How to Fix MSINFO32 Utility Not Opening on Windows 11

Experiencing MSINFO32 Utility not opening on Windows 11?

MSINFO32 is a system utility program useful for diagnosing hardware or software-related issues.

This tool contains crucial information regarding your computer system, such as model number, OS version, driver locations, and services running in the background. 

However, sometimes the MSINFO32 utility tool is inaccessible on your computer for several reasons, including outdated drivers or damaged system files. 

But, this issue can be fixed via some troubleshooting solutions mentioned in this guide. After identifying the main cause behind this issue, you can opt for any of the methods given below.

So, let’s begin!

1. Re-Sign Into Windows.

The first step to fixing the MSINFO32 tool not opening on Windows 11 is by signing out of your Microsoft account. This will close all the programs running in the background and refresh the system, deleting any data responsible for the issue.

Here’s how to re-sign into Windows:

  1. To get started, right-click on the Start menu.
  2. Then, hover your cursor over Shut down or sign out.
  3. Then choose Sign out. Windows will then sign you out of your account.
MSINFO32 Utility Not Opening on Windows 11

Once on the lock screen, enter your passcode or use fingerprint or facial recognition to log back in.

2. Restart Your PC.

Restarting your computer refreshes all processes, enabling you to troubleshoot the problem and gain access to MSINFO32. This method clears any conflicting data or glitches causing the error and helps resolve software-related issues.

To restart your PC, follow the steps below:

  1. Firstly, go to the Start menu.
  2. Then, click on the power icon.
  3. From the pop-up options, choose Restart.
MSINFO32 Utility Not Opening on Windows 11

Wait for the system to boot up again, then check if the issue is resolved.

3. Update Windows.

Another fix to MSINFO32 utility tools not opening on Windows 11 is ensuring your computer system and all its components are up to date. By updating Windows to its latest version, you can fix any bugs or applications causing the issue.

Follow the instructions below to update Windows:

  1. To start, go to Settings by pressing the Windows key + i on your keyboard.
  2. Then, go to the Windows Update tab from the left pane.
  3. On the right side, click on Check for updates.
MSINFO32 Utility Not Opening on Windows 11
  1. Wait for Windows to fetch any available updates, then click on Install now to begin the process.

If no new update is available, it means your OS is already up-to-date with the latest compatible version.

4. Run the Windows Management Instrumentation Service.

As the MSINFO32 utility program relies on the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) service to collect system information, you must ensure it is running. This service facilitates the management of communication between various applications and their access to system resources. 

If this service is disabled, MSINFO32 will not be accessible. Therefore, to run the WMI service, perform the following steps:

  1. Begin by pressing Windows key + R to access the Run utility.
  2. Type ‘services.msc’ in the given field and hit OK.
  3. Scroll down to Windows Management Instrumentation service, right-click on it, and choose Properties.
  4. Set the Startup type to Automatic and ensure the service is running. If not, click on the Start button.
MSINFO32 Utility Not Opening on Windows 11
  1. Click on Apply and then OK to save the changes.

Restart your computer afterward before checking whether the problem is eliminated.

5. Repair the Windows Management Instrumentation Service.

If you cannot run the WMI service, it is likely due to the corruption of the WMI repository. This repository serves as a storage system for data and information related to WMI classes. By repairing or rebuilding the WMI service, you can help restore its functionality and gain access to the MSINFO32 utility.

Perform the following steps to repair the WMI service:

  1. Begin by typing ‘cmd’ in Windows Search and clicking on Run as administrator.
MSINFO32 Utility Not Opening on Windows 11
  1. Click Yes on the UAC prompt.
  2. Then, execute the following command to first stop the WMI service:
net stop winmgmt
  1. Next, reset the WMI repository by running the following command:
winmgmt /resetrepository
  1. Finally, restart the WMI service by executing the following command:
net start winmgmt

Remember that this method will also stop other services dependent on WMI, which will only restart when you do it manually. 

6. Re-register the Windows Management Instrumentation Components.

If the above methods do not work in opening the MSINFO32 utility, it may be due to damaged or missing WMI components. This can be fixed by re-registering the WMI components and returning them to their default values.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. To start, launch Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
  2. Now run the following commands one by one:
cd /d %windir%\system32\wbem
for %i in (*.dll) do RegSvr32 -s %i
for %i in (*.exe) do %i /RegServer

Exit the Command Prompt afterward and check if the issue is gone.

7. Perform a Clean Boot.

Performing a clean boot is an effective troubleshooting fix as it disables all third-party apps and non-essential services running. Hence if you cannot access the MSINFO32 utility due to a third-party program or a conflicting service, performing a clean boot will help identify the cause and resolve the issue.

To perform a clean boot, follow the steps given below:

  1. In Windows Search, type ‘System Configuration’ and click Open.
  2. Go to the Services tab.
  3. There, check the Hide all Microsoft services option and click on Disable All.
MSINFO32 Utility Not Opening on Windows 11
  1. A pop-up box will appear. Click on Restart to apply changes to your computer.

If your computer works fine afterward, a third-party application probably interferes with your system. In that case, re-enable services for each app one by one until you spot the culprit.

8. Temporarily Disable Antivirus Program.

Another reason behind the MSINFO32 utility program not opening on Windows 11 is an antivirus program. It may be possible that the built-in Windows Defender has flagged the MSINFO32 utility as a threat, preventing its access. Hence, temporarily disabling such antivirus programs can be an effective troubleshooting solution.

Follow the steps mentioned below to disable Windows Defender:

  1. Open Windows Settings and go to the Privacy & security tab.
  2. From there, click on Windows Security.
  3. Then, choose Virus & threat protection
MSINFO32 Utility Not Opening on Windows 11
  1. Now, scroll down and click on Manage settings under the Virus & threat protection settings section.
manage settings
  1. Finally, toggle off Real-time protection.
virus and threat protection

Remember that it is not advisable to keep Windows Defender off at all times as your system becomes vulnerable to outside malicious attacks.

9. Perform SFC and DISM Scans.

If a damaged or corrupt system file is causing the MSINFO32 utility not opening on Windows 11 error, then performing repair scans such as SFC and DISM can be a great fix. These inbuilt tools help check, repair, and replace any corrupt system files that may be the culprit.

Run the repair scans in the following way: 

  1. Type ‘cmd’ in Windows Search and click on Run as administrator.
  2. Click Yes on the User Account Control pop-up.
  3. Then, paste the following command and hit Enter to execute the SFC scan:
sfc /scannow
command prompt
  1. Next, run the following command for the DISM scan:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Afterward, restart your PC, then try accessing the MSINFO32 utility again.

10. Uninstall Previous Windows Updates.

If this issue has occurred after the installation of the latest Windows update, the update may contain some errors or bugs, resulting in the inaccessibility of the MSINFO32 utility. To fix this issue, simply uninstall the previous Windows update and reinstall it sometime later if needed.

Here’s how to uninstall the previous Windows update: 

  1. First, launch the Settings app and go to Windows Update.
  2. Then, click on Update history.
  3. Scroll down and go to Uninstall updates.
update history
  1. Lastly, click on the Uninstall option next to the conflicting update to resolve the issue.

Confirm your action if prompted to begin the process.

11. Perform a System Restore.

The last resort to fixing the MSINFO32 utility program not opening on Windows 11 if none of the fixes mentioned above work is performing a system restore. This will bring your computer Windows back to its earlier working state and remove any processes or programs from that point onwards.

Remember that you can perform this method only if System Restore was enabled on your computer.

This wraps up our guide on how to fix the MSINFO32 utility not opening on Windows 11. We’ve provided all the possible workarounds for the stated problem and wish you the best in resolving it. For more questions, head over to the comment section.

If this guide helped you, please share it.

Author

  • Aimen Choudhry

    Aimen Choudhry is an architecture student who has always been fascinated by science. She now finds her therapy researching and writing about the latest technology and the issues that come alongside. Otherwise, you’ll find her playing video games, listening to music, or watching fantasy/sci-fi movies.

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