How to Use Install-Module in PowerShell: Simple Guide

Use the Install-Module cmdlet in PowerShell to download and install modules from the PowerShell Gallery. Simply run Install-Module -Name ModuleName to install a module by its name. You may need to run PowerShell as administrator and confirm prompts for first-time use.

Syntax

The Install-Module cmdlet installs one or more modules from an online repository like the PowerShell Gallery.

Key parts:

• -Name: Specifies the module name to install.
• -Scope: Defines if the module installs for the current user (CurrentUser) or all users (AllUsers).
• -Force: Forces installation without prompts.
• -Repository: Specifies the source repository, default is PSGallery.

powershell

Install-Module -Name <ModuleName> [-Scope CurrentUser|AllUsers] [-Force] [-Repository <RepositoryName>]

Example

This example installs the popular PSReadLine module for the current user. It shows how to run the command and the typical output.

powershell

Install-Module -Name PSReadLine -Scope CurrentUser

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.

PSReadLine

Do you want to install the module from 'PSGallery'?
[Y] Yes  [A] Yes to All  [N] No  [L] No to All  [S] Suspend  [?] Help (default is "Y"): Y

Installing module 'PSReadLine'...

Module 'PSReadLine' was installed successfully.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when using Install-Module include:

• Not running PowerShell as administrator when installing for all users.
• Ignoring prompts about untrusted repositories.
• Trying to install a module that is already installed without using -Force.
• Not having the PowerShellGet module updated, which can cause errors.

powershell

## Wrong: Installing without admin for all users
Install-Module -Name PSReadLine -Scope AllUsers

## Right: Run PowerShell as admin or install for current user
Install-Module -Name PSReadLine -Scope CurrentUser

Quick Reference

Tips for using Install-Module effectively:

• Use -Scope CurrentUser to avoid needing admin rights.
• Use -Force to reinstall or update modules silently.
• Check installed modules with Get-InstalledModule.
• Update PowerShellGet with Install-Module PowerShellGet -Force if you face issues.

Key Takeaways

Run Install-Module with the module name to install from PowerShell Gallery.

Use -Scope CurrentUser to install without admin rights.

Confirm prompts about untrusted repositories or set repository as trusted.

Use -Force to reinstall or update modules without prompts.

Keep PowerShellGet updated to avoid installation errors.