Which Computers Can Run an Azure PowerShell Script

AZ-900 By islever Editorial Last updated

Describe features and tools for managing and deploying Azure resources Describe the core architectural components of Azure

Short answer

CDE A macOS host with PowerShell Core, Azure Cloud Shell, and a Windows 10 host with the Azure PowerShell module can run the resource-creating script.

Question

An Azure administrator plans to run a PowerShell script that creates Azure resources.
You need to recommend which computer configuration to use to run the script.
Which three computers can run the script? Each correct answer presents a complete solution.
NOTE: Each correct selection is worth one point.
  1. a computer that runs Windows 11 and has the Azure CLI tools installed
  2. a computer that runs Linux and has the Azure CLI tools installed
  3. a computer that runs macOS and has PowerShell Core 6.0 installed Correct Answer
  4. a computer that runs Chrome OS and uses Azure Cloud Shell Correct Answer
  5. a computer that runs Windows 10 and has the Azure PowerShell module installed Correct Answer

Key Takeaways

The question tests whether you can tell Azure PowerShell (the Az module) from Azure CLI; the trap is assuming any Windows or Linux box with 'Azure tools' installed can run a PowerShell script.

This AZ-900 question tests which host configurations can execute a PowerShell script that creates Azure resources, and it hinges on the difference between Azure CLI and the Azure PowerShell (Az) module. The verdict is that a macOS machine with PowerShell Core, Azure Cloud Shell, and a Windows 10 machine with the Azure PowerShell module all qualify (C, D, E), while Azure CLI-only hosts do not.

Common mistake: Most learners pick A (Windows 11 plus Azure CLI tools), reasoning that Windows already has PowerShell built in — but the Azure CLI exposes az commands, not the Az PowerShell cmdlets, so the script cannot reach Azure.

Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

Option C is valid because PowerShell Core 6.0 is the cross-platform edition of PowerShell built on.NET Core and it installs and runs on macOS, where the Az module can then be loaded to create resources. Option D is valid because Azure Cloud Shell is a Microsoft-hosted, browser-based shell that offers both a Bash experience and a PowerShell experience with the Az module preinstalled, so any device with a browser — including Chrome OS — can run the script. Option E is the textbook case: a Windows 10 computer with the Azure PowerShell module installed has exactly the cmdlets the script calls to authenticate and create resources. Together these three cover the two supported shell hosts (local PowerShell and Cloud Shell) plus the cross-platform reach of PowerShell Core.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A fails because the stated configuration installs only the Azure CLI tools; Azure CLI provides az commands in Bash or PowerShell syntax, but it does not install the Az PowerShell module, so an Az-based script has no way to authenticate to or create resources. B fails for the same reason on Linux — Azure CLI is a separate tool from Azure PowerShell, and Microsoft documents them as distinct cross-platform interfaces. Note also the version wrinkle: current macOS installs deliver PowerShell 7.x rather than PowerShell Core 6.0, but 6.0 was genuinely cross-platform and is the intended correct answer in this exam item, whereas the CLI trap in A and B is unambiguous.

Community Comment Notes

The highest-liked comment argues for ADE, asserting that "Azure cloud shell supports both powershell and bash scripts" and that Windows hosts ship with PowerShell already — but preinstalled Windows PowerShell still lacks the Az module, so the granted tooling is the CLI. Mole857 makes the decisive counterpoint: "the CLI tools are not going to allow powershell to connect to azure", which is precisely why A and B are out. jambroba notes that the current macOS download is "PowerShell 7.4" rather than "PowerShell Core 6.0", a fair version caveat, while cartwrightb objects to C with "C Doesn't have PS module installed" — an objection that applies far more strongly to A and B, since Cloud Shell (D) and the Windows 10 host (E) come with Azure PowerShell access included.

Official Reference

These links open the official vendor documentation in a new tab.

Exam Strategy

When a question names PowerShell, look for the Az/Azure PowerShell module or Cloud Shell's PowerShell experience — Azure CLI is a different product even though it is cross-platform and can run PowerShell syntax. Treat Azure Cloud Shell as valid for any device with a browser, since it is Azure-hosted and preloads both Bash and PowerShell.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't a Windows 11 computer with Azure CLI tools run the PowerShell script?

Azure CLI provides az commands, not the Az PowerShell cmdlets. Without the Azure PowerShell module, the script cannot authenticate to or create Azure resources.

Does Azure Cloud Shell work from a Chrome OS device?

Yes. Cloud Shell is browser-based and hosted by Azure, providing a PowerShell experience with the Az module preinstalled, so Chrome OS or any browser-capable device works.

Is PowerShell Core 6.0 still the right answer for macOS when PowerShell 7 is current?

Yes for this exam item. PowerShell Core 6.0 was the first cross-platform release and runs on macOS; the point being tested is cross-platform PowerShell, not the exact version number.

More AZ-900 FAQ →

Discussion 24 contributions

Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.

From public community threads 24

  1. Safwan5 👍 27
    Answer: ADE A: Windows PC has already powershell installed + Azure tools > valid D: Azure cloud shell supports both powershell and bash scripts > valid E: Windows PC already has powershell + azure module for powershell is installed > valid not B: Linux computer has azure modules installed but for CLI not for powershell > invalid not C: MacOS has powershell installed but azure modules for powershell is not > invalid
  2. Super63 👍 7
    I am going for CDE The question clearly asks for the use of Powershell. This is a repeat of question 194 of sorts Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell are command-line tools that enable you to create and manage Azure resources. Both are cross-platform Azure CLI is a tool to manage Azure resources through Azure CLI reference commands that run in both a Bash and PowerShell scripting language. However, there are slight syntax differences in parameter formatting between scripting languages that can result in unexpected results So if there is a "slight difference" between the two, is there a "slight possibility" that the powershell script may not work and throw an error when using the Azure CLI tool? The Azure CLI is available to install in Windows, macOS and Linux environments * Also note that C is NOT wrong. PowerShell Core 6.0 is a new edition of PowerShell that is cross-platform (Windows, macOS, and Linux) A. It is using Azure CLI tools - Yet it clearly wnats Powershell B. This would work but it asks for powershell C. This will work D. This will work E. This will work
  3. Discus_kt 👍 6
    CDE: I know this is circular, but the previous questions 165, 167, and 191 support these choices. Each question has References. Also, Q194 is the same question with the same answer (and with references.)
  4. Mole857 👍 5
    I think it's CDE. Option A) needs the Azure Powershell module installed, the CLI tools are not going to allow powershell to connect to azure and run a powershell script.
  5. jambroba 👍 3
    ADE C is wrong. in macOs would be "PowerShell 7.4" not "PowerShell Core 6.0" https://learn.microsoft.com/pt-br/powershell/scripting/install/installing-powershell-on-macos?view=powershell-7.4
Show 19 more comments
  1. maciek8131 👍 3
    That's correct
  2. zswap 👍 2
    I think it is CDE C - PowerShell Core is cross-platform and can run on macOS D - Azure Cloud Shell provides a browser-based shell experience that includes PowerShell. E - This configuration is directly compatible with running PowerShell scripts for Azure.
  3. wolf1024 👍 2
    Very similar question to 194, a public discussion thread on this question I agreed that answer should be ADE
  4. cartwrightb 👍 2
    C Doesn't have PS module installed
  5. Lanatxo 👍 2
    I think it's CDE.
  6. anj_1 👍 1
    C: PowerShell Core is cross-platform and can run on macOS. A PowerShell script can therefore be executed there. D: Azure Cloud Shell provides a browser-based PowerShell environment with Azure tools already available. Chrome OS can access Cloud Shell through a browser. E: Windows 10 with the Azure PowerShell (Az) module can directly execute PowerShell commands that create and manage Azure resources. A and B are incorrect because having Azure CLI installed does not by itself provide the PowerShell/Azure PowerShell environment required to execute an Azure PowerShell script. Final answer: C, D, E ✅
  7. AdiT2026 👍 1
    Option Correct? Reason A ❌ Azure CLI does not execute Azure PowerShell scripts (Az cmdlets). B ❌ Azure CLI is not the same as Azure PowerShell. C ⚠️ Depends If PowerShell Core 6.0 has the Az module installed, then yes. However, the question only states "PowerShell Core 6.0," so, strictly speaking, this is not sufficient. D ✅ Azure Cloud Shell includes Azure PowerShell. E ✅ The Azure PowerShell module is exactly what is required to run an Azure PowerShell script.
  8. deyson 👍 1
    For me its ACE. The question already assumes that we will use Powershell so this eliminates D (coz it does not mention anything about using browser and we want to use Powershell). A is most definitely correct, B is not correct because it does not mention anything about Powershell installation on Linux (which has to be done prior) C is sufficient to run the Powershell script E is most likely correct as it is the most standard and common approach
  9. Tester_TKK 👍 1
    BCE according to Bing Chat. Quote: Based on these requirements, the correct answers are B, C, and E. A computer that runs Windows 11 and has the Azure CLI tools installed (A) cannot run PowerShell scripts unless it also has PowerShell and the Azure PowerShell module installed. A computer that runs Chrome OS and uses Azure Cloud Shell (D) can run PowerShell scripts in the browser, but it is not considered a local machine.
  10. SinaRamzi 👍 1
    A. a computer that runs Windows 11 and has the Azure CLI tools installed (Azure CLI can execute PowerShell scripts too) B. a computer that runs Linux and has the Azure CLI tools installed (Azure CLI can execute PowerShell scripts too) E. a computer that runs Windows 10 and has the Azure PowerShell module installed
  11. AlexKup 👍 1
    Just as simple. CLI ist not Powershell (they both use other syntax) which throws A and B out of scope for this question. C: Correct - The Core shell supports Powershell D: Correct - The cloud shell supports Powershell E: Correct - Just the older standard Powershell :)
  12. gijack88 👍 1
    A, B, D From Microsoft Learn: In addition to be available via Azure Cloud Shell, you can install and configure Azure PowerShell on Windows, Linux, and Mac platforms. Powershell is not recommended for use with Azure below version 7.0
  13. cicean 👍 1
    need to be updated the MacOs Install a supported version of PowerShell version 7 or higher
  14. Tester_TKK 👍 1
    sorry I mistyped the answer. also Bing chat changes the answer in a different window
  15. 3lVhylla 👍 1
    A, B, C, D, E can, all this "possible" answer actually can
  16. liya1 👍 1
    got this question on 22nd
  17. EhCloudGrrrU 👍 1
    ADE is correct fo sho
  18. newbie 👍 1
    A should consider ,.
  19. piipo 👍 1
    ADE is Correct

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