Alternatively, you can use a command-line method shared by users on Microsoft Support: DISM /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:WMIC~~~~ 📂 WMIC vs. PowerShell: Quick Reference
The standard WMIC syntax follows this pattern:
Get-CimInstance Win32_OperatingSystem | Select-Object Caption, Version wmic process get name, processid
When you run wmic help , the system displays standard management verbs. The verb used to make something "new" in WMIC is , not new . The Core WMIC Verbs wmic help new
For those migrating to newer standards, here is how common WMIC tasks translate to the modern PowerShell environment. Legacy WMIC Command Modern PowerShell (CIM) wmic os get caption Get-CimInstance Win32_OperatingSystem List Services wmic service list brief Get-Service or Get-CimInstance Win32_Service Kill Process wmic process where name='app.exe' delete Stop-Process -Name "app" Check BIOS wmic bios get serialnumber Get-CimInstance Win32_Bios | Select SerialNumber ⚠️ Troubleshooting Common Errors
If you typed "useful" because you saw it in a command list, there is actually a specific alias in WMIC called useful . It provides a quick view of basic system information.
As mentioned, wmic is being phased out. If you are learning new skills today, it is highly recommended to learn the PowerShell equivalents. Alternatively, you can use a command-line method shared
WMIC is being removed from modern versions of Windows (like Windows 11 24H2). Below is how you translate classic WMIC "queries" into the "new" standard. Old WMIC Way New PowerShell Way wmic os get caption Get-CimInstance Win32_OperatingSystem List Software wmic product get name Get-Package or Get-CimInstance Win32_Product Check BIOS wmic bios get serialnumber Get-CimInstance Win32_BIOS System Help wmic /? Get-Help Get-CimInstance 📜 The "Story" of WMIC
If you’re a sysadmin, IT pro, or power user who relies on wmic.exe for quick Windows scripting, things are changing. As of the 24H2 update, WMIC is officially no longer pre-installed by default.
Open PowerShell as Admin and type:
To understand how wmic help new applies to real-world scenarios, it helps to understand the anatomy of a WMIC command:
By replacing WMIC scripts with PowerShell CIM cmdlets, you ensure your automation infrastructure remains secure, performs faster, and remains fully compatible with current and future versions of Windows.