Comprehensive Overview and Samples of the PowerShell ExchangeOnline Module
- Scott Head
- Nov 12
- 3 min read
Managing Exchange Online effectively requires tools that provide both power and flexibility. The PowerShell ExchangeOnline module is one such tool, designed to help administrators automate tasks, manage mailboxes, and configure settings in Microsoft 365 environments. This post offers a clear overview of the module and practical examples to help you get started or improve your existing workflows.
The ExchangeOnline PowerShell module replaces older methods of connecting to Exchange Online, providing a more streamlined and secure experience. It supports modern authentication and offers a wide range of cmdlets tailored for Exchange Online management.
What Is the ExchangeOnline PowerShell Module?
The ExchangeOnline PowerShell module is a set of cmdlets that allow administrators to connect to and manage Exchange Online through PowerShell. Unlike the older remote PowerShell sessions, this module uses a dedicated connection method that improves performance and security.
Key features include:
Support for modern authentication methods, including multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Access to all Exchange Online management cmdlets
Simplified connection process with `Connect-ExchangeOnline`
Ability to manage mailboxes, policies, transport rules, and more
This module is essential for administrators who want to automate repetitive tasks or manage Exchange Online at scale.
Installing and Connecting to Exchange Online
Before using the module, you need to install it and establish a connection to your Exchange Online environment.
Installation Steps
Open PowerShell as an administrator.
Run the following command to install the module from the PowerShell Gallery:
```powershell
Install-Module -Name ExchangeOnlineManagement
```
If prompted to trust the repository, type `Y` and press Enter.
Connecting to Exchange Online
Once installed, connect using:
```powershell
Connect-ExchangeOnline -UserPrincipalName your.email@domain.com
```
This command prompts for credentials and supports MFA. After successful authentication, you can run Exchange Online cmdlets.
To disconnect, use:
```powershell
Disconnect-ExchangeOnline -Confirm:$false
```
Common Cmdlets and Their Uses
The module includes many cmdlets. Here are some of the most useful ones with examples.
Managing Mailboxes
Get-Mailbox: Retrieves mailbox details.
```powershell
Get-Mailbox -Identity user@domain.com
```
Set-Mailbox: Modifies mailbox settings.
```powershell
Set-Mailbox -Identity user@domain.com -EmailAddresses @{Add="alias@domain.com"}
```
New-Mailbox: Creates a new mailbox (requires appropriate permissions).
Managing Mailbox Permissions
Add-MailboxPermission: Grants permissions to a mailbox.
```powershell
Add-MailboxPermission -Identity user@domain.com -User admin@domain.com -AccessRights FullAccess
```
Remove-MailboxPermission: Removes permissions.
Managing Distribution Groups
Get-DistributionGroup: Lists distribution groups.
```powershell
Get-DistributionGroup
```
Add-DistributionGroupMember: Adds a member to a group.
```powershell
Add-DistributionGroupMember -Identity "Sales Team" -Member user@domain.com
```
Managing Mail Flow Rules
Get-TransportRule: Retrieves mail flow rules.
```powershell
Get-TransportRule
```
New-TransportRule: Creates a new mail flow rule.
Practical Examples
Here are some practical examples to illustrate how the module can be used.
Example 1: Export Mailbox Sizes
To get mailbox sizes for all users and export the data to a CSV file:
```powershell
Get-Mailbox -ResultSize Unlimited | Get-MailboxStatistics |
Select DisplayName, TotalItemSize, ItemCount |
Export-Csv -Path "MailboxSizes.csv" -NoTypeInformation
```
This command helps administrators monitor mailbox usage efficiently.
Example 2: Add an Email Alias to Multiple Users
Suppose you want to add a new email alias to a list of users stored in a CSV file:
```powershell
$users = Import-Csv -Path "users.csv"
foreach ($user in $users) {
Set-Mailbox -Identity $user.UserPrincipalName -EmailAddresses @{Add="alias@domain.com"}
}
```
This script automates bulk updates, saving time and reducing errors.
Example 3: Create a New Transport Rule to Block Attachments
To block emails with specific attachments:
```powershell
New-TransportRule -Name "Block EXE Attachments" -AttachmentExtensionMatchesWords "exe" -RejectMessageReasonText "Executable attachments are not allowed."
```
This rule helps enforce security policies on incoming mail.
Tips for Using the ExchangeOnline Module
Always test scripts in a non-production environment before running them live.
Use `Get-Help <cmdlet>` to learn about parameters and examples for each cmdlet.
Combine cmdlets with PowerShell scripting features like loops and conditionals for automation.
Keep the module updated by running `Update-Module ExchangeOnlineManagement` regularly.
Use secure credential handling methods to protect login information.
Summary
The PowerShell ExchangeOnline module offers a powerful way to manage Exchange Online environments. It supports modern authentication and provides a wide range of cmdlets for mailbox management, permissions, distribution groups, and mail flow rules. Using this module can save time, reduce errors, and enable automation for administrators.
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