The Windows PowerShell command Invoke-WMIMethod is a powerful tool for managing Windows systems. It enables administrators to access and manipulate Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) objects on remote computers. This command can be used to perform a wide range of tasks, from retrieving system information to configuring Windows services.
In this article, we’ll explore the syntax, parameters, inputs, outputs, examples, and tips for using Invoke-WMIMethod. We’ll also answer some common questions about this command, so you can start using it right away.
What is Invoke-WMIMethod?
Invoke-WMIMethod is a Windows PowerShell command that enables administrators to access and manipulate Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) objects on remote computers. WMI is a Microsoft technology that provides a unified way of managing Windows systems. It provides access to system information, such as hardware and software configuration, as well as system performance data.
Invoke-WMIMethod is a powerful tool for managing Windows systems. It can be used to perform a wide range of tasks, from retrieving system information to configuring Windows services. It can also be used to create, modify, and delete WMI objects.
Syntax
The syntax for Invoke-WMIMethod is as follows:
Invoke-WMIMethod -Class-Name [-ArgumentList ] [-ComputerName ] [-Impersonation ] [-Authentication ] [-Credential ] [-EnableAllPrivileges] [-Locale ] [-Namespace ] [-Options ] [-ThrottleLimit ] [-AsJob] [-JobName ] [-MaxRunTime ] [-RunAs32] [-WhatIf] [-Confirm] [ ]
Parameters
Invoke-WMIMethod has several parameters that can be used to customize the command. These parameters are listed below:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Class | The WMI class to be accessed. |
| Name | The name of the WMI method to be invoked. |
| ArgumentList | A list of arguments to be passed to the WMI method. |
| ComputerName | The name of the computer to be accessed. |
| Impersonation | The impersonation level to be used when accessing the WMI object. |
| Authentication | The authentication level to be used when accessing the WMI object. |
| Credential | The credentials to be used when accessing the WMI object. |
| EnableAllPrivileges | A switch that enables all privileges when accessing the WMI object. |
| Locale | The locale to be used when accessing the WMI object. |
| Namespace | The namespace to be used when accessing the WMI object. |
| Options | The options to be used when accessing the WMI object. |
| ThrottleLimit | The throttle limit to be used when accessing the WMI object. |
| AsJob | A switch that enables the command to be run as a background job. |
| JobName | The name of the job to be created. |
| MaxRunTime | The maximum amount of time the job can run. |
| RunAs32 | A switch that enables the command to be run as a 32-bit process. |
| WhatIf | A switch that displays what would happen if the command was run. |
| Confirm | A switch that prompts for confirmation before running the command. |
Inputs
The inputs for Invoke-WMIMethod are the parameters listed above. These parameters must be specified in order for the command to run correctly.
Outputs
The output of Invoke-WMIMethod is the result of the WMI method that was invoked. This can be a variety of different types, depending on the WMI method that was invoked.
Examples
Here are some examples of how Invoke-WMIMethod can be used:
- To retrieve the status of a service on a remote computer, use the following command:
Invoke-WMIMethod -Class Win32_Service -Name GetStatus -ComputerName
-ArgumentList - To create a new user account on a remote computer, use the following command:
Invoke-WMIMethod -Class Win32_UserAccount -Name Create -ComputerName
-ArgumentList , - To delete a user account on a remote computer, use the following command:
Invoke-WMIMethod -Class Win32_UserAccount -Name Delete -ComputerName
-ArgumentList
Tips
Here are some tips for using Invoke-WMIMethod:
- Make sure you specify the correct WMI class and method when using Invoke-WMIMethod. The syntax and parameters for each WMI class and method are different.
- When accessing a remote computer, make sure you specify the correct credentials. If you don’t, the command will fail.
- If you’re running the command as a background job, make sure you specify the correct throttle limit. If you don’t, the job may take longer than expected to complete.
- If you’re unsure of what the command will do, use the WhatIf switch to display what would happen if the command was run.
Common Questions
Here are some common questions about Invoke-WMIMethod:
- What is Invoke-WMIMethod?
Invoke-WMIMethod is a Windows PowerShell command that enables administrators to access and manipulate Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) objects on remote computers.
- What are the parameters for Invoke-WMIMethod?
The parameters for Invoke-WMIMethod are Class, Name, ArgumentList, ComputerName, Impersonation, Authentication, Credential, EnableAllPrivileges, Locale, Namespace, Options, ThrottleLimit, AsJob, JobName, Max