Windows Instrument Management (WMI) Provider Host — or WmiPrvSE.exe — is a legitimate and essential component for keeping your computer’s various applications and systems running effectively. This process is part of the Microsoft Windows operating system. Microsoft built WMI management tools into each Windows version starting with NT 3.1.
What is WMI?
WMI is the primary method for obtaining information from Windows for various systems. It provides specific data regarding configurations and overall performance to help DevOps and administrators monitor and automate tasks.
You might worry about network security and whether the WMI Provider Host (WmiPrvSE.exe) is safe. Yes, it is. In fact, many aspects of your personal computer wouldn’t function without it. These are some general purposes that the WMI Provider Host fulfills for users:
- It gives information to assorted applications without requiring direct action from the user.
- It offers information regarding event log entries, internal data storage status, and even the motherboard model number.
- It has a set of extensions in the Windows Driver Model. This includes an interface with components that provide notifications and other types of information.
- It allows third-party software to query operating information.
- It reduces the cost and maintenance of managing network components.
What is a provider host?
A provider host allows third-party software to interact with and query operating system information. It’s important to note that, besides the Windows WMI providers, there are sometimes other providers on your system. Microsoft and third-party developers may install other apps on your computer that use different types of providers. If you experience problems with your system, you may need to determine which WMI provider is causing the issue.
According to Microsoft, there are several hosting model values for providers that operate within the Wmiprvse.exe process. These are a few examples for values in _Win32Provider.HostingModel.
- NetworkServiceHost: If the hosting model of the WMI provider is not specified, this is the default model beginning with Windows Vista. This type limits the possibility of privilege attacks.
- LocalSystemHost: If the provider is in-process, it’s part of a shared host within LocalSystem.
- LocalServiceHost: The provider is part of the Wmiprvse.exe process under LocalService account if its implementation is in-process.
- SelfHost: Instead of using an in-process model, the provider works through a local server implementation.
Why is a provider host important?
A provider host enables different applications to request information about how your system is operating. The host will normally run in the background when supporting your computer. Some of the important features that a WMI provider host provides include the following:
- .Net Management Capabilities: The existing WMI provider and all its classes are available to every .NET application.
- Automation Capabilities: Automation interfaces are part of the WMI operating system and ready for use.
- Event Capabilities: Through the WMI, a subscriber can receive notification for a variety of events. WMI uses query language to submit event queries.
- Remote Capabilities: WMI providers offer more than local COM ability. This includes DCOM transports and sometimes SOAP requests and responses.
How do you access WMI events and manage WMI service configuration?
When you install Windows, the WMI automatically begins. If you’re looking for the WMI Provider Host on your system, you can find it by following these instructions:
- Press X and the Windows logo key at the same time (You can also right-click the start button on Windows 8 or 10). This is how you view verbose WMI activity events.
- Click the Event Viewer.
- Click the View button.
- Click Analytic and Debug Logs.
- Click on Applications and Service Logs (on the left side of the screen).
- Follow the path from Applications and Service Logs to Microsoft to Windows and then to WMI-Activity.
Another way to access the WMI Provider:
- Right-click the Windows logo/start and choose “Computer Management.”
- Then, click “Services and Applications.”
- Right-click on WMI Control.
- Select Properties.
What are some tips to keep your WMI provider host working effectively?
You may need this information to keep your WMI provider running smoothly:
- High CPU Usage: A WMI Provider Host can cause high CPU usage. This may happen for a short time during the day when you’re using your computer. Normally, the WMI process doesn’t use a lot of CPU. However, if other apps that need high amounts of CPU are running, the process may not function well. Intel explains some of the symptoms of this particular issue and ways to fix it.
- Disabling WMI: While it’s possible to disable the WMI system, you’re strongly advised not to do this. It is a crucial element of your Windows operating system. If you disable it, most Windows software won’t operate correctly. Your WMI Provider Host is a system service that you shouldn’t turn off or disable.
- How to Fix WMI Provider Host: If this service isn’t running effectively or stops completely, there are a few steps you can take to fix it. Start by running a virus scan. If this doesn’t work, you may want to restart the WMI provider host service. Booting into safe mode with networking is another option. Finally, try uninstalling the drivers and components that are problematic.
A WMI provider host is a necessary part of your operating system — it provides information, helps APIs run efficiently, and facilitates cloud computing. Keeping your WMI provider running smoothly will help you successfully manage everything from operational environments to remote systems.