Using Get-MgReportEmailAppUsageUserDetail in Graph PowerShell

The Get-MgReportEmailAppUsageUserDetail cmdlet in the Microsoft Graph PowerShell module is a powerful tool for IT administrators to retrieve detailed insights into email app usage by users in a Microsoft 365 tenant. This report is essential for understanding email app adoption, monitoring usage trends, and planning IT strategies effectively.

This article provides an overview of the cmdlet, its syntax, usage examples, cmdlet tips, use cases, possible errors with solutions, and a conclusion.

Cmdlet Syntax

Get-MgReportEmailAppUsageUserDetail -Period <Report Period> -OutFile <Output File Path>

Parameters:

• Period (required): Specifies the reporting period. The value should be in the format D<Number of Days> (e.g., D7, D30). The maximum allowable value is D180.
• OutFile (required): Specifies the path and name of the file where the report will be downloaded in CSV format.

Usage Examples

Retrieve a detailed report of email app usage for the last 30 days:

Get-MgReportEmailAppUsageUserDetail -Period D30 -OutFile "C:/Reports/EmailAppUsageDetail.csv"

Cmdlet Tips

• Be Mindful of the Period: The -Period parameter is crucial for generating valid reports. Ensure you specify a value that represents a time frame of 180 days or less. For instance, if you try D365, you'll encounter an error because the maximum reporting period is D180. Always plan your reporting needs accordingly.
• Choose an Accessible File Path: The -OutFile parameter defines where your report will be saved. Make sure the path is both accessible and writable. A simple approach is to create a dedicated folder like C:\Reports to store all your outputs neatly. It also makes it easier to find your reports later.
• Leverage CSV Tools: The reports are downloaded in CSV format, which is easy to analyze with tools like Excel or Power BI. You can quickly filter, sort, and create visual representations of the data to understand trends and make decisions based on insights.
• Automate Regular Reports: If you need these reports frequently, consider scheduling them with a task scheduler. Combine this cmdlet with PowerShell automation to generate weekly or monthly reports automatically, saving you time and ensuring consistency.
• Check Permissions Beforehand: Running this cmdlet requires specific permissions in Microsoft Graph. Ensure the account you are using has the Reports.Read.All permission granted. It saves you from troubleshooting permission errors at the last moment.

Use Cases

• Understanding Email App Preferences: One of the simplest yet impactful use cases is to understand how users are accessing their email. For example, you might find that most of your users rely on mobile apps like Outlook Mobile, while others prefer the web client or desktop app. This insight can help you prioritize support and training efforts.
• Evaluating the Success of IT Campaigns: Suppose you recently introduced a new email app or encouraged users to adopt a specific platform. Using this cmdlet, you can track the adoption rates and see if your efforts have paid off. If adoption is lower than expected, you can take corrective actions like additional training or reminders.
• Planning Licensing Decisions: Not all email apps require the same level of licensing. By understanding which apps your users prefer, you can make smarter licensing decisions. For example, if the majority use the web client, you might not need to invest heavily in desktop licensing for all users.
• Enhancing Security Monitoring: Email is a critical communication channel, and it’s often targeted by attackers. With this cmdlet, you can identify the apps users rely on most, ensuring that these apps are compliant with your organization's security policies. For example, if you notice heavy usage of a less secure app, it may signal the need for intervention.
• Supporting User Adoption Strategies: The data can also help in strategizing user adoption for new apps or platforms. If you notice that certain departments are lagging in adopting modern tools, you can provide targeted training to improve their productivity.
• Creating Historical Usage Reports for Management: Managers and stakeholders often require detailed reports to make decisions. This cmdlet allows you to generate historical usage data, giving you the ability to present well-documented insights. Whether it's for quarterly reviews or budget planning, these reports can add significant value.

Possible Errors and Solutions

Error	Cause	Solution
Invalid Period Value	The -Period value exceeds the supported range (e.g., D270).	Use a valid period between D1 and D180.
Access Denied	Lacks Reports.Read.All permission.	Grant the required permission in Azure AD.
File Path Not Found	The specified directory does not exist.	Create the directory or provide a valid path.

Conclusion

The Get-MgReportEmailAppUsageUserDetail cmdlet is a valuable tool for organizations seeking to improve productivity, monitor adoption, and enhance security in their email ecosystems. With detailed reports and actionable insights, administrators can make informed decisions, optimize IT strategies, and support their teams effectively.

Whether you need to track usage trends, plan licensing, or generate reports for stakeholders, this cmdlet ensures you have the data you need at your fingertips. Explore its potential and integrate it into your regular IT management routines to maximize its benefits.