Managing Microsoft 365 often requires deeper visibility than the web admin portals provide. PowerShell gives you that control — but only if the right modules are installed and you connect properly. Here’s a short, practical walkthrough to get you started.
1. Install the Required PowerShell Modules
Exchange Online Management Module
This module lets you manage mailboxes, inbox rules, forwarding, transport settings, and more.
Install-Module ExchangeOnlineManagement
Microsoft Graph PowerShell Module (optional but recommended)
Graph is the modern API for Microsoft 365 and exposes newer features.
Install-Module Microsoft.Graph
2. Connect to Your Office 365 Tenant
Exchange OnlineImport-Module ExchangeOnlineManagementConnect-ExchangeOnline
You’ll be prompted to sign in with your admin credentials.
Microsoft GraphConnect-MgGraph -Scopes "User.Read.All","Mail.ReadWrite"
Graph requires selecting permissions the first time you connect.
3. You’re Ready to Manage Your Tenant
Once connected, you can run commands such as:
- Listing all mailboxes
- Exporting inbox rules
- Checking forwarding settings
- Auditing configurations across the tenant
PowerShell gives you full administrative reach that the web console doesn’t expose.