external help file	Microsoft.PowerShell.Commands.Management.dll-Help.xml
Locale	en-US
Module Name	Microsoft.PowerShell.Management
ms.date	02/05/2024
online version	https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.management/invoke-wmimethod?view=powershell-5.1&WT.mc_id=ps-gethelp
schema	2.0.0
title	Invoke-WmiMethod

Invoke-WmiMethod

SYNOPSIS

Calls WMI methods.

SYNTAX

class (Default)

Invoke-WmiMethod [-Class] <String> [-Name] <String> [-ArgumentList <Object[]>] [-AsJob]
 [-Impersonation <ImpersonationLevel>] [-Authentication <AuthenticationLevel>] [-Locale <String>]
 [-EnableAllPrivileges] [-Authority <String>] [-Credential <PSCredential>] [-ThrottleLimit <Int32>]
 [-ComputerName <String[]>] [-Namespace <String>] [-WhatIf] [-Confirm] [<CommonParameters>]

object

Invoke-WmiMethod -InputObject <ManagementObject> [-Name] <String> [-ArgumentList <Object[]>]
 [-AsJob] [-ThrottleLimit <Int32>] [-WhatIf] [-Confirm] [<CommonParameters>]

path

Invoke-WmiMethod -Path <String> [-Name] <String> [-ArgumentList <Object[]>] [-AsJob]
 [-Impersonation <ImpersonationLevel>] [-Authentication <AuthenticationLevel>] [-Locale <String>]
 [-EnableAllPrivileges] [-Authority <String>] [-Credential <PSCredential>] [-ThrottleLimit <Int32>]
 [-ComputerName <String[]>] [-Namespace <String>] [-WhatIf] [-Confirm] [<CommonParameters>]

WQLQuery

Invoke-WmiMethod [-Name] <String> [-AsJob] [-Impersonation <ImpersonationLevel>]
 [-Authentication <AuthenticationLevel>] [-Locale <String>] [-EnableAllPrivileges]
 [-Authority <String>] [-Credential <PSCredential>] [-ThrottleLimit <Int32>]
 [-ComputerName <String[]>] [-Namespace <String>] [-WhatIf] [-Confirm] [<CommonParameters>]

query

Invoke-WmiMethod [-Name] <String> [-AsJob] [-Impersonation <ImpersonationLevel>]
 [-Authentication <AuthenticationLevel>] [-Locale <String>] [-EnableAllPrivileges]
 [-Authority <String>] [-Credential <PSCredential>] [-ThrottleLimit <Int32>]
 [-ComputerName <String[]>] [-Namespace <String>] [-WhatIf] [-Confirm] [<CommonParameters>]

list

Invoke-WmiMethod [-Name] <String> [-AsJob] [-Impersonation <ImpersonationLevel>]
 [-Authentication <AuthenticationLevel>] [-Locale <String>] [-EnableAllPrivileges]
 [-Authority <String>] [-Credential <PSCredential>] [-ThrottleLimit <Int32>]
 [-ComputerName <String[]>] [-Namespace <String>] [-WhatIf] [-Confirm] [<CommonParameters>]

DESCRIPTION

The Invoke-WmiMethod cmdlet calls the methods of Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) objects.

New Common Information Model (CIM) cmdlets, introduced in Windows PowerShell 3.0, perform the same tasks as the WMI cmdlets. The CIM cmdlets comply with WS-Management (WSMan) standards and with the CIM standard, which enables the cmdlets to use the same techniques to manage Windows computers and those running other operating systems. Instead of using Invoke-WmiMethod, consider using Invoke-CimMethod.

EXAMPLES

Example 1: List the required order of WMI method parameters

This command lists the required order of the objects.

Get-WmiObject Win32_Volume |
    Get-Member -MemberType Method -Name Format |
    Select-Object -ExpandProperty Definition

System.Management.ManagementBaseObject Format(System.String FileSystem, System.Boolean QuickFormat,
 System.UInt32 ClusterSize, System.String Label, System.Boolean EnableCompression,
 System.UInt32 Version)

To invoke WMI in PowerShell 3.0 differs from alternate methods, and requires that object values are entered in a specific order.

Example 2: Start an instance of an application

([Wmiclass]'Win32_Process').Create.OverloadDefinitions

System.Management.ManagementBaseObject Create(System.String CommandLine, System.String CurrentDirectory,
 System.Management.ManagementObject#Win32_ProcessStartup ProcessStartupInformation)

Invoke-WmiMethod -Path Win32_Process -Name Create -ArgumentList C:\Windows\system32\notepad.exe

__GENUS          : 2
__CLASS          : __PARAMETERS
__SUPERCLASS     :
__DYNASTY        : __PARAMETERS
__RELPATH        :
__PROPERTY_COUNT : 2
__DERIVATION     : {}
__SERVER         :
__NAMESPACE      :
__PATH           :
ProcessId        : 11312
ReturnValue      : 0
PSComputerName   :

This command starts an instance of Notepad by calling the Create method of the Win32_Process class.

The ReturnValue property is populated with a 0, and the ProcessId property is populated with an integer (the next process ID number) if the command is completed.

Example 3: Rename a file

$invokeWmiMethodSplat = @{
    Path = "CIM_DataFile.Name='C:\scripts\test.txt'"
    Name = 'Rename'
    ArgumentList = 'C:\scripts\test_bu.txt'
}
Invoke-WmiMethod @invokeWmiMethodSplat

__GENUS          : 2
__CLASS          : __PARAMETERS
__SUPERCLASS     :
__DYNASTY        : __PARAMETERS
__RELPATH        :
__PROPERTY_COUNT : 1
__DERIVATION     : {}
__SERVER         :
__NAMESPACE      :
__PATH           :
ReturnValue      : 0

This command renames a file. It uses the Path parameter to reference an instance of the CIM_DataFile class. Then, it applies the Rename method to that particular instance.

The ReturnValue property is populated with a 0 if the command is completed.

Example 4: Passing an array of values using `-ArgumentList`

An example using an array of objects $binSD followed by a $null value.

$acl = Get-Acl test.txt
$binSD = $acl.GetSecurityDescriptorBinaryForm()
$invokeWmiMethodSplat = @{
    Class = 'Win32_SecurityDescriptorHelper'
    Name = 'BinarySDToSDDL'
    ArgumentList = $binSD, $null
}
Invoke-WmiMethod @invokeWmiMethodSplat

PARAMETERS

-ArgumentList

Specifies the parameters to pass to the called method. The value of this parameter must be an array of objects, and they must appear in the order required by the called method. The Invoke-CimCommand cmdlet does not have these limitations.

To determine the order in which to list those objects, run the GetMethodParameters() method on the WMI class, as illustrated in Example 1, near the end of this topic.

Important

If the first value is an array that contains more than one element, a second value of $null is required. Otherwise, the command generates an error, such as Unable to cast object of type 'System.Byte' to type 'System.Array'.. See example 4 above.

Type: System.Object[]
Parameter Sets: class, object, path
Aliases: Args

Required: False
Position: Named
Default value: None
Accept pipeline input: False
Accept wildcard characters: False

-AsJob

Indicates that this cmdlet runs the command as a background job. Use this parameter to run commands that take a long time to finish.

When you use the AsJob parameter, the command returns an object that represents the background job and then displays the command prompt. You can continue to work in the session while the job finishes. If Invoke-WmiMethod is used against a remote computer, the job is created on the local computer, and the results from remote computers are automatically returned to the local computer. To manage the job, use the cmdlets that contain the Job noun (the Job cmdlets). To get the job results, use the Receive-Job cmdlet.

To use this parameter with remote computers, the local and remote computers must be configured for remoting. Additionally, you must start Windows PowerShell by using the Run as administrator option in Windows Vista and later versions of Windows. For more information, see about_Remote_Requirements.

For more information about Windows PowerShell background jobs, see about_Jobs and about_Remote_Jobs.

Type: System.Management.Automation.SwitchParameter
Parameter Sets: (All)
Aliases:

Required: False
Position: Named
Default value: None
Accept pipeline input: False
Accept wildcard characters: False

-Authentication

Specifies the authentication level to be used with the WMI connection. The acceptable values for this parameter are:

-1: Unchanged
0: Default
1: None (No authentication in performed.)
2: Connect (Authentication is performed only when the client establishes a relationship with the application.)
3: Call (Authentication is performed only at the beginning of each call when the application receives the request.)
4: Packet (Authentication is performed on all the data that is received from the client.)
5: PacketIntegrity (All the data that is transferred between the client and the application is authenticated and verified.)
6: PacketPrivacy (The properties of the other authentication levels are used, and all the data is encrypted.)

Type: System.Management.AuthenticationLevel
Parameter Sets: class, path, WQLQuery, query, list
Aliases:
Accepted values: Default, None, Connect, Call, Packet, PacketIntegrity, PacketPrivacy, Unchanged

Required: False
Position: Named
Default value: None
Accept pipeline input: False
Accept wildcard characters: False

-Authority

Specifies the authority to use to authenticate the WMI connection. You can specify standard Windows NT LAN Manager (NTLM) or Kerberos authentication. To use NTLM, set the authority setting to ntlmdomain:<DomainName>, where <DomainName> identifies a valid NTLM domain name. To use Kerberos, specify kerberos:<DomainName>\<ServerName>. You cannot include the authority setting when you connect to the local computer.

Type: System.String
Parameter Sets: class, path, WQLQuery, query, list
Aliases:

Required: False
Position: Named
Default value: None
Accept pipeline input: False
Accept wildcard characters: False

-Class

Specifies the WMI class that contains a static method to call.

Type: System.String
Parameter Sets: class
Aliases:

Required: True
Position: 0
Default value: None
Accept pipeline input: False
Accept wildcard characters: False

-ComputerName

Specifies, as a string array, the computers that this cmdlet runs the command on. The default is the local computer.

Type the NetBIOS name, an IP address, or a fully qualified domain name of one or more computers. To specify the local computer, type the computer name, a dot (.), or localhost.

This parameter does not rely on Windows PowerShell remoting. You can use the ComputerName parameter even if your computer is not configured to run remote commands.

Type: System.String[]
Parameter Sets: class, path, WQLQuery, query, list
Aliases: Cn

Required: False
Position: Named
Default value: None
Accept pipeline input: False
Accept wildcard characters: False

-Credential

Specifies a user account that has permission to perform this action. The default is the current user. Type a user name, such as User01, Domain01\User01, or User@Contoso.com. Or, enter a PSCredential object, such as an object that is returned by the Get-Credential cmdlet. When you type a user name, you will be prompted for a password.

Type: System.Management.Automation.PSCredential
Parameter Sets: class, path, WQLQuery, query, list
Aliases:

Required: False
Position: Named
Default value: None
Accept pipeline input: False
Accept wildcard characters: False

-EnableAllPrivileges

Indicates that this cmdlet enables all the privileges of the current user before the command makes the WMI call.

Type: System.Management.Automation.SwitchParameter
Parameter Sets: class, path, WQLQuery, query, list
Aliases:

Required: False
Position: Named
Default value: None
Accept pipeline input: False
Accept wildcard characters: False

-Impersonation

Specifies the impersonation level to use. The acceptable values for this parameter are:

0: Default (Reads the local registry for the default impersonation level, which is usually set to 3: Impersonate.)
1: Anonymous (Hides the credentials of the caller.)
2: Identify (Allows objects to query the credentials of the caller.)
3: Impersonate (Allows objects to use the credentials of the caller.)
4: Delegate (Allows objects to permit other objects to use the credentials of the caller.)

Type: System.Management.ImpersonationLevel
Parameter Sets: class, path, WQLQuery, query, list
Aliases:
Accepted values: Default, Anonymous, Identify, Impersonate, Delegate

Required: False
Position: Named
Default value: None
Accept pipeline input: False
Accept wildcard characters: False

-InputObject

Specifies a ManagementObject object to use as input. When this parameter is used, all other parameters except the Flag and Argument parameters are ignored.

Type: System.Management.ManagementObject
Parameter Sets: object
Aliases:

Required: True
Position: Named
Default value: None
Accept pipeline input: True (ByValue)
Accept wildcard characters: False

-Locale

Specifies the preferred locale for WMI objects. Specify the value of the Locale parameter as an array in the MS_<LCID> format in the preferred order.

Type: System.String
Parameter Sets: class, path, WQLQuery, query, list
Aliases:

Required: False
Position: Named
Default value: None
Accept pipeline input: False
Accept wildcard characters: False

-Name

Specifies the name of the method to be invoked. This parameter is mandatory and cannot be null or empty.

Type: System.String
Parameter Sets: (All)
Aliases:

Required: True
Position: 1
Default value: None
Accept pipeline input: False
Accept wildcard characters: False

-Namespace

When used with the Class parameter, this parameter specifies the WMI repository namespace where the referenced WMI class or object is located.

Type: System.String
Parameter Sets: class, path, WQLQuery, query, list
Aliases: NS

Required: False
Position: Named
Default value: None
Accept pipeline input: False
Accept wildcard characters: False

-Path

Specifies the WMI object path of a WMI class, or specifies the WMI object path of an instance of a WMI class. The class or the instance that you specify must contain the method that is specified in the Name parameter.

Type: System.String
Parameter Sets: path
Aliases:

Required: True
Position: Named
Default value: None
Accept pipeline input: False
Accept wildcard characters: False

-ThrottleLimit

Specifies a throttle value for the number of WMI operations that can be executed simultaneously. This parameter is used together with the AsJob parameter. The throttle limit applies only to the current command, not to the session or to the computer.

Type: System.Int32
Parameter Sets: (All)
Aliases:

Required: False
Position: Named
Default value: None
Accept pipeline input: False
Accept wildcard characters: False

-Confirm

Prompts you for confirmation before running the cmdlet.

Type: System.Management.Automation.SwitchParameter
Parameter Sets: (All)
Aliases: cf

Required: False
Position: Named
Default value: False
Accept pipeline input: False
Accept wildcard characters: False

-WhatIf

Shows what would happen if the cmdlet runs. The cmdlet is not run.

Type: System.Management.Automation.SwitchParameter
Parameter Sets: (All)
Aliases: wi

Required: False
Position: Named
Default value: False
Accept pipeline input: False
Accept wildcard characters: False

CommonParameters

This cmdlet supports the common parameters: -Debug, -ErrorAction, -ErrorVariable, -InformationAction, -InformationVariable, -OutVariable, -OutBuffer, -PipelineVariable, -Verbose, -WarningAction, and -WarningVariable. For more information, see about_CommonParameters.

INPUTS

None

This cmdlet does not accept any input.

OUTPUTS

None

This cmdlet does not generate any output.

NOTES

Windows PowerShell includes the following aliases for Invoke-WmiMethod:

iwmi

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Invoke-WmiMethod

SYNOPSIS

SYNTAX

class (Default)

object

path

WQLQuery

query

list

DESCRIPTION

EXAMPLES

Example 1: List the required order of WMI method parameters

Example 2: Start an instance of an application

Example 3: Rename a file

Example 4: Passing an array of values using -ArgumentList

PARAMETERS

-ArgumentList

-AsJob

-Authentication

-Authority

-Class

-ComputerName

-Credential

-EnableAllPrivileges

-Impersonation

-InputObject

-Locale

-Name

-Namespace

-Path

-ThrottleLimit

-Confirm

-WhatIf

CommonParameters

INPUTS

None

OUTPUTS

None

NOTES

RELATED LINKS

Example 4: Passing an array of values using `-ArgumentList`