Introduction to SharePoint Online Management Shell: .NET Framework and .NET Core Versions with Troubleshooting (Telerik Fiddler)

The SharePoint Online Management Shell is a powerful tool for managing SharePoint Online environments, offering a wide range of cmdlets for administrators to automate tasks. This article covers the installation and usage of the SharePoint Online Management Shell, including both the .NET Framework and .NET Core versions. Additionally, we’ll provide troubleshooting tips for common issues, including authentication problems and the AADSTS700016 error.

Installation

For .NET Framework

To install the SharePoint Online Management Shell for .NET Framework, use the following command:

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

Note: If prompted with a warning about installing from an untrusted repository, you can change the installation policy by executing:

Set-PSRepository -Name PSGallery -InstallationPolicy Trusted

If you need to install a specific version, you can use:

Install-Module -Name Microsoft.Online.SharePoint.PowerShell -RequiredVersion <version>

For .NET Core

To install the SharePoint Online Management Shell for .NET Core, follow similar steps. Ensure you have the latest .NET SDK installed and use the following command:

Install-Package Microsoft.Online.SharePoint.PowerShell

Update SharePoint Client Assemblies

Make sure your SharePoint Client Assemblies are up to date. You can download the latest version from the official SharePoint Client Components SDK. Alternatively, you can use NuGet to manage packages:

Install-Package Microsoft.SharePointOnline.CSOM

Connecting to SharePoint Online

To connect to your SharePoint Online service, use:

Connect-SPOService -Url https://yourtenant-admin.sharepoint.com

Authentication Issues

If you encounter authentication issues, such as being unable to connect without the Telerik Fiddler running, or if PowerShell cannot prompt the browser for credentials, consider the following workarounds:

1. Using PnP PowerShell: This module handles authentication more effectively, especially for multi-factor authentication (MFA). Use the following command:

   Connect-PnPOnline -Url https://yourtenant.sharepoint.com -UseWebLogin

2. Using Telerik Fiddler: If you can only connect when Fiddler is running, it may be that the authentication request is being intercepted or modified by Fiddler. Ensure that Fiddler is properly configured to allow the authentication requests to flow correctly. However, relying on Fiddler is not a permanent solution and should only be used for testing purposes.

Troubleshooting the AADSTS700016 Error

The AADSTS700016 error message indicates that the application identifier is not recognized in your directory. This can occur due to several reasons:

1. Incorrect Tenant: Ensure that you are sending your authentication request to the correct tenant. The tenant URL must match the application identifier used in Azure AD.
2. Application Not Registered: Verify that the application with the specified identifier ({guid}) is registered in the Azure Active Directory for your tenant. If not, you may need to register it or ask your administrator to do so.
3. Admin Consent Required: If the application has not been consented to by any user in the tenant, you may need to request admin consent for the application. This can typically be done through the Azure portal.
4. Tenant Administration: Ensure that your user account has the necessary permissions to access the application and that it has been installed by the tenant administrator.

Summary of Commands

Here’s a summary table of the key commands mentioned in this article:

Conclusion

The SharePoint Online Management Shell is a vital tool for SharePoint administrators. By understanding how to install the necessary modules, connect to SharePoint Online, and troubleshoot common issues, you can streamline your management tasks effectively. The AADSTS700016 error can be resolved by ensuring correct application registration and tenant configuration. For more complex authentication scenarios, consider using the PnP PowerShell module or leveraging tools like Telerik Fiddler for testing.