WMI Query Builder

Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) is a technology built into Windows that allows for improved manageability of computers in a networked environment. The WMI Query Builder is a convenient development tool that comes packaged with the WMI Query action. It comes equipped with an easy to use graphical interface that allows you to:

  • Explore the full set of WMI management classes, objects and their properties.

  • Browse through objects and settings on the local computer os remote machines.

  • Create your own WQL queries in which to execute during runtime.

Using WMI Query Builder

The WMI Query Builder can be launched from the properties of the WMI Query activity by pressing the Query Builder button. Connection is determined by the current properties entered. For instance, if the Remote Computer property is selected and required parameters are entered (e.g., remote computer name, domain, username, password), the WMI Query Builder will connect to the remote computer and search for appropriate data. The Query Builder interface is made up of four top panels and a single bottom panel (as shown above). You build a WQL query by selecting from the entries listed in each of the top panels (from left to right). Upon completion, the finished query will appear in the Query View panel.

To build a query:

  1. Launch the WMI Query Builder. Upon startup, the Namespace and Class panels are populated with the namespaces and classes available on the connected computer.  

  2. Select the desired namespace to filter available classes. to quickly find a namespace, use the Search Namespace text box.

  3. The Class panel displays a full set of classes within the specified namespace. Select the desired class to populate available properties for that class. to quickly find a class, use the Search Class text box.

  4. The Property panel lists a full set of properties for the specified class. Every time you click on a specific class in Class panel, the builder queries Windows to retrieve the list of properties of the selected class. Select the desired property to populate available values for that property in the Value panel. to quickly find a property, use the Search Property text box.

  5. The property value for a specific object can be viewed or selected from the Property panel.

  6. The Query View displays the assembled query. This can be an invaluable resource for those who know where to look for certain elements but need to see what exactly is being returned by Windows API.

  7. Upon completion, click Save to save changes and close the WMI Query Builder.