you can download the MSI package from the Microsoft Download Center. To install the V2 module, you can download the MSI package from the Microsoft Download Center, or you can use the PowerShell Gallery.
Once the module is installed, you will need to connect to Exchange Online using the Connect-ExchangeOnline cmdlet. This cmdlet requires the use of basic authentication and will prompt you to enter your username and password. Once you are connected, you can use the V1 or V2 module to manage Exchange Online.
Using PowerShell for Exchange Online Management
Once you are connected to Exchange Online, you can use the V1 or V2 module to manage Exchange Online. The V1 module supports the same set of cmdlets as the V2 module, but the syntax and parameters may differ slightly. The V2 module supports a larger set of cmdlets and provides access to more features, such as the ability to search for users, create and manage user accounts, and more.
Conclusion
Exchange Online PowerShell modules are a great way to manage and configure Exchange Online from the command line. With the different versions of the modules, administrators have the ability to access different features and capabilities. The V1 and V2 modules both support the same set of cmdlets and provide access to different features. When using Exchange Online PowerShell, administrators should be sure to install and use the version of the module that is best suited for their needs.
References:
Understanding the Different Versions of Exchange Online PowerShell Modules and Basic Auth
