Microsoft is removing a legacy Windows feature that has been around for 25 years
August 16, 2026
WMIC’s Departure from Windows 11
The Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) utility, a staple for IT administrators since its introduction with Windows XP in 2001, is set to bid farewell in the upcoming feature update for Windows 11. This tool has long served as a bridge for users to interact with the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), facilitating management of various hardware and software components within the PC ecosystem. Its utility has been highlighted in numerous guides, particularly for tasks such as checking motherboard models and retrieving product keys.
Over the years, however, WMIC’s prominence has diminished, overshadowed by the emergence of more sophisticated tools like PowerShell, which offer enhanced functionality. Microsoft first signaled WMIC’s decline in 2016 with its deprecation in Windows Server, followed by its removal from Windows 10 in 2021. Although it remained accessible as a Feature on Demand (FoD) in Windows 10 and 11, it was disabled by default in new installations, foreshadowing its eventual removal from the Windows landscape.
Recently, Microsoft released Preview builds 26100.9267 and 26200.9267 for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 Insiders, respectively, under the update KB5120998. While these builds introduce a host of new features, a noteworthy detail tucked away in the release notes confirmed that WMIC will not be part of Windows 11 after August 2026. This revelation solidifies the notion that WMIC will not be included in the forthcoming Windows 11 version 26H2, nor will it be available as a FoD.
As the deprecation of WMIC has been a gradual process over the past decade, many IT administrators and casual users who relied on WMIC scripts may have already transitioned to alternative solutions. PowerShell stands out as a prominent replacement for WMI tasks, but Microsoft has also pointed out additional workarounds for users seeking to adapt to this change.
Do you have any fond memories with WMIC? Let us know in the comments section below!
Microsoft is removing a legacy Windows feature that has been around for 25 years
WMIC’s Departure from Windows 11
The Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) utility, a staple for IT administrators since its introduction with Windows XP in 2001, is set to bid farewell in the upcoming feature update for Windows 11. This tool has long served as a bridge for users to interact with the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), facilitating management of various hardware and software components within the PC ecosystem. Its utility has been highlighted in numerous guides, particularly for tasks such as checking motherboard models and retrieving product keys.
Over the years, however, WMIC’s prominence has diminished, overshadowed by the emergence of more sophisticated tools like PowerShell, which offer enhanced functionality. Microsoft first signaled WMIC’s decline in 2016 with its deprecation in Windows Server, followed by its removal from Windows 10 in 2021. Although it remained accessible as a Feature on Demand (FoD) in Windows 10 and 11, it was disabled by default in new installations, foreshadowing its eventual removal from the Windows landscape.
Recently, Microsoft released Preview builds 26100.9267 and 26200.9267 for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 Insiders, respectively, under the update KB5120998. While these builds introduce a host of new features, a noteworthy detail tucked away in the release notes confirmed that WMIC will not be part of Windows 11 after August 2026. This revelation solidifies the notion that WMIC will not be included in the forthcoming Windows 11 version 26H2, nor will it be available as a FoD.
As the deprecation of WMIC has been a gradual process over the past decade, many IT administrators and casual users who relied on WMIC scripts may have already transitioned to alternative solutions. PowerShell stands out as a prominent replacement for WMI tasks, but Microsoft has also pointed out additional workarounds for users seeking to adapt to this change.
Do you have any fond memories with WMIC? Let us know in the comments section below!