Connect to Skype for Business Online with PowerShell using MFA

This article explains how to connect to Skype for Business Online with PowerShell, using an account that has been enabled for MFA.

Prerequisites

You need to be a Global Administrator in the Office 365 Tenant, or at the least be assigned to the Skype for Business administrator role.

You need to be using a 64-bit version of one of the following Windows OS:

• Windows 10
• Windows 8 or 8.1
• Windows 7 SP1
• Windows Server 2016
• Windows Server 2012 R2
• Windows Server 2012
• Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1

The computer also must be running:

• PowerShell
• Skype for Business Online Connector module

Download the latest version of the Skype for Business Online Connector module (click here).  Run through the installer.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Connect to Skype for Business Online

Run the following PowerShell to import the Skype for Business Online module:

Import-Module SkypeOnlineConnector

When the module has been imported, run the following command:

$sfbSession = New-CsOnlineSession

Enter the UPN of your Azure AD account when prompted.

Enter your password when prompted.  Click Sign in.

MFA in this example is via a SMS message.  Enter the code, click Verify. 

Although a connection has been established to the Skype for Business Online tenant, it’s necessary to run the following command to download scripts, cmdlets, etc. to manage Skype for Business Online:

Import-Session $sfbSession

Close the Connection

When you’re done, closing the PowerShell window will leave the remote connection to Skype for Business Online active for the next 15 minutes. It’s good practice to end the session when you’re done.

Remove-PSSession $sfbSession