Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enhances security by requiring users to verify their identity using multiple authentication methods. PnP PowerShell supports MFA authentication, allowing administrators to securely connect to SharePoint Online, Microsoft 365, and Teams without using stored passwords.
Since traditional authentication with username and password is not supported for MFA-enabled accounts, users must use interactive login methods.
Step 1: Prerequisites
Before connecting using MFA, ensure:
PnP PowerShell is installed (Install-Module PnP.PowerShell)
You have an MFA-enabled account
The correct SharePoint Online URL (e.g., https://yourtenant.sharepoint.com)
Your organization allows interactive authentication
Step 2: Connecting to SharePoint Online with MFA
Method 1: Interactive Login (Recommended for Admins & General Use)
To log in with MFA-enabled accounts, use the -Interactive parameter:
Connect-PnPOnline -Url "https://yourtenant.sharepoint.com" -Interactive
This opens a Microsoft login prompt to enter credentials and approve MFA.
Works with Conditional Access Policies and Modern Authentication.
After authentication, verify the connection:
Get-PnPSite
Method 2: Using Browser-Based Authentication (Alternative MFA Method)
If you face issues with the interactive login, use:
Connect-PnPOnline -Url "https://yourtenant.sharepoint.com" -UseWebLogin
This opens a browser window for authentication.
Useful for accounts that require third-party authentication methods.
Step 3: Connecting with App-Only Authentication (For Automation & Scheduled Tasks)
For scripts and automation, use App-Only authentication instead of MFA.
Certificate Authentication (Recommended)
Connect-PnPOnline -Url "https://yourtenant.sharepoint.com" -ClientId "<App_ID>" -Tenant "<Tenant_ID>" -CertificatePath "C:\PnPAppAuth.pfx"
Client Secret Authentication (Less Secure)
Connect-PnPOnline -Url "https://yourtenant.sharepoint.com" -ClientId "<App_ID>" -Tenant "<Tenant_ID>" -ClientSecret "<Client_Secret>"
⚠ Warning: Avoid storing secrets in scripts. Use Azure Key Vault for security.
Step 4: Disconnecting from SharePoint Online
To close the session:
Disconnect-PnPOnline
This ensures security by removing cached credentials.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Issue: “Authentication failed or Access Denied”
✔ Solution: Ensure you’re using the correct MFA-enabled account and the -Interactive flag.
Issue: “Connect-PnPOnline: AADSTS50076 MFA required”
✔ Solution: Use -Interactive instead of username-password authentication.
Issue: “Error: The request is blocked by Conditional Access policies”
✔ Solution: Your organization may require App-Only authentication instead of user-based login.