How to Install WMIC in Windows 11

As of Windows 11 version 24H2, the wmic command is no longer available by default. If you run a script that depends on WMIC and see the "not recognized" error, you can still reinstall it as an optional "Feature on Demand" (FoD). Below are the two official methods for getting it back.

Before You Start: Check What’s Already Installed

Before installing WMIC, you can verify whether it is already available on your system.

1. Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open Command Prompt.

2. Type the following command and press Enter:

wmic

If you see the output shown below, you can confirm that WMIC is installed.

If you see a message such as 'wmic' is not recognized as an internal or external command, you'll need to install the feature.

Method 1: Install WMIC Using Windows Settings

The easiest way to install WMIC is through the Optional Features settings.

Step 1. Open Optional Features

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

2. Navigate to System > Optional Features. Alternatively, you can search for "Optional features" directly in the taskbar search and select it.

Step 2. Add an Optional Feature

1. At the top of the page, click View features next to View or edit optional features.

2. Select See available features in the View features options.

3. Search for WMIC under Available features. Check the box next to the WMIC entry, then click Add.

4. Windows will download and install the component automatically. Once the installation is complete, restart your computer.

Method 2: Install WMIC Using DISM

For advanced users, or anyone who prefers the command line, you can also install WMIC through command Command Prompt or PowerShell.

1. Right click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or search for Command Prompt, right click it, and choose Run as administrator.

2. Type the following command and press Enter: 

DISM /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:WMIC~~~~

DISM will download and install the feature on demand. You’ll see a progress bar, and when finished, you’ll get the message The operation completed successfully.

Conclusion

Although WMIC is no longer included by default in some Windows 11 installations, it remains available as an optional feature. You can easily install it through Windows Settings, or the DISM command-line tool. Once installed, WMIC continues to provide a convenient way to access system information and perform administrative tasks, though Microsoft recommends transitioning to PowerShell-based management tools for future compatibility.