Common PowerShell Errors in Microsoft 365 Migrations (and How to Fix Them)

PowerShell is a vital tool in Microsoft 365 migrations. It allows administrators to manage users, mailboxes, permissions, and migration batches with precision. However, even experienced professionals run into frustrating PowerShell errors during complex transitions. These errors can halt a migration mid-process and introduce risks if not identified early.

Understanding these errors and how to troubleshoot them effectively can help streamline your migration and avoid extended downtimes.

1. WinRM Cannot Process the Request

This is a common error when attempting to connect to Exchange Online PowerShell. The full message often includes a reference to authentication or network configuration issues.

Root Cause:

The remote connection is blocked or PowerShell is not using the correct authentication method.

Fix:
Ensure WinRM is enabled with the command:

pgsql

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Enable-PSRemoting -Force

If you're using Basic Authentication with Exchange Online, make sure to run:

powershell

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$UserCredential = Get-Credential

$Session = New-PSSession -ConfigurationName Microsoft.Exchange -ConnectionUri https://outlook.office365.com/powershell-liveid/ -Credential $UserCredential -Authentication Basic -AllowRedirection

Import-PSSession $Session

For modern authentication, use the Exchange Online PowerShell V2 module instead.

2. The Term Is Not Recognized as the Name of a Cmdlet

This error occurs when a PowerShell command fails because the module or cmdlet is unavailable.

Root Cause:

You are trying to run a command from a module that isn’t loaded or installed.

Fix:
Install the correct module first:

powershell

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Install-Module -Name ExchangeOnlineManagement

Then connect using:

powershell

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Connect-ExchangeOnline -UserPrincipalName user@domain.com

Always validate that the session imports successfully and the module version is up to date.

3. Cannot Bind Argument to Parameter ‘Identity’

This error indicates the parameter you passed does not match the expected format or doesn’t exist in Microsoft 365.

Root Cause:

The identity you passed might be misspelled or the object might not yet exist.

Fix:
Double-check the object using:

powershell

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Get-Mailbox | Select Name, UserPrincipalName

Use the exact name from the list. Avoid using display names and rely on UserPrincipalName or primary SMTP address for accuracy.

4. Migration Batch Fails to Start Using New-MigrationBatch

This can happen when attempting to start mailbox moves using PowerShell.

Root Cause:

Incorrect batch configuration or unsupported parameters.

Fix:
Ensure the batch command includes mandatory parameters. Example:

powershell

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New-MigrationBatch -Name "Batch01" -SourceEndpoint "IMAPEndpoint" -CSVData ([System.IO.File]::ReadAllBytes("C:\Migration\users.csv")) -TargetDeliveryDomain "domain.mail.onmicrosoft.com" -NotificationEmails "admin@domain.com"

Also validate the migration endpoint configuration with:

powershell

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Get-MigrationEndpoint

5. Access Denied or Authentication Failures During Connection

This is one of the most frustrating issues when automation scripts suddenly fail during long-running migrations.

Root Cause:

Multi-factor authentication is enabled but the script is using legacy login methods.

Fix:
Use modern authentication with the Exchange Online PowerShell V2 module. Install and connect securely:

powershell

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Install-Module -Name ExchangeOnlineManagement

Connect-ExchangeOnline

Avoid storing passwords in scripts. Always use secure token-based authentication when supported.

6. Throttling and Session Limits

During bulk migrations, you may see errors related to throttling or concurrent session limits.

Root Cause:

Microsoft 365 has strict throttling policies to prevent system overload.

Fix:
Use the -ConnectionUri with -ThrottleLimit parameters and stagger scripts using delays or batching. Also consider using a tool that manages throttling automatically.

Better Way to Avoid PowerShell Pitfalls

While PowerShell gives control, it also introduces complexity and potential for human error. Migrating thousands of mailboxes manually increases the chance of script failures, authentication mismatches, and policy violations.

If you're facing repeated PowerShell issues, it’s time to consider a professional solution.

EdbMails Office 365 Migration tool is designed to handle all migration scenarios without PowerShell. It automatically maps mailboxes, manages throttling, preserves folder structure, and ensures complete data consistency. With no scripting required, it eliminates PowerShell dependency and speeds up the process for both small and enterprise-scale migrations.

Conclusion

PowerShell is powerful but fragile. One small mistake can disrupt your entire migration plan. By understanding these common errors and applying targeted fixes, you can avoid disruptions and regain control.

But if your project demands speed, reliability, and compliance-ready execution, switch to a dedicated solution like EdbMails Office 365 Migration Software. It helps you focus on results without dealing with script-level failures.

Additional links:

👉 Restore multiple PST files to Office 365

👉 Microsoft 365 to IMAP migration