powershell installed modules

HaC 2025

3 min read 18-03-2025

PowerShell's strength lies in its extensive library of modules, expanding its capabilities far beyond its core functionalities. Understanding your installed modules is crucial for efficient scripting and administration. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to manage and utilize your PowerShell modules.

Finding Your Installed PowerShell Modules

The most straightforward way to see which PowerShell modules are installed on your system is using the Get-Module cmdlet. This versatile command offers various parameters for fine-tuning your search.

Basic Module Listing

The simplest approach is to run Get-Module without any parameters. This displays all currently loaded modules in your current session. However, this only shows modules loaded into the current session, not all modules installed on your system.

Get-Module

Listing All Installed Modules

To list all installed modules on your system, regardless of whether they're currently loaded, use the -ListAvailable parameter:

Get-Module -ListAvailable

This command provides a comprehensive inventory of every PowerShell module installed on your machine. The output includes details like module name, version, and path.

Filtering Your Module Search

Get-Module allows for filtering results. For instance, to find modules containing "Azure" in their name:

Get-Module -ListAvailable -Name *Azure*

This uses wildcards (*) for flexible searching. You can use this to pinpoint specific modules quickly.

Understanding Module Paths

PowerShell modules reside in specific directories on your system. Knowing these locations is beneficial for troubleshooting and managing your module collection. The $env:PSModulePath environment variable holds a list of these directories.

$env:PSModulePath

This will output a semicolon-separated list of paths. Each path represents a directory where PowerShell looks for modules.

Managing PowerShell Modules: Installation and Removal

PowerShell offers simple cmdlets for installing and removing modules. The primary cmdlets are Install-Module and Uninstall-Module.

Installing Modules

To install a new module, use Install-Module followed by the module's name. For example, to install the AzureAzModule.AzureRM module (note: this module is deprecated, consider using the newer Azure modules):

Install-Module AzureAzModule.AzureRM  # Consider using newer, specific Azure modules instead

You might need administrator privileges for this. The -Scope parameter lets you specify where to install the module (CurrentUser or AllUsers). Always check the official documentation for the module you're installing to get the most up to date name. Many modules require NuGet package management to install, meaning you may need to have the NuGet provider installed first.

Uninstalling Modules

To remove an installed module, utilize Uninstall-Module:

Uninstall-Module AzureAzModule.AzureRM

Again, administrator privileges might be required.

Troubleshooting Module Issues

Occasionally, you might encounter problems with your PowerShell modules. Here are some common issues and troubleshooting steps:

Module Not Found

If a module isn't found, double-check the spelling of the module name. Ensure the module is correctly installed and that the path to the module is included in $env:PSModulePath.

Module Version Conflicts

Sometimes, different parts of your system might require different versions of the same module. Careful module management, updating only when necessary, is crucial to avoid this problem. Using specific versions with the -RequiredVersion parameter in Install-Module can be helpful.

Permissions Issues

If you encounter permission errors, ensure you're running PowerShell as an administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I update an installed PowerShell module?

A: Use the Update-Module cmdlet. For example: Update-Module AzureAzModule.AzureRM (again, consider the replacement Azure modules). Note that some modules might require you to uninstall and then reinstall the newer version.

Q: Where can I find more PowerShell modules?

A: The PowerShell Gallery (https://www.powershellgallery.com/) is the official repository for PowerShell modules. Many community-contributed and officially supported modules are available there.

Q: How can I import a specific module into my current PowerShell session?

A: Use the Import-Module cmdlet followed by the module's name. For example: Import-Module ActiveDirectory

This guide provides a solid foundation for managing your PowerShell modules. Remember to consult the official Microsoft documentation for the most up-to-date information and detailed instructions on specific modules. Proper module management ensures you leverage PowerShell's full potential for automation and administration.