In order to install PowerCLI you need to have a supported version of .Net installed, a supported OS and a supported version of Powershell installed. You can read the release notes for PowerCLI here.
Installing PowerCLI
The installation itself is straight forward. Start by downloading and running the PowerCLI executable:
After the install begins you’ll be notified that ‘VMware VIX’ will be installed automatically:
Followed by a warning regarding script execution policy:
The remainder of the install wizard will be familiar, with options to choose the install location, and whether you want to install the optional vCloud Director PowerCLI. Once ready, click finish to complete the install.
Configuring PowerCLI
On starting the application for the first time there will be a warning regarding script execution (you may need to run the application as Administrator, if there are any permissions errors):
To allow the VMware modules to run, type set-executionpolicy remotesigned:
Now exit the PowerCLI application then re-open it:
You can test it out by connecting to a host or vcenter server by running the following command – Connect-viserver servername then run another cmdlet such as get-vmhost.