Azure PowerShell module basics - Commands & Configuration

Introduction

Managing cloud resources can be complex. Azure PowerShell modules let you control Azure services using simple commands in a PowerShell window. This helps automate tasks and manage resources easily.

When you want to create or delete Azure virtual machines without using the web portal.

When you need to automate deployment of storage accounts or databases.

When you want to check the status of your Azure resources quickly from your computer.

When you want to script repetitive tasks like starting or stopping virtual machines.

When you prefer command-line tools over graphical interfaces for managing Azure.

Commands

This command installs the Azure PowerShell module named 'Az' for the current user. It allows overwriting any existing conflicting commands.

Terminal

Install-Module -Name Az -AllowClobber -Scope CurrentUser

Expected Output

Untrusted repository

You are installing the modules from an untrusted repository. If you trust this repository, change its InstallationPolicy value by running the Set-PSRepository cmdlet. Are you sure you want to install the modules from 'PSGallery'? [Y] Yes  [A] Yes to All  [N] No  [L] No to All  [S] Suspend  [?] Help (default is "N"): Y



Installing package 'Az'...

→

-AllowClobber - Allows overwriting existing commands if there is a conflict.

→

-Scope CurrentUser - Installs the module only for the current user without needing admin rights.

This command opens a login window to sign in to your Azure account. It authenticates your PowerShell session to manage Azure resources.

Terminal

Connect-AzAccount

Expected Output

Account               SubscriptionName          TenantId                             Environment

-------               ----------------          --------                             -----------

[e-mail] Your Subscription Name     xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx AzureCloud

This command lists all Azure subscriptions linked to your account. It helps you see which subscriptions you can manage.

Terminal

Get-AzSubscription

Expected Output

Name                     Id                                   State

----                     --                                   -----

Your Subscription Name    xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx Enabled

This command sets the active subscription context to the one with the given ID. It ensures your commands affect the right subscription.

Terminal

Set-AzContext -SubscriptionId xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx

Expected Output

Name                                     Account               SubscriptionId                        TenantId                             Environment

----                                     -------               --------------                        --------                             -----------

Your Subscription Name                    [e-mail] xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx AzureCloud

→

-SubscriptionId - Specifies which subscription to use for subsequent commands.

This command lists all resource groups in the current subscription. Resource groups organize your Azure resources.

Terminal

Get-AzResourceGroup

Expected Output

ResourceGroupName    Location    ProvisioningState

-----------------    --------    -----------------

myResourceGroup       eastus      Succeeded

Key Concept

If you remember nothing else, remember: Azure PowerShell modules let you control Azure resources easily from the command line after you install the module and sign in.

Common Mistakes

Trying to run Azure commands without installing the Az module first.

PowerShell does not recognize Azure commands without the module installed.

Run 'Install-Module -Name Az -AllowClobber -Scope CurrentUser' to install the module before using Azure commands.

Not signing in with Connect-AzAccount before running commands.

Commands fail because PowerShell is not authenticated to your Azure account.

Always run 'Connect-AzAccount' and complete login before managing resources.

Running commands in the wrong subscription context.

Commands affect the wrong subscription, causing confusion or errors.

Use 'Set-AzContext -SubscriptionId <id>' to select the correct subscription.

Summary

Install the Azure PowerShell module using Install-Module to get Azure commands.

Sign in to your Azure account with Connect-AzAccount to authenticate.

Check and set your subscription context with Get-AzSubscription and Set-AzContext.

List your resource groups with Get-AzResourceGroup to see your organized resources.