systeminfoSYSTEMINFO Command: Display Windows System Information | Complete Guide
Master the SYSTEMINFO command to view detailed Windows system configuration, hardware specs, and network info. Complete guide with examples and troubleshooting.
The SYSTEMINFO command is a Windows Command Prompt utility that displays comprehensive system configuration information including OS version, hardware specifications, BIOS details, memory statistics, network adapters, hotfixes, and boot time. Run SYSTEMINFO to generate a complete system report, or use format options like /FO CSV to export data for documentation and inventory management.
Whether you're an IT administrator documenting server configurations, a system engineer troubleshooting hardware issues, or a support technician gathering system details for remote assistance, SYSTEMINFO provides instant access to critical system information without navigating through multiple Windows settings dialogs. Enterprise IT teams rely on this command for automated inventory collection, compliance auditing, and baseline configuration documentation.
This comprehensive guide covers SYSTEMINFO syntax, all formatting and filtering options, practical examples for local and remote systems, real-world use cases for IT professionals and system administrators, troubleshooting tips for common issues, and frequently asked questions. By the end, you'll efficiently gather system information for documentation, troubleshooting, and inventory management.
What Is the SYSTEMINFO Command?
The SYSTEMINFO command is a built-in Windows command-line utility available in Windows XP Professional, Windows Server 2003, and all later Windows versions including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2022. It queries the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) service to retrieve detailed system configuration data and presents it in human-readable or structured formats.
SYSTEMINFO runs in Command Prompt (CMD) and PowerShell, though PowerShell users typically prefer Get-ComputerInfo for similar functionality. The command requires standard user permissions for local queries but needs administrator credentials to query remote computers. Output includes over 30 data points covering operating system details, hardware configuration, memory statistics, network adapters, installed hotfixes, and system boot information.
Syntax
SYSTEMINFO [/S system [/U username [/P password]]] [/FO format] [/NH]
Parameters
| Parameter | Description | Required |
|---|---|---|
/S system | Specifies the remote computer name or IP address to query | No |
/U [domain\]user | Specifies the user context for the remote connection | No |
/P password | Specifies the password for the user account (prompts if omitted) | No |
/FO format | Specifies output format: TABLE, LIST, or CSV | No (default: LIST) |
/NH | Suppresses column headers in TABLE and CSV formats | No |
/? | Displays help information | No |
Parameters and Options
/S (Remote System)
The /S parameter allows you to query system information from a remote computer on your network. Specify the computer name or IP address after /S. This requires network connectivity, appropriate firewall rules (allowing WMI traffic), and valid credentials with administrative privileges on the target system.
Example: SYSTEMINFO /S SERVER01 queries system information from a computer named SERVER01. Combine with /U and /P for authentication when your current credentials don't have access to the remote system.
/U (Username) and /P (Password)
The /U parameter specifies the username for authenticating to a remote system, while /P provides the password. Use domain\username format for domain accounts or just username for local accounts. If you omit /P, the command prompts for the password securely without displaying it on screen.
Example: SYSTEMINFO /S SERVER01 /U DOMAIN\admin /P SecurePass123 connects to SERVER01 using domain administrator credentials. For security, omit /P to be prompted for the password instead of typing it in plain text.
/FO (Format Output)
The /FO parameter controls output format with three options: LIST (default, vertical list), TABLE (tabular format), and CSV (comma-separated values for Excel). LIST is most readable for human viewing, TABLE provides compact display, and CSV enables data import into spreadsheets or databases.
Example: SYSTEMINFO /FO CSV > inventory.csv exports system information to a CSV file for Excel analysis. Use TABLE for quick visual scanning of multiple systems, and LIST for detailed single-system review.
/NH (No Header)
The /NH parameter suppresses column headers in TABLE and CSV output formats. This is useful when appending data to existing files or when processing output with scripts that expect data rows without header lines.
Example: SYSTEMINFO /FO CSV /NH >> all-systems.csv appends system information to an existing CSV file without adding duplicate headers. Combine with loops to collect data from multiple systems into a single file.
Examples
Example 1: Display Local System Information
Scenario: You need to view complete system configuration for your local computer.
SYSTEMINFO
Expected Output:
Host Name: DESKTOP-ABC123
OS Name: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro
OS Version: 10.0.19045 N/A Build 19045
OS Manufacturer: Microsoft Corporation
OS Configuration: Standalone Workstation
System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
System Model: XPS 15 9500
System Type: x64-based PC
Processor(s): 1 Processor(s) Installed.
[01]: Intel64 Family 6 Model 165 Stepping 2 GenuineIntel ~2600 Mhz
Total Physical Memory: 16,384 MB
Available Physical Memory: 8,192 MB
...
Explanation: Displays comprehensive system information in LIST format (default). This includes OS details, hardware specs, memory statistics, network adapters, and installed hotfixes. Use this for quick system overview or documentation.
Example 2: Export System Information to CSV
Scenario: You need to create a system inventory spreadsheet for documentation.
SYSTEMINFO /FO CSV > systeminfo.csv
Expected Output: Creates a CSV file with system information that can be opened in Excel or imported into a database.
Explanation: The /FO CSV parameter formats output as comma-separated values, and > redirects output to a file. Open systeminfo.csv in Excel to analyze system data, create reports, or maintain IT asset inventory.
Example 3: Query Remote Computer System Information
Scenario: You need to check system configuration on a remote server without logging in.
SYSTEMINFO /S SERVER01 /U DOMAIN\administrator
Expected Output: Prompts for password, then displays system information from SERVER01.
Host Name: SERVER01
OS Name: Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Standard
OS Version: 10.0.17763 N/A Build 17763
...
Explanation: Queries a remote computer named SERVER01 using domain administrator credentials. The command prompts for the password securely. Useful for remote system auditing and troubleshooting without RDP access.
Example 4: Display System Information in Table Format
Scenario: You want a compact, tabular view of system information for quick scanning.
SYSTEMINFO /FO TABLE
Expected Output:
Host Name OS Name OS Version System Manufacturer
DESKTOP-ABC123 Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 10.0.19045 Dell Inc.
Explanation: Displays system information in a compact table format. This is useful when you need to quickly scan specific fields or when screen space is limited. Less detailed than LIST format but easier to read at a glance.
Example 5: Collect System Information from Multiple Computers
Scenario: You need to gather system information from multiple servers for inventory.
FOR /F %i IN (servers.txt) DO SYSTEMINFO /S %i /FO CSV /NH >> inventory.csv
Expected Output: Appends system information from each server listed in servers.txt to inventory.csv without duplicate headers.
Explanation: This batch command loops through a list of server names in servers.txt and collects system information from each, appending to a single CSV file. The /NH parameter prevents duplicate headers. Ideal for automated inventory collection.
Example 6: Check Windows Version and Build Number
Scenario: You need to verify the exact Windows version and build for patch compliance.
SYSTEMINFO | FINDSTR /C:"OS Name" /C:"OS Version"
Expected Output:
OS Name: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro
OS Version: 10.0.19045 N/A Build 19045
Explanation: Pipes SYSTEMINFO output to FINDSTR to extract only OS name and version lines. This provides quick access to version information without scrolling through the complete output. Useful for compliance checking and patch verification.
Example 7: View Installed Hotfixes and Updates
Scenario: You need to verify which security patches are installed on a system.
SYSTEMINFO | FINDSTR /C:"Hotfix"
Expected Output:
Hotfix(s): 3 Hotfix(s) Installed.
[01]: KB5022845
[02]: KB5022906
[03]: KB5025885
Explanation: Filters SYSTEMINFO output to show only installed hotfixes. This helps verify patch compliance, troubleshoot issues related to specific updates, or document system patch levels for security audits.
Example 8: Check System Boot Time and Uptime
Scenario: You need to determine when a server was last rebooted.
SYSTEMINFO | FINDSTR /C:"System Boot Time"
Expected Output:
System Boot Time: 2/10/2026, 8:45:23 AM
Explanation: Extracts the system boot time from SYSTEMINFO output. Calculate uptime by comparing this to the current date/time. Useful for troubleshooting performance issues, verifying reboot schedules, or checking if a system needs a restart.
Example 9: View Network Adapter Configuration
Scenario: You need to see all network adapters and their connection status.
SYSTEMINFO | FINDSTR /C:"Network Card"
Expected Output:
Network Card(s): 2 NIC(s) Installed.
[01]: Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 AX201 160MHz
Connection Name: Wi-Fi
Status: Connected
[02]: Bluetooth Device (Personal Area Network)
Connection Name: Bluetooth Network Connection
Status: Disconnected
Explanation: Displays all installed network adapters with their connection names and status. Useful for troubleshooting network connectivity, documenting network configuration, or verifying adapter installation.
Example 10: Check Memory Configuration
Scenario: You need to verify total and available RAM for capacity planning.
SYSTEMINFO | FINDSTR /C:"Memory"
Expected Output:
Total Physical Memory: 16,384 MB
Available Physical Memory: 8,192 MB
Virtual Memory: Max Size: 32,768 MB
Virtual Memory: Available: 24,576 MB
Virtual Memory: In Use: 8,192 MB
Explanation: Filters SYSTEMINFO output to show memory statistics including physical RAM and virtual memory (page file). Use this to diagnose memory pressure, plan upgrades, or troubleshoot performance issues.
Common Use Cases
1. IT Asset Inventory and Documentation
IT administrators use SYSTEMINFO with CSV output to collect hardware and software inventory from all computers in their organization, creating centralized asset databases for license compliance, warranty tracking, and capacity planning. Scripts can automate collection from hundreds of systems.
2. Remote System Troubleshooting
Support technicians use SYSTEMINFO /S to gather system configuration from remote computers when troubleshooting issues, eliminating the need for RDP access or physical presence. This helps diagnose hardware compatibility, driver issues, and configuration problems.
3. Security Patch Compliance Auditing
Security administrators use SYSTEMINFO to verify installed hotfixes across enterprise systems, ensuring all computers have required security patches. Automated scripts compare installed patches against compliance baselines and generate exception reports.
4. Server Baseline Documentation
System engineers use SYSTEMINFO to document server configurations before and after changes, creating baseline records for change management, disaster recovery planning, and configuration drift detection. CSV exports enable version comparison in Excel.
5. Hardware Upgrade Planning
IT managers use SYSTEMINFO to collect hardware specifications (CPU, RAM, disk) from existing systems when planning upgrades, replacements, or capacity expansion. Aggregate data helps identify systems that need upgrades and estimate budget requirements.
6. Operating System Version Verification
Deployment teams use SYSTEMINFO to verify Windows versions and build numbers across the enterprise, ensuring all systems run supported OS versions and identifying systems requiring upgrades before end-of-support dates.
7. System Uptime Monitoring
Operations teams use SYSTEMINFO to check system boot times and calculate uptime, identifying servers that haven't been rebooted for extended periods and may need maintenance windows for updates or performance optimization.
8. Network Configuration Documentation
Network administrators use SYSTEMINFO to document network adapter configurations across servers and workstations, creating network topology maps and troubleshooting connectivity issues by verifying adapter status and configuration.
9. Virtualization Environment Auditing
Virtualization administrators use SYSTEMINFO to identify virtual machines (VM manufacturer shows as VMware, Hyper-V, etc.) and collect VM-specific configuration details for capacity planning, license compliance, and performance optimization.
10. Disaster Recovery Planning
Disaster recovery planners use SYSTEMINFO to document complete system configurations for critical servers, creating detailed recovery documentation that includes hardware specs, OS versions, installed patches, and network configuration for rapid rebuild after failures.
11. Software Compatibility Verification
Application support teams use SYSTEMINFO to verify system requirements before software installations, checking OS version, available memory, and processor specifications against vendor requirements to prevent compatibility issues.
12. Automated Compliance Reporting
Compliance officers use SYSTEMINFO in automated scripts to generate regular compliance reports showing OS versions, patch levels, and configuration details required for regulatory audits (SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, etc.).
Tips and Best Practices
1. Use CSV Format for Multi-System Analysis
Always use /FO CSV when collecting data from multiple systems. CSV format imports cleanly into Excel, databases, and analysis tools, enabling filtering, sorting, and reporting across your entire infrastructure.
2. Combine with FINDSTR for Targeted Information
Instead of reading the entire SYSTEMINFO output, pipe to FINDSTR to extract specific information: SYSTEMINFO | FINDSTR /C:"OS Version" /C:"Total Physical Memory". This saves time and focuses on relevant data.
3. Create Scheduled Tasks for Automated Collection
Use Task Scheduler to run SYSTEMINFO scripts regularly, automatically collecting system information from all computers and updating your inventory database. This ensures documentation stays current without manual effort.
4. Avoid Storing Passwords in Scripts
Never use /P password in scripts or batch files. Omit /P to be prompted for passwords, or use credential managers and secure authentication methods to protect administrative credentials from exposure.
5. Enable WMI and Firewall Rules for Remote Queries
Remote SYSTEMINFO queries require WMI service running and firewall rules allowing WMI traffic (TCP 135, dynamic RPC ports). Configure Group Policy to enable these on all systems for consistent remote management.
6. Compare Outputs for Configuration Drift Detection
Save SYSTEMINFO output periodically and compare files to detect configuration changes, unauthorized software installations, or hardware modifications. Use file comparison tools like FC or COMP to identify differences.
7. Use PowerShell for Advanced Filtering
For complex filtering and formatting, pipe SYSTEMINFO to PowerShell: SYSTEMINFO | ConvertFrom-Csv | Where-Object {$_.'Total Physical Memory' -gt 8192}. This enables sophisticated queries and custom reporting.
8. Document Remote Access Requirements
When using SYSTEMINFO for remote systems, document required permissions, firewall rules, and network access in your procedures. This helps troubleshoot access issues and ensures consistent remote management capability.
9. Combine with Other Commands for Complete Inventory
SYSTEMINFO doesn't show disk information or installed software. Combine with WMIC DISKDRIVE, WMIC PRODUCT, and DRIVERQUERY for comprehensive system inventory including storage, applications, and drivers.
10. Use TABLE Format for Quick Visual Comparison
When comparing a few systems side-by-side, use /FO TABLE to display information in compact columns. This makes visual comparison easier than scrolling through multiple LIST-format outputs.
11. Set Up Error Handling in Batch Scripts
When running SYSTEMINFO in batch scripts, check %ERRORLEVEL% after each command to detect failures (network issues, access denied, WMI errors) and log errors for troubleshooting.
12. Leverage Output for Change Management
Include SYSTEMINFO output in change management documentation as "before" and "after" snapshots. This provides detailed evidence of system state for change approval, rollback planning, and post-change verification.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Issue 1: "Access is denied" When Querying Remote Systems
Problem: Running SYSTEMINFO /S computername returns "ERROR: Access is denied."
Cause: Your current user account doesn't have administrative privileges on the remote computer, or User Account Control (UAC) is blocking remote administrative access.
Solution: Use /U and /P parameters with an account that has administrative rights on the remote system: SYSTEMINFO /S computername /U DOMAIN\admin. For workgroup computers, enable remote UAC registry key: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\LocalAccountTokenFilterPolicy set to 1.
Prevention: Use domain administrator accounts for remote queries, or add your account to the local Administrators group on target systems. Document required permissions in your procedures.
Issue 2: "RPC server is unavailable" Error
Problem: Remote SYSTEMINFO queries fail with "ERROR: The RPC server is unavailable."
Cause: Windows Firewall is blocking WMI/RPC traffic, the Remote Registry service isn't running, or network connectivity issues prevent communication with the remote system.
Solution: On the remote computer, enable Windows Firewall rules for "Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)" in Windows Firewall with Advanced Security. Start the Remote Registry service: sc config RemoteRegistry start= auto and net start RemoteRegistry. Verify network connectivity with ping computername.
Prevention: Configure Group Policy to enable WMI firewall rules and start Remote Registry service on all managed computers. Use Test-NetConnection -ComputerName target -Port 135 to verify RPC connectivity.
Issue 3: SYSTEMINFO Hangs or Takes Very Long Time
Problem: SYSTEMINFO command runs but never completes, appearing to hang indefinitely.
Cause: WMI service is corrupted, WMI repository is damaged, or the system has WMI performance issues due to excessive WMI providers or queries.
Solution: Restart the WMI service: net stop winmgmt then net start winmgmt. If that doesn't work, rebuild the WMI repository: winmgmt /resetrepository (requires administrator privileges and may require reboot). Check WMI health with winmgmt /verifyrepository.
Prevention: Regularly monitor WMI service health, avoid excessive WMI queries from monitoring tools, and schedule periodic WMI repository maintenance on critical systems.
Issue 4: Output Shows "N/A" for Many Fields
Problem: SYSTEMINFO displays "N/A" for several fields like Domain, Logon Server, or Network Cards.
Cause: WMI cannot retrieve certain information due to service issues, permissions, or the information genuinely not being available (e.g., Domain shows N/A on workgroup computers).
Solution: Some N/A values are expected (workgroup computers won't have domain info). For unexpected N/A values, check WMI service status, verify administrative permissions, and review System event logs for WMI errors. Run wbemtest to test WMI connectivity.
Prevention: Understand which fields are expected to be N/A based on your system configuration. For persistent issues, rebuild WMI repository or reinstall WMI components.
Issue 5: Cannot Export to CSV or File
Problem: Redirection to a file fails or creates an empty file: SYSTEMINFO /FO CSV > output.csv doesn't work.
Cause: Insufficient permissions to write to the target directory, the file is open in another application (Excel), or the path contains spaces without quotes.
Solution: Run CMD as administrator for write access to protected directories. Close any applications that might have the file open. Use quotes for paths with spaces: SYSTEMINFO /FO CSV > "C:\My Documents\output.csv". Verify write permissions on the target directory.
Prevention: Always use quotes for paths with spaces, check file locks before overwriting, and use accessible directories like your user profile or temp folder for output files.
Issue 6: Remote Query Works for Some Computers But Not Others
Problem: SYSTEMINFO /S works for some remote computers but fails for others with various errors.
Cause: Inconsistent firewall configurations, different Windows versions with varying default settings, or mixed domain/workgroup environments with different authentication requirements.
Solution: Standardize firewall rules across all computers using Group Policy. Verify WMI service is running on all systems: sc \\computername query winmgmt. Check that Remote Registry service is enabled. For workgroup computers, ensure consistent local administrator account credentials.
Prevention: Use Group Policy to enforce consistent WMI, firewall, and service configurations across all managed systems. Document any systems with non-standard configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SYSTEMINFO and msinfo32?
SYSTEMINFO is a command-line tool that outputs text-based system information suitable for scripting and automation, while msinfo32 is a GUI application (System Information) that provides a graphical interface with more detailed hardware and software information. Use SYSTEMINFO for scripting and remote queries; use msinfo32 for interactive, detailed local system analysis.
Can SYSTEMINFO show disk space and drive information?
No, SYSTEMINFO does not display disk drive information, partition details, or free space. For disk information, use WMIC DISKDRIVE GET Model,Size,Status or WMIC LOGICALDISK GET DeviceID,Size,FreeSpace. Combine multiple commands in scripts for comprehensive system inventory.
How do I query multiple remote computers at once?
Use a FOR loop with a list of computer names: FOR /F %i IN (computers.txt) DO SYSTEMINFO /S %i /FO CSV /NH >> inventory.csv. This reads computer names from computers.txt and appends each system's information to a single CSV file. For PowerShell, use Get-Content computers.txt | ForEach-Object { SYSTEMINFO /S $_ }.
Why does SYSTEMINFO show different information than Settings or Control Panel?
SYSTEMINFO queries WMI directly and shows raw system data, while Settings and Control Panel may display formatted or simplified information. SYSTEMINFO is more accurate for technical details like exact build numbers, installed hotfixes, and hardware specifications. Always trust SYSTEMINFO for documentation and troubleshooting.
Can I use SYSTEMINFO to check if a computer is virtual or physical?
Yes, check the "System Manufacturer" and "System Model" fields. Virtual machines show manufacturers like "VMware, Inc.", "Microsoft Corporation" (Hyper-V), "innotek GmbH" (VirtualBox), or "QEMU". Physical computers show hardware manufacturers like Dell, HP, Lenovo. Use SYSTEMINFO | FINDSTR /C:"System Manufacturer" to extract this information.
How do I save SYSTEMINFO output with timestamp?
Use date/time variables in the filename: SYSTEMINFO > systeminfo_%DATE:~-4,4%%DATE:~-10,2%%DATE:~-7,2%_%TIME:~0,2%%TIME:~3,2%.txt. This creates files like systeminfo_20260213_1430.txt. For cleaner timestamps, use PowerShell: SYSTEMINFO > "systeminfo_$(Get-Date -Format 'yyyyMMdd_HHmmss').txt".
Does SYSTEMINFO work in PowerShell?
Yes, SYSTEMINFO works in PowerShell, but PowerShell users typically prefer the native Get-ComputerInfo cmdlet which provides similar information in PowerShell object format. Get-ComputerInfo offers better filtering and formatting options within PowerShell scripts.
Can SYSTEMINFO detect hardware changes?
SYSTEMINFO shows current hardware configuration but doesn't track changes over time. To detect hardware changes, save SYSTEMINFO output periodically and compare files using FC (file compare) or diff tools. Significant differences in System Manufacturer, Processor, or Memory fields indicate hardware changes.
How do I filter SYSTEMINFO output for specific fields only?
Pipe to FINDSTR: SYSTEMINFO | FINDSTR /C:"OS Name" /C:"Total Physical Memory" extracts specific lines. For CSV format, import into Excel or use PowerShell: SYSTEMINFO /FO CSV | ConvertFrom-Csv | Select-Object 'Host Name','OS Name','Total Physical Memory'.
Why does SYSTEMINFO take longer on some computers?
SYSTEMINFO queries WMI which can be slow if the WMI repository is large, corrupted, or under heavy load from other monitoring tools. Network latency affects remote queries. Systems with many network adapters or hotfixes also take longer to enumerate. Typical execution time is 5-15 seconds locally, 10-30 seconds remotely.
Can I use SYSTEMINFO to check Windows activation status?
No, SYSTEMINFO doesn't show Windows activation status. Use slmgr /xpr or slmgr /dli to check activation status. For comprehensive licensing information, use WMIC PATH SoftwareLicensingProduct WHERE "PartialProductKey <> null" GET Name,LicenseStatus.
How do I export SYSTEMINFO to a database?
Export to CSV format: SYSTEMINFO /FO CSV > data.csv, then import the CSV into your database using SQL Server's BULK INSERT, MySQL's LOAD DATA INFILE, or database management tools. For automated imports, use PowerShell with database modules to insert data directly from SYSTEMINFO output.
Related Commands
Get-ComputerInfo (PowerShell)
PowerShell cmdlet that retrieves detailed computer information similar to SYSTEMINFO but returns PowerShell objects for advanced filtering and formatting. Offers more detailed information and better integration with PowerShell scripts.
When to use: Use Get-ComputerInfo in PowerShell scripts for object-based data manipulation. Use SYSTEMINFO in CMD scripts or when you need CSV output for cross-platform compatibility.
WMIC (Windows Management Instrumentation Command)
Command-line interface to WMI that provides detailed information about hardware, software, and system configuration. More flexible than SYSTEMINFO with hundreds of classes for specific queries.
When to use: Use WMIC when you need specific information not provided by SYSTEMINFO, like disk drives (WMIC DISKDRIVE), installed software (WMIC PRODUCT), or BIOS details (WMIC BIOS).
msinfo32 (System Information GUI)
Graphical System Information utility that displays comprehensive hardware, software, and system component details in a hierarchical tree view with export capabilities.
When to use: Use msinfo32 for interactive, detailed local system analysis with a user-friendly interface. Use SYSTEMINFO for scripting, automation, and remote queries.
DRIVERQUERY
Command that lists all installed device drivers with details like module name, display name, driver type, and link date. Useful for driver troubleshooting and inventory.
When to use: Use DRIVERQUERY /V /FO CSV to supplement SYSTEMINFO with detailed driver information for complete system documentation.
HOSTNAME
Simple command that displays only the computer's hostname. Much faster than SYSTEMINFO when you only need the computer name.
When to use: Use HOSTNAME when you only need the computer name. Use SYSTEMINFO when you need comprehensive system information including hostname.
VER
Displays only the Windows version number. Extremely fast alternative when you only need OS version information.
When to use: Use VER for quick version checks in scripts. Use SYSTEMINFO when you need detailed OS information including build number, service pack, and installation date.
Quick Reference Card
| Command | Purpose | Example Use Case |
|---|---|---|
SYSTEMINFO | Display local system info | Quick system overview |
SYSTEMINFO /FO CSV > file.csv | Export to CSV | Create inventory spreadsheet |
SYSTEMINFO /S computer /U user | Query remote system | Remote troubleshooting |
SYSTEMINFO | FINDSTR "OS" | Filter OS information | Check Windows version |
SYSTEMINFO | FINDSTR "Memory" | Show memory stats | Verify RAM configuration |
SYSTEMINFO | FINDSTR "Hotfix" | List installed patches | Patch compliance audit |
SYSTEMINFO /FO TABLE | Compact table format | Quick visual scan |
SYSTEMINFO /FO CSV /NH | CSV without headers | Append to existing file |
SYSTEMINFO | FINDSTR "Boot Time" | Check last reboot | Verify system uptime |
SYSTEMINFO | FINDSTR "Network" | Show network adapters | Network configuration check |
Try It Yourself
Ready to master Windows system information gathering? Practice using the SYSTEMINFO command in our interactive Windows Command Simulator. Experiment with different format options, explore output filtering, and build your system administration expertise in a safe, risk-free environment.
Launch the Windows Command Simulator to start practicing SYSTEMINFO commands now.
Want to explore more Windows commands? Check out our Complete Windows Commands Reference for detailed guides on over 200 CMD commands, including networking, file management, system administration, and process control tools.
Related Guides:
- VER Command Guide - Quick Windows version checking
- HOSTNAME Command Guide - Display computer name
- WMIC Command Guide - Advanced WMI queries for detailed system information
Summary
The SYSTEMINFO command is an essential tool for Windows system administrators and IT professionals, providing comprehensive system configuration information through a simple command-line interface. Whether you're running SYSTEMINFO locally for quick system overview or using /S for remote system queries, this command delivers detailed hardware, software, and network configuration data for documentation, troubleshooting, and inventory management.
We covered SYSTEMINFO syntax including remote query parameters (/S, /U, /P), output formatting options (/FO, /NH), and ten practical examples demonstrating local queries, remote system access, CSV export, and targeted information filtering with FINDSTR. The command works across all modern Windows versions and provides over 30 data points including OS version, hardware specs, memory statistics, network adapters, and installed hotfixes.
Key use cases include IT asset inventory collection, remote system troubleshooting, security patch compliance auditing, server baseline documentation, and hardware upgrade planning. Enterprise IT teams leverage SYSTEMINFO in automated scripts to maintain centralized inventory databases, generate compliance reports, and detect configuration drift across hundreds or thousands of systems.
Remember to use CSV format (/FO CSV) for multi-system data collection, combine with FINDSTR for targeted information extraction, and configure WMI firewall rules for reliable remote queries. Never store passwords in scripts—omit /P to be prompted securely. For comprehensive system inventory, combine SYSTEMINFO with WMIC commands for disk, software, and driver information.
Practice using SYSTEMINFO regularly to build familiarity with system configuration data and streamline your documentation workflows. The more you integrate this command into your daily administration tasks, the faster you'll diagnose issues, maintain accurate inventory, and respond to compliance audits. Start with local queries to understand the output structure, then expand to remote queries and automated collection scripts as your confidence grows.