Get-DistributionGroup

Use Get-DistributionGroup to list distribution groups and mail-enabled security groups. See ExchangeOnlineManagement module requirements and examples.

Command 1 min read Windows PowerShell 5.1 and PowerShell 7

Documentation: Microsoft Learn — PowerShell module reference

Written and tested by Dhrub Bharali · Updated 02 October 2026

Common usage

Get-DistributionGroup -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue

This is a usage example, not the complete parameter-set reference. Follow Microsoft Learn below for supported parameters and version details.

See the command anatomy

Read the command and its supplied arguments. This example requires real PowerShell or its module; this diagram does not execute it.

Get-DistributionGroup -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue

Stage 1Get-DistributionGroup-ErrorAction

Try it

Windows PowerShell

PowerShell example · browser support is limited.

Execution scope: The full example below requires PowerShell outside this browser. You can edit this runner to use the supported practice commands; unsupported syntax returns an explanation.

Command

Interactive simulation · fictional data

Examples

Get-DistributionGroup -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue

1PS> Get-DistributionGroup -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue

Show reference output

Sample output · fictional data, shaped like the real thing

DisplayName        PrimarySmtpAddress       GroupType
-----------        ------------------       ---------
All Employees      all@contoso.com          Universal
IT Operations      it-ops@contoso.com       Universal

Practical use and troubleshooting

Practical scenario: Use Get-DistributionGroup when you need to list distribution groups and mail-enabled security groups. Start with one identified target and inspect the returned values before extending the operation to a list. Keep the identity in your report so you can trace each result back to the object or path that produced it.

Common error and fix: Identity not found may mean the object is a Microsoft 365 group rather than a distribution group. Confirm recipient type and query the appropriate group family instead of changing its name. In an unattended script, capture this failure with its original error record and record which target failed. An empty result and an unsuccessful query must remain distinguishable in the final report.

See also: Get-DistributionGroupMember. Get-DistributionGroup reads distribution and mail-enabled security group objects; Get-DistributionGroupMember enumerates direct members. Group delivery settings and membership answer different questions. Read the linked command before substituting it; similar names do not imply identical inputs or output.

Get-DistributionGroup reference on Microsoft Learn

Recap

Get-DistributionGroup Use Get-DistributionGroup to list distribution groups and mail-enabled security groups. See ExchangeOnlineManagement module requirements and examples.

Next: Get-MgGroup