Install-Module : A parameter cannot be found that matches parameter name ‘AllowPrerelease’

A parameter cannot be found that matches parameter name

To try a prerelease of PowerShell modules, you need to specify the AllowPrerelease parameter, e.g., like this:

Install-Module -Name ExchangeOnlineManagement -AllowPrerelease

This helps PowerShell make sure that you’re genuinely interested in a prerelease and that you understand the risk. 😊

But, in some cases, the -AllowPrerelease will render the following error message:

Install-Module : A parameter cannot be found that matches parameter name 'AllowPrerelease'.
At line:1 char:47
+ install-module -name exchangeonlinemanagement -AllowPrerelease
+                                               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    + CategoryInfo          : InvalidArgument: (:) [Install-Module], ParameterBindingException
    + FullyQualifiedErrorId : NamedParameterNotFound,Install-Module

Long story short: Update the PowerShellGet module to the latest version by running the following command:

Update-Module PowerShellGet -Force

Then start a new PowerShell console, and you’re good to go!

WARNING! BONUS INFO AHEAD!

If you want to pick up a more generic approach to solving this type of issue, continue reading.

How to Solve Any PowerShell Parameter Issue

A sound and vibrant PowerShell module continues to receive great feature updates.

If a parameter is not working in whatever version of whatever module you’re running, use the following approach:

  1. Check what module your command belongs to
  2. Update the module to the latest version

Check What Module a PowerShell Command Belongs To

You can easily find out what module your PowerShell command comes from.

In my case, the Install-Module command was causing the problem, so I ran the following:

PS C:\> Get-Command Install-Module
CommandType     Name                Version    Source
-----------     ----                -------    ------
Function        Install-Module      1.0.0.1    PowerShellGet

As you see, the source of the Install-Module command is an ancient version of the PowerShellGet module.

Update the Module to the Latest Version

I will update to the latest version using the following command:

Update-Module PowerShellGet -Force

And after starting a new PowerShell console, everything looks cool:

PS C:\> Get-Command Install-Module
CommandType     Name                Version    Source
-----------     ----                -------    ------
Function        Install-Module      2.2.5      PowerShellGet

– and I can finally update my ExchangeOnlineManagement module to the latest prerelease.

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