Microsoft Removes WMIC from Windows 11

Microsoft has announced the final removal of the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) from Windows 11 with the current preview update KB5120998. This command-line tool, which has been part of the operating system since Windows XP, will no longer be supported in versions 24H2 and 25H2. The information comes from the official release notes for the release preview builds 26100.9267 and 26200.9267. WMIC was already deprecated by Microsoft in 2021, and since then, the company has gradually reduced its usage.

With the August update, support is now being definitively discontinued, meaning that the executable file wmic.exe will be removed. The WMIC tool allowed administrators and advanced users to read system information and automate management tasks. This included retrieving hardware data, BIOS information, and running processes through commands. However, the underlying Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) will remain fully intact and continue to be supported. The removal of WMIC could be particularly problematic for users who rely on older management and automation scripts that directly depend on WMIC.

After the installation of the update, corresponding calls will no longer function. This affects batch files, PowerShell scripts, login and startup scripts, as well as scheduled tasks. Microsoft recommends using PowerShell as a replacement, which has provided access to the same WMI data for years. PowerShell is considered more powerful and better suited for modern automation. Transitioning to PowerShell may become necessary for many users to maintain the functionality of their scripts.

The removal of WMIC is part of a larger update that includes other changes. Microsoft is also testing the return of a freely positionable taskbar, allowing users to place it at various screen edges. Additionally, the Start menu will receive new size options, and Windows Search will be revamped. Another important feature of the update is the integration of additional security features, including the so-called Administrator Protection. These measures aim to enhance user security and improve the management of Windows systems.

The removal of WMIC marks another step in the evolution of Windows, as Microsoft increasingly distances itself from older technologies that no longer meet modern requirements. However, for most home users, the change is unlikely to have immediate effects, as many users may never have consciously used WMIC. The full implementation of the update is expected to occur in the coming months, with Microsoft planning to roll out the update to all users by the end of 2026. Microsoft's official statement regarding the changes in update KB5120998 emphasizes that the removal of WMIC is part of efforts to future-proof Windows 11 and enhance the user experience.