powershell see installed modules

HaC 2025

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18-03-2025

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Finding out which PowerShell modules you have installed is a crucial task for managing your system and scripting environment. Knowing what's available helps you avoid redundant installations, troubleshoot issues, and ensure you have the right tools for the job. This guide provides several methods to effectively list your installed PowerShell modules. We'll cover the most common and efficient techniques, from simple commands to more advanced approaches for detailed information.

Quick and Easy Methods to See Installed PowerShell Modules

The simplest way to get a quick overview of your installed modules is using these commands:

1. Get-Module -ListAvailable: This cmdlet displays all modules available for import in your current session. This doesn't show installed modules specifically but is useful for seeing what's accessible.

2. Get-Module: This shows currently loaded modules in the current session. This isn't a comprehensive list of all installed modules, only those currently active.

These commands offer a starting point, but for a complete inventory, you'll need the methods below.

Comprehensive Methods for Listing All Installed PowerShell Modules

For a truly exhaustive list of all your installed PowerShell modules, these commands are essential:

3. Get-InstalledModule: This is the most straightforward command for listing all installed modules. It provides a concise overview including module name, version, and path. This is your go-to command for most situations.

Get-InstalledModule

4. Get-InstalledModule | Format-Table -AutoSize: This enhances the output from Get-InstalledModule by making it more readable, automatically adjusting column widths to fit the screen.

Get-InstalledModule | Format-Table -AutoSize

5. Filtering Get-InstalledModule Results: You can refine your search using the -Name parameter to find specific modules. For instance:

Get-InstalledModule -Name Azure*

This will list all modules whose names begin with "Azure". You can use other PowerShell filtering techniques to further refine the results based on version, path, etc.

Advanced Techniques and Detailed Information

For more granular details about your installed modules, consider these approaches:

6. Exporting the Module List: For easy archival or sharing, export the results to a file:

Get-InstalledModule | Export-Csv -Path "C:\installed_modules.csv" -NoTypeInformation

This exports the list to a CSV file, easily opened in spreadsheet software. Remember to adjust the -Path parameter to your desired location.

7. Exploring Module Manifest Files: Each module has a manifest file containing detailed information. You can access this using the path shown in the Get-InstalledModule output:

# Replace with the actual path from Get-InstalledModule output
Get-Content "C:\Program Files\WindowsPowerShell\Modules\ModuleA\ModuleA.psd1" 

This displays the content of the manifest file, revealing specific details about the module.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, you might encounter issues when using these commands. Here are some potential problems and solutions:

• Access Denied Errors: If you get access denied errors, try running PowerShell as an administrator.

• No Modules Found: If no modules are found, ensure PowerShell is correctly installed, and that the modules were properly installed in a location PowerShell can access.

Conclusion

Understanding how to effectively list your installed PowerShell modules is essential for any PowerShell user. This guide has covered a range of techniques, from simple quick checks to more detailed examinations, empowering you to manage your modules efficiently and troubleshoot potential issues. Remember to utilize the appropriate command for the level of detail you require. By mastering these commands, you enhance your ability to work efficiently and effectively within the PowerShell environment.