PowerShell Articles
Expert insights on Microsoft 365, Azure, and PowerShell automation
How to: Securely Connect to Microsoft 365 and Azure Using PowerShell with MFA
Microsoft 365 and Azure administrators rely heavily on PowerShell for managing, automating, and reporting on their cloud environments. However, the landscape of PowerShell connectivity to these services has evolved significantly over the past few years, with Microsoft placing a stronger emphasis on security, modern authentication, and consolidation of management tools. This article provides an updated guide on how to securely connect to Microsoft 365 and Azure using PowerShell with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) support. Microsoft is implementing mandatory MFA enforcement in phases, with MFA becoming required for the Microsoft 365 admin center beginning in February 2025, and for Azure CLI, PowerShell, and REST API endpoints starting July 1, 2025. Understanding these changes and implementing secure connection methods is critical for all administrators. Problem Definition Administrators face several challenges when connecting to Microsoft 365 and Azure services through :
How to: Install and Use OpenSSH on Windows for PowerShell Core Remoting via SSH
Introduction The integration of SSH with Windows represents a significant advancement for system administrators working in cross-platform environments. Microsoft's goal has been to tightly integrate the open source Secure Shell (SSH) protocol with Windows and PowerShell, enabling two-way remote management between Linux and Windows systems. This approach provides administrators with a unified method for managing diverse environments, from Windows servers to Linux machines, network devices, and cloud infrastructure. SSH is the standard remoting tool for Linux, and Microsoft has added native support for it on clients running Windows 10 build 1809 or newer and Windows Server 2019 or newer. Starting with Windows Server 2025, OpenSSH now comes pre-installed, further simplifying deployment in enterprise environments. This evolution highlights Microsoft's commitment to embracing open standards and fostering cross-platform compatibility. Problem Definition