Connect to SharePoint Online PowerShell: Complete 2025 Guide

If you’re managing SharePoint Online, PowerShell is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to handle administrative tasks. In this write-up, you’ll get to know how to connect to SharePoint Online PowerShell step by step.

Explore:

• Why I Use PowerShell for SharePoint Online
• How PowerShell connect to SharePoint Online?
  • Step 1. Install the SharePoint Online Management Shell
  • Step 2. Launch PowerShell & Import the Module
  • Step 3. Connect to SharePoint Online PowerShell
• Common Errors I’ve Faced
• Use PowerShell with App-Only Authentication
• What to Do After Connecting to SharePoint Online PowerShell?
• Automate Cross-Tenant List Transfers
• Author’s Verdict
• People Also Ask

Why I Use PowerShell for SharePoint Online

Let me briefly explain why I use PowerShell for SharePoint Online:

• Manage site collections, permissions, and storage more efficiently
• Easier to perform bulk operations like exporting a SharePoint list or managing users
• It’s scriptable, which means I can reuse my tasks or even schedule them

Not only these, but there are more reasons, you probably have. Whatever the cause, it is important to learn that connecting to SharePoint Online PowerShell is not an easy task. 

You must follow the step-by-step instructions to get the expected results. 

How to Connect to SharePoint Online PowerShell?

Before any how-to, remember one thing: you can use PowerShell only if you are a technical user; otherwise, you will get confused, and everything will be ruined. So, it is better to take a backup SharePoint Online to local storage to safeguard data.

When done with backing up data, follow the instructions given below:

Step 1. Install the SharePoint Online Management Shell

First, you’ll need the SharePoint Online Management Shell:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator
2. Run the following command:

Install-Module -Name Microsoft.Online.SharePoint.PowerShell

Step 2. Launch PowerShell & Import the Module

After installing or updating, make sure the module is loaded by running:

Import-Module Microsoft.Online.SharePoint.PowerShell

Step 3. Connect to SharePoint Online PowerShell

Now that the module is ready, connect to the SharePoint Online admin center:

After executing, it will prompt for admin credentials. If you’re using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), then provide an app password.

Common Errors I’ve Faced When Connecting to SharePoint Online PowerShell

If you noticed that for connecting SharePoint to PowerShell, Connect-SPOService is the main command. But what if it doesn’t work properly? I experienced the Connect-SPOService: Could Not Connect to SharePoint Online error.

This usually happens when:

• Type the wrong admin center URL
• Haven’t installed the module correctly
• PowerShell session times out

Now, I know how to fix it by double-checking the URL format and reinstalling the module using:

Uninstall-Module Microsoft.Online.SharePoint.PowerShell

Install-Module Microsoft.Online.SharePoint.PowerShell -Force

Somehow, if these commands do not work, then run the following:

Solution 1. Use Modern Authentication
Use this modern auth command:

Solution 2. Check Admin URL
Ensure the URL is correct to resolve Connect-SPOService: Could Not Connect to SharePoint Online issue:

https://<tenant-name>-admin.sharepoint.com

Solution 3. Update SharePoint Online Management Shell

Solution 4. Downgrade PowerShell to 5.1

Solution 5. Use Connect-PnPOnline for MFA accounts

Use PowerShell with App-Only Authentication

For background scripts or automation in CI/CD, I sometimes prefer app-only authentication to connect to SharePoint Online PowerShell:

#Step 1. Register an App in Azure AD

1. Open Azure Portal.
2. Select the Azure Active Directory option > App registrations.
3. Click New registration.
4. Give it a name, set the new URL, and click Register.
5. Note down the Application (client) ID & Directory (tenant) ID.

#Step 2. Upload a Certificate

1. Under app, open Certificates & secrets.
2. Upload a valid certificate (.cer file) with the public key.
3. Save the Thumbprint of the certificate.

#Step 3. Assign API Permissions

1. Go to API Permissions > Add a permission.
2. Choose SharePoint > Application Permissions.
3. Add permissions, and click Grant admin consent.

#Step 4. Connect Using PnP PowerShell

What to Do After Connecting to SharePoint Online PowerShell?

Once connected, use PowerShell to view all site collections: Get-SPOSite

• Create a new site:
  

• Set storage limits, manage external sharing, audit usage, and PowerShell gives me full control.

Automate Cross-Tenant List Transfers

If you’re managing multiple tenants like I do and need to migrate SharePoint site to another site or tenant, PowerShell alone won’t preserve metadata and permissions well. 

That’s why I suggest a robust SharePoint Online Migrator. It helps me:

• Migrate entire lists and libraries
• Retain metadata and version history
• Maintain site hierarchy during cross-tenant migrations

Try it now, and make multiple site management easy!

Author’s Verdict

Connecting to SharePoint Online PowerShell lets me automate repetitive tasks and handle complex configurations efficiently. With the above instructions, you’ll also easily connect to SharePoint Online PowerShell without any external help.

People Also Ask

Q1. Do I need global admin rights for PowerShell connect to SharePoint Online?
Yes, to perform most administrative tasks like site creation or permission management, use a global admin or SharePoint admin account.

Q2. Can I use PowerShell to manage OneDrive?
Yes, since OneDrive is built on SharePoint Online, you can manage it using the same PowerShell tools.

Q3. Is Connect-SPOService compatible with MFA accounts?
Not directly. For MFA, I prefer using the PnP PowerShell module, which supports modern authentication.

Q4. What version of PowerShell should I use?
PowerShell 5.1 or PowerShell Core 7.x works fine. I recommend keeping your version updated.

Q5. What if I get “Access Denied” while connecting?
Make sure your account has admin permissions and you’re using the correct admin URL.