PnP PowerShell is a powerful tool that simplifies SharePoint Online management, automation, and governance. To ensure efficiency, security, and maintainability, follow these best practices when using PnP PowerShell in SharePoint Online.

1. Secure Authentication Methods

Use Modern Authentication (MFA & App-based Auth)

Best Practice: Avoid storing credentials in scripts; use MFA or Azure AD App authentication.

# Secure MFA Authentication
Connect-PnPOnline -Url "https://yourtenant.sharepoint.com" -UseWebLogin

For Automation, Use App Registration Instead of User Credentials

$ClientID = "xxxx-xxxx-xxxx"
$TenantID = "yyyy-yyyy-yyyy"
$CertPath = "C:\Certificates\PnPCert.pfx"

Connect-PnPOnline -Url "https://yourtenant.sharepoint.com" -ClientId $ClientID -Tenant $TenantID -CertificatePath $CertPath

Why? This prevents credential leaks and improves security.

2. Follow Least Privilege Access Model

Grant Only Necessary Permissions

Assign the minimum required permissions to users, apps, or service accounts to reduce security risks.

Set-PnPAzureADApp -Permissions "Sites.Read.All" -GrantAdminConsent

Why? Prevents unnecessary access to sensitive SharePoint content.

3. Optimize PnP PowerShell Script Performance

Use Batching for Large Data Operations

When processing large lists/libraries, retrieve data in batches instead of querying all items at once.

$ListItems = Get-PnPListItem -List "Documents" -PageSize 500

Why? Prevents timeouts and improves script performance.

4. Implement Robust Error Handling

Use Try-Catch Blocks for Error Handling

Ensure your script does not fail unexpectedly by catching and logging errors.

try {
    $SiteUrl = "https://yourtenant.sharepoint.com/sites/ProjectSite"
    Connect-PnPOnline -Url $SiteUrl -UseWebLogin
    $List = Get-PnPList -Identity "ProjectDocuments"
} catch {
    Write-Host "Error: $($_.Exception.Message)" -ForegroundColor Red
}

Why? Helps in debugging and improves reliability.

5. Avoid Hardcoding Values in Scripts

Use Configurable Parameters or External Files

Store credentials, site URLs, and other settings in configuration files or environment variables.

$Config = Get-Content "C:\PnPConfig.json" | ConvertFrom-Json
$SiteURL = $Config.SiteURL
Connect-PnPOnline -Url $SiteURL -UseWebLogin

Why? Improves script reusability and security.

6. Automate and Schedule Scripts Securely

Use Azure Automation for Scheduling

Avoid running scripts manually; schedule them using Azure Automation or Power Automate.

Start-ScheduledTask -TaskName "Daily SharePoint Backup"

Why? Improves efficiency and reduces manual effort.

7. Follow SharePoint Governance and Compliance

Log Actions for Auditing

Always log script actions to track changes and ensure compliance.

Start-Transcript -Path "C:\Logs\PnPLog.txt" -Append

Why? Helps with audit trails and troubleshooting.

8. Monitor and Optimize SharePoint Performance

Analyze SharePoint Health Reports

Regularly monitor site collections, storage, and user activity for potential performance issues.

Get-PnPStorageEntity
Get-PnPUnifiedGroup | Select DisplayName, Visibility, MailEnabled

Why? Helps prevent performance bottlenecks.

9. Keep PnP PowerShell Up-to-Date

Always Update to the Latest PnP PowerShell Version

Ensure you’re using the latest version to get security fixes and new features.

Update-Module -Name PnP.PowerShell

Why? Prevents compatibility issues and improves security.

10. Use Secure APIs for External Integrations

Avoid Direct REST API Calls; Use PnP PowerShell Cmdlets Instead

Instead of making raw API calls, use PnP PowerShell’s built-in commands.

Bad Practice (Direct API Call)

Invoke-RestMethod -Uri "https://yourtenant.sharepoint.com/_api/web/lists" -Method GET

Best Practice (PnP PowerShell)

Get-PnPList

Why? Ensures better security and compliance with SharePoint API standards.

Best Practices for Using PnP PowerShell in SharePoint Online