Prerequisites for Azure PowerShell

Before you can start using Azure PowerShell to manage your Azure resources, there are a few prerequisites you need to meet. This section outlines the essential requirements and considerations.

1. Azure Subscription

You need an active Azure subscription to use Azure PowerShell. If you don't have one, you can:

Sign up for a free Azure account. This provides a limited amount of free services for a period, along with credits to explore paid services.
If you are an enterprise, you can enroll in an Enterprise Agreement.

2. PowerShell Version

Azure PowerShell modules are compatible with specific versions of PowerShell. It's recommended to use the latest stable version of PowerShell or a version supported by the Azure PowerShell module you intend to install.

You can check your current PowerShell version by opening PowerShell and running:

$PSVersionTable.PSVersion

For the most up-to-date compatibility information, please refer to the official Azure PowerShell installation guide.

3. PowerShellGet Module

The PowerShellGet module is the package manager for PowerShell. It is used to install and update PowerShell modules, including the Azure PowerShell modules. Most modern PowerShell installations include PowerShellGet. If not, you can install it using the following command:

Install-Module -Name PowerShellGet -Force -SkipPublisherCheck

Note: You may need to run PowerShell as an administrator to install or update modules. If you encounter issues, ensure you are running PowerShell with elevated privileges.

4. Internet Connectivity

A stable internet connection is required to download the Azure PowerShell modules from the PowerShell Gallery and to connect to Azure services. Ensure that any firewalls or proxy settings are configured to allow access to the necessary endpoints.

5. Operating System

Azure PowerShell can be used on various operating systems:

Windows (Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, and later)
macOS
Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and others)

The specific requirements might vary slightly depending on the PowerShell version and the Azure PowerShell module you choose to install. Always consult the official documentation for the most precise details.

Tip: For cross-platform compatibility and consistent experience, consider using PowerShell 7 (PowerShell Core), which is supported on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Next Steps

Once you have confirmed these prerequisites, you are ready to proceed with the installation of the Azure PowerShell modules. Please navigate to the Installation section for detailed instructions.