Cloud Shell
…is a PowerShell interface that can be used by administrators to manage various workloads in their tenant. What makes this useful is that we no longer need a special machine with all of the various PowerShell modules ready or having to update those modules. For those who Manage Exchange Online, the access point for Microsoft 365 PowerShell was exposed in the Azure portal. Now we have another option to choose from and that is from the new Exchange Admin Center. Similar to Azure, there is a PowerShell icon located in the upper right corner:
Cloud Shell can also be found in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center:
Prerequisites
First, we need access to the new Exchange Online Admin Center as the legacy Admin Center does not have this feature.
Second, we need an Azure subscription so we can create a storage account.
New Setup
Click on the PowerShell icon will start up the shell in your window. If you you have not created an Azure Subscription, this is what you see first:
Clicking on PowerShell reveals this screen:
OK. Well, let’s see what happens when we click on the Create Azure Subscription:
Well, let’s sign up so we can use some Cloud Shell!
We need to verify our cell with a Text or call. Then enter some CC information. Once we have our subscription we can connect to Cloud Shell:
If you have used the Azure Cloud Shell, then this should look familiar. You can also reference an article I wrote about it [ HERE ]
Conclusion
These extra locations for accessing PowerShell makes for a more convenience excuse to use PowerShell while working with cloud resources, versus firing up your own shell on your desktop. If you don’t have an Azure subscription, make sure to take advantage of the free one for at least 12 months.
