--- title: "How to Authenticate to Azure Using PowerShell (User and Device Authentication)" description: "Learn how to authenticate to Azure using PowerShell, including module installation, interactive and device login methods, verifying sessions, and managing multiple subscriptions." canonical: "https://adamtheautomator.com/powershell-azure-authentication/" --- # How to Authenticate to Azure Using PowerShell (User and Device Authentication) > Learn how to authenticate to Azure using PowerShell, including module installation, interactive and device login methods, verifying sessions, and managing multiple subscriptions. Source: https://adamtheautomator.com/powershell-azure-authentication/ --- ATA Learning Tap to hide [ ATA Learning ](/) * [Home](/) * [Tutorials](/tutorials/) * [Instructors](/author/) * [Advertising](/advertising/) * [Recommended Resources](/resources/) * [About Adam](/about-adam/) Search for: * [](https://twitter.com/adbertram) * [](https://github.com/Adam-the-Automator) * [](https://www.linkedin.com/company/adam-the-automator-llc) * [](/feed/) ![How to Authenticate to Azure Using PowerShell (User and Device Authentication)](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/40de7fc1-fc29-4e5d-b4a0-5c2f527037fc.webp) # How to Authenticate to Azure Using PowerShell (User and Device Authentication) [![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d0b9d42e21e5622713f8b693aa5c0f9244d5f7dd200ed29b8398f52dee5de337?s=192&d=mm&r=g)Adam Bertram](https://adamtheautomator.com/author/adam-bertram/)26 September 20242 min. read Categories: [Cloud](/category/cloud/) Tags:[Azure](/tag/azure/)[PowerShell](/tag/powershell/) Table of Contents * [Step 1: Installing the Azure PowerShell Module](#step-1-installing-the-azure-powershell-module) * [Step 2: Authenticating to Azure – Interactive Login](#step-2-authenticating-to-azure--interactive-login) * [Trouble? Disable Web Authentication Manager](#trouble-disable-web-authentication-manager) * [Step 3: Verifying the Authentication](#step-3-verifying-the-authentication) * [Step 4: Alternative Method – Device Login](#step-4-alternative-method--device-login) * [Step 5: Managing Multiple Subscriptions](#step-5-managing-multiple-subscriptions) * [Conclusion](#conclusion) Managing Azure resources through PowerShell offers an efficient and flexible way to handle day-to-day cloud operations. In this post, we’ll explore the steps to authenticate to Azure using the Azure PowerShell module. We’ll cover: * Installing the Azure PowerShell module * Common authentication methods * Verifying authentication * Managing multiple subscriptions * Handling potential authentication issues So, let’s dive in! Azure authentication problems are easier to solve when the PowerShell and identity fundamentals are solid. If you want a structured refresher before automating production access, [compare Azure PowerShell courses on Udemy](https://trk.udemy.com/c/1454808/3193860/39854) before you buy. ## Step 1: Installing the Azure PowerShell Module First, we need to install the Azure PowerShell module. Open PowerShell with administrator privileges and run the following command: ``` Install-Module -Name Az.Accounts ``` The `Install-Module` command pulls down the Azure Accounts module from the PowerShell Gallery. Azure offers different modules for various services, but for authentication, the `Az.Accounts` module is sufficient. Alternatively, you could install the full `Az` module, which includes everything, but I prefer installing just what I need to keep things lightweight. ## Step 2: Authenticating to Azure – Interactive Login Once the module is installed, we can authenticate using the most common method: **Interactive Login**. ``` Connect-AzAccount ``` When you run `Connect-AzAccount`, a browser window will pop up where you can enter your Azure credentials. This method is ideal for users with a single Azure subscription, and it uses your Microsoft or Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) account. Once authenticated, let’s confirm the session by checking the current context. ``` Get-AzContext ``` This command retrieves details about your Azure session, including the authenticated account and active subscription. ### Trouble? Disable Web Authentication Manager If you run into issues, particularly with errors that appear in the background or if you get no output from `Get-AzContext`, try disabling the Web Authentication Manager (WAM). WAM is a new login feature integrated with Windows, but it can cause problems in some environments. ``` Update-AzConfig -EnableLoginByWam $false ``` After disabling WAM, try logging in again with `Connect-AzAccount`, and things should work smoothly. Once authenticated, you should see your subscription details and the Entra ID tenant you’re associated with. ## Step 3: Verifying the Authentication To confirm successful authentication, run: ``` Get-AzContext ``` If you’re authenticated properly, this command will show your user account and the Azure subscription you’re logged into. PowerShell saves this context to disk, meaning you won’t have to authenticate every time you open a new session. ## Step 4: Alternative Method – Device Login In environments where browser access is restricted, you can use **Device Login**. This method allows you to authenticate using another device that can access the web. ``` Connect-AzAccount -UseDeviceAuthentication ``` When you run this command, PowerShell will provide a code and a URL. Go to the provided URL on a different device (like your phone), enter the code, and authenticate. The rest of the authentication process is the same as interactive login. If you’re already authenticated, you can cancel this operation with `Ctrl-C`. ## Step 5: Managing Multiple Subscriptions If your account has access to multiple Azure subscriptions, you can list them all using: ``` Get-AzSubscription ``` If you need to switch between subscriptions, you can specify which one to use by setting the context to a particular subscription. ``` Set-AzContext -SubscriptionId "your-subscription-id" ``` This command is handy when you have multiple Azure subscriptions under your account and want to interact with resources in a specific subscription. ## Conclusion Now you’re authenticated and ready to manage your Azure resources using PowerShell! We covered how to install the necessary modules, authenticate using interactive and device login methods, and switch between subscriptions. Additionally, we touched on some common issues like Web Authentication Manager problems and how to handle them. By mastering these authentication methods, you’ll be well on your way to securely and efficiently managing your Azure environment from PowerShell. Happy automating! 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