How to Manage Telemetry Settings for Power Platform CLI Code Commands

If you're working with the Power Platform CLI (PAC CLI), you may have noticed that the pac code commands collect limited telemetry data to help Microsoft improve the developer experience. But did you know you can control exactly what gets collected — or turn it off entirely? In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about managing telemetry settings for PAC CLI code commands, so you stay in control of your data.

Whether you're a seasoned Power Platform developer or just getting started with Power Platform development, understanding telemetry settings is an important part of responsible CLI usage in enterprise environments.

What Is Telemetry in Power Platform CLI?

The Power Platform CLI (PAC CLI) code commands collect limited telemetry to help Microsoft understand how developers are using the tooling. This data is used to improve features, fix bugs, and prioritize development efforts. Importantly, no personally identifiable information (PII) is collected as part of this process.

Why Manage Telemetry Settings?

There are several reasons why developers and organizations may want to review or adjust telemetry settings:

Data privacy compliance — Enterprise environments may have strict data governance policies that restrict telemetry sharing with third parties.
Network performance — Limiting outbound telemetry calls can marginally improve performance in restricted network environments.
Personal preference — Some developers simply prefer to opt out of telemetry collection as a matter of principle.
Regulatory requirements — Certain industries (finance, healthcare, government) may require explicit control over data leaving the organization's environment.

How to View Your Current Telemetry Settings

Before making changes, it's a good idea to check your current telemetry configuration. You can do this using the following PAC CLI command:

pac telemetry show

This command will display whether telemetry is currently enabled or disabled for your PAC CLI installation.

How to Enable Telemetry

If telemetry has been disabled and you'd like to re-enable it — for example, to help contribute usage data that improves the product — run the following command:

pac telemetry enable

Once enabled, the PAC CLI code commands will resume sending anonymized usage data to Microsoft.

How to Disable Telemetry

To opt out of telemetry collection entirely, use the following command:

pac telemetry disable

After running this command, the PAC CLI will no longer send telemetry data. This setting persists across sessions, so you won't need to re-run it each time you use the CLI.

Telemetry and the PAC CLI Code Commands

The telemetry collected by the pac code commands specifically relates to how developers interact with Power Apps code-first development features, including:

Command invocation frequency
Error and exception rates
Feature usage patterns
Command execution duration

None of this data includes your source code, environment data, connection strings, or any personally identifiable information.

Best Practices for Enterprise Environments

If you're managing Power Platform CLI across a team or enterprise deployment, consider the following best practices:

Establish a standard configuration — Define whether telemetry should be enabled or disabled as part of your team's onboarding documentation.
Document your decision — Record the rationale for your telemetry setting in your internal governance documentation.
Review periodically — Microsoft may update what telemetry is collected with new CLI versions. Review release notes to stay informed.
Consult your compliance team — If you're unsure whether telemetry is appropriate for your environment, loop in your data privacy or compliance team.

Need help configuring Power Platform CLI for your organization? Our team of certified experts offers tailored consulting services to help you get set up correctly from day one.

Related Power Platform CLI Resources

Managing telemetry is just one small part of working effectively with the Power Platform CLI. If you're looking to expand your skills, check out these related resources:

Power Platform Development Services — See how CRMONCE can help accelerate your Power Platform projects.
Power Automate Solutions — Automate workflows and integrate systems with expert guidance.
Power Platform Training — Build your team's skills with structured training programs.
Dynamics 365 Implementation — Combine Power Platform capabilities with a full D365 deployment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does disabling telemetry affect PAC CLI functionality?

No. Disabling telemetry has no impact on the functionality of any PAC CLI commands. All features continue to work exactly the same way — you're simply opting out of anonymous usage data collection.

Is telemetry enabled by default?

Yes. Telemetry is enabled by default when you install the Power Platform CLI. You must explicitly run pac telemetry disable to opt out.

Can I manage telemetry settings for multiple users at once?

Telemetry settings are configured per user installation. For enterprise-wide management, consider incorporating the pac telemetry disable command into your CLI setup scripts or DevOps pipelines.

Where can I learn more about Power Platform CLI commands?

The full pac code command reference is available in the official Microsoft documentation. You can also explore our Power Platform development resources for practical guidance.

Ready to Get More From Power Platform?

Managing telemetry settings is just the beginning. Whether you need help implementing Power Platform at scale, automating complex business processes, or training your development team — CRMONCE is here to help.

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