One of the recommended steps for any Windows maintenance session is determining whether the system is trapped in a hell of bloatware and outdated software. A quick look at the Programs and Features section of the Control Panel tells us everything we need to know, but if we don't have immediate access to the computer, there's a PowerShell command that will let the user create a list of installed programs on Windows 11 and Windows 10. The final format is a simple txt, easy to share and transfer via messaging or email.
The conversation can have thousands of variations, but its essence is always the same: a user tells you "My PC is slow", you ask "What programs do you have installed?", and their answer is the classic "I have no idea". It's not the best way to start a maintenance session, however, everything is fixed with a little extra information.
If you can access the computer (whether remotely or locally), the Programs and Features section is your best ally. Alternatively, the user can share screenshots, but it's not the most comfortable thing in the world. Today I'd like to offer a third option: Create a list of installed programs on Windows 11 and Windows 10 with a special command under PowerShell.
Three steps to create a list of installed programs in Windows 11 and 10
- First, you'll need an environment with elevated PowerShell privileges. Otherwise, the command will throw an error message.
- Then, type "wmic" without the quotes and press Enter. This will open the console interface for Windows Management Instrumentation. The prompt should change to "wmic:root\cli".
- The exact command to create the list is: /output:C:\InstallList.txt product get name,version. WMIC will create a text file named InstallList.txt (you can change the name if you want) in the root of the C drive, with all installed programs and their versions.
The rest is a matter of typing exit a couple of times, or closing the PowerShell window. Now, this isn't only useful for helping other users, but it also emerges as an excellent mechanism to back up lists with your favorite software, in case you need to nuke Windows and start from scratch with a clean disk or SSD.
