← Back to docs
Tools - Diagnostics•Updated: November 23, 2024

compmgmt.msc

Access key Windows admin tools in one place with Computer Management.

compmgmt.msc

Command: compmgmt.msc

Category: Diagnostics

Type: GUI

Purpose

Opens Computer Management, a unified console that provides access to multiple essential Windows administrative tools including Device Manager, Disk Management, Event Viewer, Services, Performance Monitor, and more—all in one convenient interface.

Quick Summary

Computer Management is your one-stop administrative hub. Instead of opening multiple separate tools, access everything you need for system management, monitoring, and troubleshooting from a single window. Perfect for comprehensive system management and diagnostics tasks.

How to Use

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type compmgmt.msc and press Enter.
  3. The Computer Management console opens with a tree view on the left.
  4. Expand categories and click items to access different management tools.

Alternative methods:

  • Type compmgmt.msc in Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Start menu search
  • Right-click "This PC" or "Computer" and select "Manage"
  • Search for "Computer Management" in the Start menu

Tools Included

System Tools:

  • Task Scheduler: Create and manage scheduled tasks
  • Event Viewer: View system, application, and security logs
  • Shared Folders: Manage shared resources and sessions
  • Local Users and Groups: Manage user accounts and groups (Pro/Enterprise editions)
  • Performance: Performance Monitor and reliability reports
  • Device Manager: Manage hardware devices and drivers

Storage:

  • Disk Management: Manage disks, partitions, and volumes

Services and Applications:

  • Services: Start, stop, and configure Windows services
  • WMI Control: Configure and manage Windows Management Instrumentation

Tips and Best Practices

  • Use Computer Management when you need to perform multiple administrative tasks—saves time switching between tools.
  • Right-click items in the tree for context-specific options.
  • Many tools within Computer Management can also be launched independently.
  • Use "Connect to another computer" (Action menu) to manage remote systems.
  • Bookmark commonly used tools for quick access.
  • Event Viewer within Computer Management shows the same logs as standalone Event Viewer.

Common Use Cases

  • Comprehensive system diagnostics: Access multiple diagnostic tools without switching windows.
  • System administration: Perform various administrative tasks from one interface.
  • Remote management: Connect to and manage remote computers.
  • Event troubleshooting: View logs while managing related services or devices.
  • Storage management: Manage disks while checking events or performance.
  • Quick access: Launch any administrative tool quickly from the tree view.

Prerequisites

  • Administrator rights required for most operations
  • Some features (like Local Users and Groups) only available on Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions
  • Available on all Windows versions

Troubleshooting

  • "Access denied" - Run as Administrator by right-clicking Command Prompt and selecting "Run as administrator."
  • "Cannot connect to remote computer" - Verify network connectivity, remote management is enabled, and you have admin rights on the target computer.
  • Local Users and Groups missing - Not available on Windows Home editions.
  • Some tools grayed out - May require elevated privileges; try running Computer Management as Administrator.
  • Double-click or single-click arrow to expand tree nodes
  • Right-click on any item for context menus with available actions
  • Action menu at top provides options for currently selected item
  • View menu allows customization of console appearance

Remote Management

To manage a remote computer:

  1. Right-click "Computer Management (Local)" at the top of the tree
  2. Select "Connect to another computer"
  3. Enter the computer name or browse
  4. Requires admin credentials on the remote computer
  • devmgmt.msc - Device Manager (standalone)
  • diskmgmt.msc - Disk Management (standalone)
  • eventvwr.msc - Event Viewer (standalone)
  • services.msc - Services (standalone)
  • perfmon.msc - Performance Monitor (standalone)
  • taskschd.msc - Task Scheduler (standalone)
  • lusrmgr.msc - Local Users and Groups (standalone, Pro+ editions)