Microsoft Removed WMIC Tool From Windows 11
The aging command-line utility was officially removed from Windows 11 in August 2026.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Computers
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In August 2026, Microsoft finalized the removal of the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool from Windows 11. The feature, which had been included with operating systems since Windows XP, is no longer available as a Windows Feature on Demand.
Why it matters
The tool was phased out because PowerShell has become the primary method for accessing WMI functionality. Additionally, WMIC capabilities were frequently exploited by attackers to execute malicious remote code.
Microsoft disabled WMIC by default in Windows 11 version 24H2 before fully removing it in versions 24H2 and 25H2. Users must now rely on PowerShell to interact with Windows Management Instrumentation.
The players
Microsoft
The American multinational technology corporation that develops the Windows operating system.
The details
Microsoft began the process of sunsetting the utility years ago, first deprecating it for Windows Server 2012 in 2016. By shifting support entirely to PowerShell, the company aims to modernize administrative workflows and eliminate a known vector for remote code execution.
Timeline
2016: Microsoft announced WMIC deprecation for Windows Server 2012.
2021: Microsoft announced WMIC deprecation for Windows 10.
2024: WMIC was disabled by default in Windows 11 version 24H2.
August 2026: Microsoft finalized the removal of WMIC from Windows 11.
The Tech Race
This transition marks the final stage in replacing legacy command-line interfaces with more secure, robust scripting environments like PowerShell. By retiring decades-old tools, Microsoft forces the industry toward modern security standards that prioritize system hardening.
Power users and system administrators must update existing scripts to use PowerShell, as WMIC commands will no longer execute on current Windows 11 versions. This shift improves overall system security by reducing the surface area available to potential attackers.
The takeaway
Users should prioritize migrating administrative tasks to PowerShell to ensure continued compatibility with updated Windows environments. Removing long-standing legacy tools is a necessary step for vendors to mitigate security risks associated with older, vulnerable code.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest software changes in the Computers section.
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