Microsoft Build 2025 Highlights: Major Azure CLI & PowerShell Updates Boost Security, Automation, and User Experience

At Microsoft Build 2025, Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell unveiled major updates focused on quality, security, and user experience. Key highlights include Long-Term Support (LTS) releases, secure token handling, improved automation with JSON input, enhanced cloud metadata support, and faster Copilot responses to streamline Azure workflows. Unique :

Azure CLI and PowerShell Updates at Microsoft Build 2025

Microsoft just dropped some exciting news at Build 2025 about Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell. The focus? Quality, security, and a smoother user experience. If you’re managing Azure workflows, these updates are worth checking out.

What’s New: Support Models and Security Enhancements

One big highlight is the introduction of Long-Term Support (LTS) releases for Azure CLI, joining Azure PowerShell’s existing LTS and Short-Term Support (STS) options. This means you can pick between stability with LTS or the latest features with STS. Microsoft says,

“LTS versions provide a stable and predictable environment with a support cycle of up to 12 months.”

In addition, Azure PowerShell is now mandating the use of SecureString for tokens and secrets, replacing traditional string types. This change enhances security but is a breaking update, so keep an eye on upcoming documentation.

Major Updates: Microsoft Artifact Registry & User Experience

Azure PowerShell can now be installed via Microsoft Artifact Registry (MAR), which boosts security by ensuring only Microsoft publishes official packages. Plus, it speeds up downloads by caching modules closer to you.

Microsoft explains,

“MAR enhances security by eliminating risks like name squatting and improves supply chain integrity.”

On the user experience front, Azure PowerShell now features a real-time progress bar for long-running commands and smarter output formatting. For example, a detailed list appears for single results, while multiple results show as a concise table. This makes automation and scripting more intuitive.

Important to Know: Custom Clouds & Copilot Improvements

For those working in disconnected or custom Azure environments, Azure CLI now reads extended ARM metadata. This removes the need for hardcoded endpoints and supports dynamic cloud configurations, improving reliability and security.

Also, Azure CLI and PowerShell’s integration with Azure Copilot has been enhanced. Commands and scripts now deliver more accurate and helpful responses, streamlining your cloud management tasks.

Final Thoughts

Microsoft’s 2025 updates to Azure CLI and PowerShell focus on making your cloud operations safer, faster, and easier. Whether you prefer stability with LTS or cutting-edge features with STS, these tools have you covered. Plus, the new security measures and user-friendly features make managing Azure a smoother ride.

Try out these updates and see how they can streamline your Azure workflows. Don’t forget to pin your CLI version in CI/CD pipelines for consistency!

Azure CLI now supports both Standard Term Support (STS) and Long-Term Support (LTS) release models for flexible version management.

Azure PowerShell mandates SecureString for tokens and secrets, improving security with upcoming broader adoption in 2026.

Installation of Azure PowerShell via Microsoft Artifact Registry (MAR) boosts security and speeds up delivery through caching.

Azure CLI enhances custom cloud support by reading extended ARM metadata, enabling better automation in disconnected environments.

Azure PowerShell introduces real-time progress bars and dynamic output formatting to improve usability and automation workflows.

From the New blog articles in Microsoft Community Hub