Canonical: https://screensie.com/knowledge-base/command-line/powershell/wmi-cim-basics/

Query Windows hardware and operating-system inventory using the supported CIM cmdlets. Use Get-CimInstance instead of building new scripts around the.

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# Basic WMI Operations with PowerShell CIM




## How do I query WMI with PowerShell CIM?




Use Get-CimInstance instead of building new scripts around the deprecated WMIC utility.




Query Windows hardware and operating-system inventory using the supported CIM cmdlets.




Updated 
September 2, 2026
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 7 min
Applies to: Windows, Windows 10, Windows 11


 


Follow the steps in order and stop if the screen or target does not match what is described. Use administrator access only when the task requires it.




**Before you begin**


Save open work. Confirm that you are working on the intended computer and that you are authorized to make the change.




## Open PowerShell




These inventory queries normally work in a standard session.




## Read operating-system data




Query Win32\_OperatingSystem and select useful properties.




Command

```
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_OperatingSystem | Select-Object Caption, Version, BuildNumber, LastBootUpTime
```




## Read computer hardware




Query Win32\_ComputerSystem.




Command

```
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_ComputerSystem | Select-Object Manufacturer, Model, TotalPhysicalMemory
```




## Read BIOS details




Query Win32\_BIOS.




Command

```
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS | Select-Object Manufacturer, SMBIOSBIOSVersion, SerialNumber
```




## Discover class properties




Pipe one instance to Get-Member.




Command

```
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_LogicalDisk | Get-Member
```




## Prefer explicit properties




Avoid publishing full inventory output because it can contain device identifiers.




**Verify the result**


Repeat the relevant check and confirm the intended result before considering the task complete.


 


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