Prerequisites

Technical requirements

For Microsoft365DSC to function, you need to arrange the following components:

PowerShell version

Microsoft365DSC is supported for PowerShell version 5.1 and 7.3+. For additional details on how to leverage it with PowerShell 7, please refer to our PowerShell 7+ Guide for Microsoft365DSC.

PowerShell Execution Policy

Microsoft365DSC consists of its own module and various PowerShell submodules. Allowing scripts to run is necessary for the successful execution of the functions. The command Get-ExecutionPolicy retrieves the current execution policy. Usually, it is enough if the value is set to RemoteSigned. If you encounter issues while loading scripts, set it to Unrestricted: Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted

Windows Remote Management (WinRM)

Microsoft365DSC uses the Local Configuration Manager (LCM). This requires PowerShell Remoting to be enabled. Please run either winrm quickconfig -force or Enable-PSRemoting -Force -SkipNetworkProfileCheck to enable it.

Tooling

To get the best experience running Microsoft365DSC cmdlets, it is recommended that you use the Windows Terminal. All screenshots provided in this article are using the Windows Terminal. This tool allows you to quickly switch between PowerShell versions and provide better support for icons and symbols that are used throughout Microsoft365DSC’s experience.

Permissions

In order to connect to Microsoft 365, you need to make sure you have valid credentials (user or application credentials) with the correct permissions to the Microsoft 365 service. Microsoft365DSC offers several methods of authentication, depending on the used resources. Unfortunately, we are depending on the supported authentication methods used by the various PowerShell modules that are used.

Make sure you review the Authentication and Permissions article for more information on the available authentication methods and how to configure all required permissions.

Experience and skills

Before you start using Microsoft365DSC, it is important that you also have the proper experience and skills on administering Microsoft 365. Microsoft365DSC is a powerful solution that can greatly streamline Microsoft 365 administration. But with great power comes great responsibility:

If you don't know what exactly you are doing, using Microsoft365DSC you can also cause some serious damage.

That is why it is important that you have the correct experience and skills. To use this module properly you should be very familiar with:

Additionally it can be helpful, depending on the planned use of Microsoft365DSC, to have a good understanding of:

Training resources

You can review the following training resources and certifications, for learning more about the above topics:

PowerShell Desired State Configuration

Microsoft 365 Administration