Last Updated on August 7, 2025 by Arnav Sharma
PowerShell is a powerful scripting language and automation framework developed by Microsoft. It provides a rich set of cmdlets and a flexible scripting language that allows you to automate and streamline your tasks. One of the key features of PowerShell is its ability to use modules, which are packages of PowerShell commands and functionalities.
What is a PowerShell Module?
A PowerShell module is a package that contains PowerShell commands in the form of functions, cmdlets, and scripts. These modules can add functionalities to the PowerShell environment, allowing you to perform tasks and automate processes more efficiently. Each module is stored in a folder and has a specific module path.
Where are PowerShell Modules Stored?
The location where PowerShell modules are stored is determined by the PSModulePath environment variable. This variable contains one or more directory paths where Windows PowerShell looks for modules when you run the Import-Module cmdlet.
By default, the PSModulePath environment variable includes the following paths:
- System-wide modules: These are available to all users and are typically stored in
C:WindowsSystem32WindowsPowerShellv1.0Modules. This is the first path in the PSModulePath environment variable. - Per-user modules: These are specific to the current user and are usually stored in
C:Users<YourUserName>DocumentsWindowsPowerShellModules. This is the second path in the powershell module path in the PSModulePath environment variable.
You can view the current value of the PSModulePath environment variable by running the following command in a PowerShell session to see modules installed locations:
$env:PSModulePath
How to Install PowerShell Module?
You can install a new PowerShell module from the PowerShell Gallery, which is a repository for PowerShell content. You can use the Install-Module cmdlet to install a module. Hereโs an example of how to install a module:
Install-Module -Name <ModuleName>
Replace <ModuleName> with the name of the module you want to install. The -Name parameter specifies the name of the module.
How to Import a PowerShell Module?
After a module is installed, you can import it into your PowerShell session using the Import-Module cmdlet. Hereโs how you can do it:
Import-Module -Name <ModuleName>
Again, replace <ModuleName> with the name of the module you want to import. The -Name parameter specifies the name of the module.
How to Use a PowerShell Module?
Once a module is imported, you can use the commands that the module provides. These commands can be functions, cmdlets, or scripts. You can view the commands provided by a module using the Get-Command cmdlet:
Get-Command -Module <ModuleName>
PowerShell modules are a powerful feature of PowerShell that allows you to extend its functionality. By understanding where modules are stored, how to install and import them, and how to use PowerShell, you can take full advantage of the capabilities that PowerShell offers. Whether youโre using Windows PowerShell 5.1 or the latest version of PowerShell 7, understanding modules will help you become more efficient and effective in your scripting and automation tasks. Remember to always update your modules to the latest version to benefit from the latest features and improvements. Happy scripting!