MSInfo32.exe is the Windows executable for Microsoft System Information. It displays an overview of a PC’s hardware, system components, and software environment to help with troubleshooting. It reports information; it is not a tool for changing settings or repairing problems.
What does MSInfo32.exe do?
Microsoft System Information collects and displays details about a computer, including its hardware, system components, and software environment. Microsoft describes it as a way to help diagnose computer issues, not as a repair utility. See Microsoft’s description of the System Information tool.
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How to open System Information
Use Windows search
- Search Windows for msinfo32.
- Open System Information. If you need elevated reporting for driver or service details, right-click it and choose Run as administrator.
Use the Run dialog
- Press Windows+R.
- Type
msinfo32and press Enter. Microsoft also documents this method in its System Information opening guidance.
How to save an MSInfo32 report
Microsoft documents command-line switches for exporting information. Run these commands from Command Prompt or the Run dialog, substituting a folder and filename you can access:
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| Command | Output | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
msinfo32 /nfo C:TEMPTEST.NFO |
An .nfo System Information file | If the path does not end in .nfo, Microsoft says the extension is appended. |
msinfo32 /report C:TEMPTEST.TXT |
A text report | The filename is saved as written; add .txt yourself if you want that extension. |
The documented command format is Msinfo32 [/nfo Path] [/report Path] [/computer ComputerName]. See Microsoft’s MSInfo32 command-line documentation.
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Can MSInfo32 show a remote computer’s information?
Yes. Use the /computer switch with the remote computer’s name, for example msinfo32 /computer BIGSERVER. The account needs appropriate Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) permissions on that remote computer; without the required access, the lookup will not work.
Why might MSInfo32 say a driver is stopped?
A driver shown as stopped in a non-administrator session is not conclusive evidence that it has stopped. Microsoft explains that administrator privileges are required to update the relevant information cache, so some drivers can appear stopped when they are not. Reopen System Information with Run as administrator before using that status for troubleshooting.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does MSInfo32 show in Safe Mode?
MSInfo32 can run in Safe Mode, but Microsoft says it cannot provide hardware information there. It is limited to system components and the software environment while in that mode.
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