MC1152317 – Membership management of SharePoint Embedded containers through PowerShell

Product:

Microsoft 365 admin center, SharePoint

Platform:

Online, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

New feature, Admin impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
New PowerShell cmdlets for managing SharePoint Embedded container membership will roll out worldwide from late September to October 2025. Administrators can add, update, or remove users via PowerShell without using the SharePoint Admin Center. Update your PowerShell module and inform your team to prepare.

Details:
[Introduction]
We're introducing new PowerShell cmdlets that allow SharePoint Embedded administrators to manage container membership directly through PowerShell. This update provides greater flexibility and automation capabilities, reducing reliance on the SharePoint Admin Center for user role management.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in late September 2025 and is expected to complete by late October 2025.

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:

Created:
2025-09-13

updated:
2025-09-13

Task Type

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Docu to Check

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS How does it affect me

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Preperations

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Urgency

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS workload name

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

summary for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Direct effects for Operations**

Increased Risk of User Management Errors
Without proper preparation and training on the new PowerShell cmdlets, administrators may inadvertently add, update, or remove users incorrectly, leading to unauthorized access or loss of access for users.
   - roles: SharePoint Embedded Administrators, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.online.sharepoint.powershell/add-spocontaineruser?view=sharepoint-ps, https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.online.sharepoint.powershell/remove-spocontaineruser?view=sharepoint-ps

Disruption in User Access Management
If administrators are not familiar with the new cmdlets, there may be delays in managing user roles, resulting in potential disruptions in user access to necessary resources.
   - roles: SharePoint Embedded Administrators, End Users
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.online.sharepoint.powershell/set-spocontaineruser?view=sharepoint-ps, https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/sharepoint/sharepoint-online/connect-sharepoint-online?view=sharepoint-ps

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

SharePoint administrators will soon have a new tool in their toolkit with the introduction of PowerShell cmdlets designed to manage SharePoint Embedded container memberships. This means that instead of relying solely on the SharePoint Admin Center to add, update, or remove users, administrators can now perform these tasks directly through PowerShell. Think of it like having a remote control for your TV. Previously, you had to get up and manually change the channel (using the SharePoint Admin Center), but now you can sit back and use a remote (PowerShell cmdlets) to do the same job more efficiently.

The new cmdlets—Add-SPOContainerUser, Set-SPOContainerUser, and Remove-SPOContainerUser—offer administrators the flexibility to manage user roles with ease. It's like having a Swiss Army knife that can perform multiple functions without needing to switch tools. These cmdlets allow for streamlined processes and can be integrated into existing automation scripts, making user management tasks quicker and less prone to human error.

To take advantage of these new capabilities, administrators need to ensure their SharePoint PowerShell module is updated to the latest version. It's similar to updating your smartphone's operating system to access new features and improvements. Once updated, administrators can start using these cmdlets to manage container memberships effectively.

While no compliance considerations have been identified with this update, it's always wise to review any changes in the context of your organization's policies. This ensures that all processes remain aligned with internal guidelines and external regulations.

Overall, these new PowerShell cmdlets are a valuable addition for SharePoint administrators, providing a more efficient and flexible way to manage user roles within SharePoint Embedded containers.