How to Import Cmdlets Using Modules

This article describes how to import cmdlets to a PowerShell session by using a binary module.

Note

The members of modules can include cmdlets, providers, functions, variables, aliases, and much more. Snap-ins can contain only cmdlets and providers.

How to load cmdlets using a module

1. Create a module folder that has the same name as the assembly file in which the cmdlets are implemented. In this procedure, the module folder is created in the Windows system32 folder.

   %SystemRoot%\system32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\Modules\mymodule

2. Make sure that the PSModulePath environment variable includes the path to your new module folder. By default, the system folder is already added to the PSModulePath environment variable. To view the PSModulePath, type: $Env:PSModulePath.

3. Copy the cmdlet assembly into the module folder.

4. Add a module manifest file (.psd1) in the module's root folder. PowerShell uses the module manifest to import your module. For more information, see How to Write a PowerShell Module Manifest.

5. Run the following command to add the cmdlets to the session:

   Import-Module [Module_Name]

   This procedure can be used to test your cmdlets. It adds all the cmdlets in the assembly to the session. For more information about modules, see Writing a Windows PowerShell Module.

See also

How to Write a PowerShell Module Manifest

Importing a PowerShell Module

Import-Module

Installing Modules

about_PSModulePath

Writing a Windows PowerShell Cmdlet