Upgrading PowerShell Az modules is essential for keeping your Azure management tools up-to-date with the latest features, performance improvements, and security patches. However, upgrading these modules, especially in production environments, requires careful planning to avoid disruption or compatibility issues. This article outlines the steps for safely upgrading the Az module in PowerShell.
Step 1: Review the Installed Version of the Az Module
Before upgrading, it’s a good idea to check which version of the Az module is currently installed. You can use the following command:
Get-Module -Name Az -ListAvailable
This command lists all versions of the Az module installed on your system. If multiple versions exist, you’ll want to confirm which one is actively loaded:
(Get-Module -Name Az).Version
Step 2: Understand Compatibility Issues
If your scripts rely on a specific version of the Az module, upgrading to a newer version could potentially break them due to deprecated commands or changes in behavior. Therefore, before upgrading in a production environment, review the release notes for the new version of the Az module. You can find the release notes on the Azure PowerShell GitHub repository.
Step 3: Use a Side-by-Side Installation
One of the key features of PowerShell modules is the ability to have multiple versions installed simultaneously. This allows you to test a new version without affecting your current production environment.
To install a new version alongside the existing one, you can use:
Install-Module -Name Az -Force -AllowClobber
-Force: Installs the module without prompting.-AllowClobber: Allows cmdlets with the same name to be overwritten, ensuring that the newer version does not conflict with other installed modules.
Step 4: Validate in a Non-Production Environment
Before rolling out the new Az module in a production environment, it’s critical to test it in a non-production environment. This ensures that your scripts and workflows will continue to function as expected with the new version. Test the following:
- Key cmdlets you frequently use.
- Automation scripts, such as Azure Automation runbooks, that depend on
Azmodules. - Custom scripts running in CI/CD pipelines or deployments.
Step 5: Uninstall the Previous Version (Optional)
Once you have validated the new version, you may decide to remove the older version of the Az module to avoid potential conflicts. To uninstall a specific version, use:
Step 4: Validate in a Non-Production Environment
Before rolling out the new Az module in a production environment, it’s critical to test it in a non-production environment. This ensures that your scripts and workflows will continue to function as expected with the new version. Test the following:
- Key cmdlets you frequently use.
- Automation scripts, such as Azure Automation runbooks, that depend on
Azmodules. - Custom scripts running in CI/CD pipelines or deployments.
Step 5: Uninstall the Previous Version (Optional)
Once you have validated the new version, you may decide to remove the older version of the Az module to avoid potential conflicts. To uninstall a specific version, use:
Uninstall-Module -Name Az -RequiredVersion <version number>
Replace <version number> with the specific version you want to remove. This will keep your system clean and prevent any accidental usage of outdated versions.
Step 6: Verify the New Version
After the upgrade is complete, you should verify that the new version of the Az module is installed and loaded into your PowerShell session. Use:
Get-Module -Name Az -ListAvailable
To check the loaded version in the current session:
(Get-Module -Name Az).Version
Ensure that this matches the version you just installed.
Step 7: Reboot Automation Services (If Required)
If you’re using the Az module in automated environments like Azure Automation or a CI/CD pipeline, it may be necessary to restart services or agents that depend on PowerShell to ensure they load the correct version of the Az module.
For example, in Azure Automation, you may need to update the modules within the automation account by navigating to the Modules section and upgrading Az there as well.
Step 8: Update PowerShell Scripts and Pipelines
After a successful upgrade, it’s a good time to check if any scripts need to be updated to take advantage of new features or improvements in the Az module. Ensure that your CI/CD pipelines or any scheduled scripts are also pointing to the correct version.
Step 9: Monitor the Upgrade
Keep an eye on the functionality of your PowerShell scripts and automation systems after upgrading. If you encounter any issues, check the logs for errors related to deprecated cmdlets or breaking changes that may require you to refactor parts of your scripts.
Best Practices for Upgrading PowerShell Az Modules
- Test in Stages: Always validate the new
Azmodule version in a development or non-production environment before rolling it out. - Backup Your Scripts: Ensure you have backups of any scripts that rely on the
Azmodule so you can revert them if necessary. - Pin Module Versions: For critical automation systems, you may want to pin specific versions of the
Azmodule to ensure compatibility. This can be done using the-RequiredVersionparameter with theInstall-Modulecommand.
Install-Module -Name Az -RequiredVersion 5.9.0
- Stay Informed: Regularly check release notes and community feedback on the latest versions of the
Azmodule to stay aware of known issues or breaking changes.
Conclusion
Upgrading the Az PowerShell module is a crucial part of managing your Azure environment efficiently and securely. By following the outlined steps—checking compatibility, testing in a non-production environment, and validating your scripts—you can safely upgrade to the latest version without disrupting your workflows. Always remember to back up important scripts and monitor for issues after any upgrade.
Keeping your tools updated will allow you to leverage the latest Azure features, ensuring your cloud environment remains efficient, secure, and future-ready.
Andrew Sutcliffe