systeminfo.exe

What is systeminfo.exe?

systeminfo.exe is a built-in Windows command‑line utility that gathers a comprehensive snapshot of the computer’s OS and hardware. When executed from CMD or PowerShell, it returns details such as OS version, build number, processor, memory, network configuration, and licensing status, useful for inventory and troubleshooting.

It uses Windows APIs and WMI to assemble the data and prints it in text form, which can be redirected to a file or filtered for auditing and troubleshooting.

Types of System Information Queries

• OS Information: OS version, edition, build, install date
• Hardware Details: Processor type, memory, BIOS/firmware, motherboard
• Network Info: IP configuration, network adapters, hostname
• Licensing & Activation: License status and activation information

Is systeminfo.exe Safe?

Yes, systeminfo.exe is safe when it is the legitimate Windows binary located in C:\Windows\System32 and signed by Microsoft.

Is systeminfo.exe a Virus or Malware?

The legitimate systeminfo.exe is not a virus. Malware may mimic the name; verify the file location and signature to be safe.

How to Tell if systeminfo.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Windows\System32\systeminfo.exe or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\systeminfo.exe on some 64-bit systems. Anything else is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click systeminfo.exe in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Microsoft Windows" as the signer.
3. Resource Usage: Normal usage is minimal; if CPU or memory spikes without a call to systeminfo, investigate for malware.
4. Behavior: Should only run when explicitly invoked; no background network activity or file modifications expected.

Why Is systeminfo.exe Running on My PC?

systeminfo.exe runs when you or an automated process requests a system inventory. IT staff and scripts use it to document current OS/hardware states for audits, support, and compliance checks.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Inventory or Audit: An active inventory or asset audit is querying system configuration to build an up-to-date device profile.
• Automation and Scripting: Automation scripts or deployment tools invoke systeminfo to collect baseline data during imaging or maintenance.
• Remote Diagnostics: Remote IT or management tools pull hardware and OS details as part of diagnostics or remediation workflows.
• Startup Inventory: Scheduled tasks or startup scripts run at boot to log system information for logging or compliance.
• User Initiated Queries: A user or admin runs systeminfo manually to view current OS and hardware details.

Can I Disable or Remove systeminfo.exe?

Not practically removable since systeminfo.exe is a built-in Windows utility. You can restrict or block its usage via policy, but removal is not recommended and may impact tooling.

How to Stop systeminfo.exe

• Block with AppLocker: Create a rule to deny execution of C:\Windows\System32\systeminfo.exe or its SysWOW64 counterpart.
• Policy-Based Restriction: Use Group Policy or local security policy to restrict script-based invocations or inventory tools that call systeminfo.
• Disable Startup Calls: Review Task Scheduler and startup scripts that invoke systeminfo and disable or remove them.
• Use Alternative Methods: If inventory is needed, use approved inventory tools that store data in a centralized console.
• Monitor and Audit: Enable auditing for systeminfo.exe executions to detect unauthorized usage.

How to Uninstall System Information Tool

• ✔ Not possible: systeminfo.exe is a built-in Windows component and cannot be uninstalled.
• ✔ If you must restrict usage, enforce restrictions via AppLocker or Group Policy and use approved alternatives for inventory.
• ✔ Review third-party tools that mimic system information collection and consider replacing them with supported IT management solutions.

Common Problems: Output, Formatting, or Access

System information queries are typically lightweight, but administrators may encounter formatting, access, or redirection issues when using systeminfo.exe.

Common Causes & Solutions

• No readable output or formatting issues: Use explicit formatting: systeminfo /FO LIST (or /FO CSV) and optionally /NH to remove headers; redirect to a file if needed.
• Command not recognized or path issues: Run from a known Windows location: C:\Windows\System32\systeminfo.exe or call via fully-qualified path; ensure system32 is in PATH.
• Output not saving to file: Redirect output correctly: systeminfo > C:\Temp\sysinfo.txt or use systeminfo /FO LIST > C:\Temp\sysinfo.txt
• Slow response on large environments: Limit data with formatting options and filter: systeminfo /FO LIST | findstr /C:"OS Name" /C:"OS Version"
• Access denied or restricted: Run with appropriate permissions or adjust security policy to allow systeminfo.exe; verify AppLocker/group policy settings
• Inaccurate or missing details in remote queries: Ensure proper credentials and target machine access; consider using Get-ComputerInfo or other supported inventory tools for remote data

Related Processes