How to Generate a List of Installed Programs on my PC with CMD or PowerShell

Are you looking to generate a comprehensive list of all the programs installed on your PC using CMD or PowerShell? In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process on how to easily accomplish this task. Whether you are a novice or an experienced user, this tutorial will help you navigate the command line and PowerShell to obtain the information you need quickly and efficiently.

Getting Started with CMD

Command Prompt, also known as CMD, is a powerful tool that allows you to interact with your system through a text-based interface. To generate a list of installed programs on your PC using CMD, follow these simple steps:

1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type cmd and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
3. Once the Command Prompt is open, type the following command and press Enter: wmic product get name
   This command will generate a list of all the installed programs on your PC. You can scroll through the list to view all the programs currently installed on your system.

Using PowerShell to Generate the List

PowerShell is an advanced command-line tool that provides more flexibility and control compared to CMD. To generate a list of installed programs on your PC using PowerShell, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + S on your keyboard to open the search bar.
2. Type PowerShell and right-click on Windows PowerShell from the search results.
3. Select Run as administrator to open PowerShell with administrative privileges.
4. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter: Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\* | Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion, Publisher, InstallDate
   This command will retrieve detailed information about each installed program, including the display name, version, publisher, and installation date. You can export this information to a text file for further analysis or reference.

Conclusion

In conclusion, generating a list of installed programs on your PC using CMD or PowerShell is a simple and efficient process. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this article, you can quickly retrieve valuable information about the software installed on your system. Whether you prefer using the traditional Command Prompt or the more modern PowerShell, both methods yield accurate results that can aid in troubleshooting, maintenance, or simply staying organized.
Don’t hesitate to give these methods a try and discover the power of the command line in managing your PC’s software inventory. Feel free to experiment with different commands and parameters to customize the output according to your specific needs and preferences.
Remember, knowledge is power, and with the right tools at your disposal, you can take full control of your system and make informed decisions regarding the software installed on your PC.