Comprehensive Guide to SharePoint Online Management Shell: .NET Framework and .NET Core Versions with Troubleshooting Tips

The SharePoint Online Management Shell is a powerful command-line tool that simplifies the management of SharePoint Online environments. Designed for administrators and developers, this shell allows you to perform various administrative tasks such as managing site collections, users, permissions, and features—all through PowerShell cmdlets.

With the advent of .NET Core, the SharePoint Online Management Shell can now be used across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This flexibility makes it easier for developers who prefer working in diverse environments. In this guide, we’ll cover how to install and use the SharePoint Online Management Shell for both .NET Framework and .NET Core versions. Additionally, we’ll provide troubleshooting tips for common issues you might encounter while working with the shell.

Installation of SharePoint Online Management Shell

For .NET Framework

To install the SharePoint Online Management Shell module for .NET Framework, follow these steps:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator: Ensure you have administrative privileges to install modules.
2. Execute the Installation Command:

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

3. Handle Repository Warnings: If you receive a warning about installing from an untrusted repository, you can configure the installation policy with:

   Set-PSRepository -Name PSGallery -InstallationPolicy Trusted

For .NET Core

The installation command for the .NET Core version is identical to that for .NET Framework. Simply run:

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

Important Note on Versions

When installing, if you already have a version of the module installed and want to upgrade, you can force the installation of a specific version using:

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

Importing the Module

After installation, you can import the module into your PowerShell session using the following command:

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

This command makes all available cmdlets in the module accessible for use.

Updating SharePoint Client Assemblies

For Both Versions

It’s crucial to keep your SharePoint Client Assemblies up to date to avoid compatibility issues and to ensure you have access to the latest features. You can obtain the latest version from the official SharePoint Client Components SDK or update via NuGet.

Using NuGet

To use NuGet for updating your client assemblies, follow these steps:

1. Open Visual Studio: Load your project where the SharePoint assemblies are referenced.
2. Manage NuGet Packages: Right-click on your project in the Solution Explorer and select Manage NuGet Packages.
3. Search for SharePoint Online CSOM: In the NuGet Package Manager, search for Microsoft.SharePointOnline.CSOM and install the latest version.

This method ensures that your project references the most current version of the assemblies.

Manual Installation

If you prefer to install the SDK manually, follow these steps:

1. Download the SDK: Get the SharePoint Client Components SDK from the Microsoft Download Center.
2. Install the SDK: Run the installer, which will add the necessary DLLs to your development environment.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with SharePoint Online Management Shell

While using the SharePoint Online Management Shell, you may encounter various issues. Below are some common problems and their solutions.

1. Import Module Error

Error Message:

Import-Module : Could not load type 'Microsoft.SharePoint.Client.FileVersionBatchDeleteMode' from assembly 'Microsoft.SharePoint.Client, Version=16.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=71e9bce111e9429c'.

Solutions:

• Check Installed Versions of Assemblies: Verify that the required assemblies are correctly installed and compatible with the module:

  Get-Module -ListAvailable | Where-Object { $_.Name -like "Microsoft.SharePoint*" }

• Clear Cache and Restart PowerShell: Sometimes, stale cached data can cause issues. Close all PowerShell instances and reopen them.
• Reinstall the Module: If the problem persists, you can uninstall and reinstall the module to ensure a clean setup:

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

• Verify .NET Framework Version: Ensure that you have the correct version of the .NET Framework installed, as this can also impact the functionality of the SharePoint Online Management Shell.

2. Long Connection Times

If you experience delays when connecting to SharePoint Online using the Connect-SPOService cmdlet, check the following:

• Internet Connection: Ensure that your internet connection is stable and has sufficient bandwidth.
• Service Availability: Verify that the SharePoint Online service is not experiencing outages. Check the Microsoft 365 Service Health dashboard for any ongoing issues.

Summary of Cmdlets

Here is a summary of the key cmdlets covered in this article:

Conclusion

The SharePoint Online Management Shell is a valuable tool for managing SharePoint Online environments effectively. By understanding how to install and configure the module for both .NET Framework and .NET Core, as well as knowing how to troubleshoot common issues, you can leverage the full potential of this powerful command-line interface.

Stay updated on best practices and new features to enhance your SharePoint Online experience.