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Microsoft recommends the Az PowerShell module instead of AzureRM for managing Azure resources. AzureRM was deprecated on February 29, 2024, and Microsoft says it is no longer maintained or supported. For a new setup, use a supported PowerShell 7 release; Az also remains compatible with Windows PowerShell 5.1. You can install it locally, use Azure Cloud Shell, or run it in a Docker image.
What replaced AzureRM?
Az is Microsoft’s recommended PowerShell module for interacting with Azure. Microsoft officially deprecated AzureRM on February 29, 2024, and says it is no longer maintained or supported. Continuing to use AzureRM is at your discretion and risk.
Az is not simply a new name for AzureRM. Microsoft provides migration guidance and documents breaking changes, so existing scripts should be reviewed and tested rather than assumed to work unchanged. Microsoft’s Az introduction and migration overview explains the transition.
Which PowerShell environment should you use?
| Environment | Microsoft guidance | When it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Supported PowerShell 7 | The installation page recommends supported PowerShell 7 or higher on Windows, Linux, and macOS. The introduction page recommends PowerShell 7.2 or later across platforms. | Preferred starting point for a new local setup. Use a currently supported PowerShell release. |
| Windows PowerShell 5.1 | Az is compatible, but Microsoft does not recommend it over current PowerShell 7 guidance. | Compatibility with existing Windows workflows where needed. |
| Azure Cloud Shell | Az is preinstalled; Microsoft’s introduction says AzureRM compatibility aliases are enabled. | Try or run Az in a browser without installing the module locally. |
| Docker | Microsoft’s installation documentation says Az is preinstalled in Docker images. | Containerized workflows that use the provided image. |
“PowerShell Core” is sometimes used for the cross-platform PowerShell era, but current advice should focus on supported PowerShell 7 rather than older Core releases. For current installation guidance, see Microsoft’s Azure PowerShell installation page.
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#1 Best Overall
Sale
LAPGEAR Home Office Pro Lap Desk - Black Carbon, Fits 15.6” Laptops
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
How to migrate from AzureRM to Az
- Check your runtime and installed modules. In the shell you intend to use, run
$PSVersionTable.PSVersionto check the PowerShell version. On Windows, check for AzureRM withGet-Module -Name AzureRM -ListAvailable. - Choose where each module will run. For a clean migration, use a supported PowerShell 7 release for Az. If you must keep AzureRM temporarily on the same Windows system, follow Microsoft’s separation guidance: AzureRM in the current-user scope of Windows PowerShell 5.1, and Az in PowerShell 7.2 or higher.
- Remove AzureRM for a straightforward replacement. Microsoft’s migration overview recommends uninstalling AzureRM before installing Az. Follow the official removal and migration instructions for your installation.
- Install Az from PowerShell Gallery. In PowerShell, run
Install-Module -Name Az -Repository PSGallery -Force. Confirm any prompts according to your organization’s software policies. - Optionally enable compatibility aliases. Microsoft’s overview describes AzureRM aliases as a transition aid while you learn the Az command set. They do not guarantee that every AzureRM script will work without changes.
- Review breaking changes and validate scripts. Consult the migration resources linked from Microsoft’s overview, then test scripts in the actual PowerShell environment and Azure context where they will run.
Can AzureRM and Az run side by side?
Not in Windows PowerShell 5.1: Microsoft says installing both modules together in that runtime is unsupported. If a transition requires both on one Windows system, Microsoft documents separating them by runtime and scope: AzureRM in the current-user scope of Windows PowerShell 5.1, and Az in PowerShell 7.2 or higher. Check Microsoft’s Az troubleshooting guidance before configuring that arrangement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which way should you run Az?
- Choose local PowerShell 7 when you want a regular workstation or server setup and control over your shell environment.
- Choose Cloud Shell when browser-based access without local installation is more convenient.
- Choose Docker when a containerized workflow suits your environment.
- Keep AzureRM temporarily only when necessary, and separate it from Az as Microsoft specifies. Plan to assess script changes rather than relying on aliases alone.
The installation page listed Azure PowerShell version 16.3.0 when consulted for this article; module releases change, so use the version and instructions shown on Microsoft’s current installation page when installing.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2
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LAPGEAR Home Office Lap Desk – Pink, Fits 15.6” Laptops
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
AboveTEK Portable Laptop Lap Desk w/Retractable Left/Right Mouse Pad Tray, Non-Slip Heat Shield Tablet Notebook Computer Stand Table w/Sturdy Stable Work Surface for Bed Sofa Couch or Travel
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
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Yilador Webcam Cover 3 Pack, 0.03 inch Ultra Thin Laptop Camera Cover Slide
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Rank #2
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
