Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) removal from Windows

Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool will be removed when upgrading to Windows 11, version 25H2. All later releases for Windows 11 will not include WMIC added by default. Microsoft recommends using PowerShell and other modern tools for any tasks previously done with WMIC. Note: Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) itself remains part of Windows.

When will this happen

• A new installation of Windows 11, version 24H2 already has WMIC removed by default (it’s only installable as an optional feature).
• WMIC will be removed from Windows 11, version 25H2 and later.

How this will affect your organization

You may continue using Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI). However, WMIC will be removed as an outdated component, streamlining Windows without losing any management capabilities in Windows. By preparing now, you can help ensure a smooth transition in Windows.

What you need to do to prepare

Microsoft recommends using PowerShell and other modern tools for any tasks previously done with WMIC. For example, to return a list of process names, replace the following WMIC query: wmic path win32_process get Name. Use the PowerShell command instead: Get-CimInstance Win32_Process | Select-Object Name. Additionally, you can consider programmatic alternatives such as WMI’s COM API, .NET libraries, or scripting languages. Once you decide on your way forward, please update your internal IT documentation and processes.

Additional information

• Get more context and mitigation guidance at Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) removal from Windows.
• Learn about WMI command-line (WMIC) utility.
• Transition to WMI in PowerShell.