8 Ways to open Computer Management Console (compmgmt.msc) in Windows

Computer Management Console compmgmt mscComputer Management Console compmgmt msc

Key Points

  • Computer Management Console is one of many management consoles that comes preinstalled in the Windows OS and allows IT pros to access management tools, including Task Scheduler, Event Viewer, Device Manager, Local users and groups interface, etc.
  • Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run Command box, then run the command “compmgmt.msc” to launch the Computer Management Console.
  • Alternatively, press Windows key + E, right-clickThis PC,” and click Manage to open the Computer Management Console.

Windows comes with built-in management consoles and Control Panel files that can be used for quick access to manage your operating system. One of these consoles is the Computer Management Console (compmgmt.msc). This console is especially useful for system administrators, as it allows them to manage administrative components of the OS.

What is Compmgmt.msc?

The .msc file extension is used to open Microsoft Management Console files to perform administrative tasks on a computer. The Compmgmt.msc management console combines multiple management consoles into a single interface that can be used to manage all components of the computer. For example, Compmgmt.msc features Task Scheduler, Event Viewer, Device Manager, Disk Management, Services Management Console, etc.

The Computer Management Console is the go-to place for system administrators to control the maximum components of a computer from a single interface.

The Computer Management Console can be used for a lot of different tasks, which include, but are not limited to:

  • Manage and create scheduled tasks.
  • View critical system events for troubleshooting purposes.
  • Managed shared folders and permissions.
  • Manage users and groups.
  • Manage all drivers.
  • Manage storage devices and partitions.

In this post, you will find eight different methods to open the computer management console, from which you can choose the one you prefer or use it according to your situation.

How to Access Computer Management Console

Open compmgmt.msc from Run dialog

One of the most convenient methods to access the Computer Management Console is through the Run dialog box in Windows. Run is a tiny utility in Windows that allows you to open any app or program by its name if it is included in the Windows directory.

Simply open the Run box using the Windows Key + R shortcut keys, and then enter the following, which is the name of the file for the Computer Management Console.

compmgmt.msc
compmgmt.msc
Open Computer Management Console using Run

Open compmgmt.msc using Task Manager

Since the Run box basically creates a new task, you can also do the same from the Task Manager.

  1. Press the CTRL + Shift + Esc shortcut keys to open the Task Manager.

  2. Click “Run new task.”

    Run new task in Task Manager
    Run new task in Task Manager
  3. In the “Create new task” dialog box, run the following command:

    compmgmt.msc

    Optional: Check the “Create this task with administrative privileges” option if needed.

    Launch the Computer Management Console from the Task Manager
    Launch the Computer Management Console from the Task Manager

The Computer Management Console will now run.

You can also open the Computer Management Console by searching for it through the Windows Search box.

Type in “computer management” in the search box, and you can open the Console from there. You can also choose to run it with administrative rights by clicking Run as administrator.

search 1
Open the Computer Management Console through Search

Open compmgmt.msc from Power User Menu

The Power User menu pops up when you press the Windows Key + X simultaneously or right-click on the Start button from the Taskbar in Windows. This menu also contains a direct link to open the Computer Management Console.

Winx
Power User menu

Open compmgmt.msc from Control Panel

You can also access the Computer Management Console from the Control Panel. This method would be preferred by the users who are already inside the Control Panel and want to quickly open the Console. Follow the steps below to open the Computer Management Console using the Control Panel:

  1. Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run Command box.

  2. Run the following to launch the Control Panel:

    control
    Open the Control Panel
    Open the Control Panel
  3. Click “System and Security“.

    Open System and Security settings in Control Panel
    Open System and Security settings in Control Panel
  4. Click “Windows Tools“.

    Open Windows tools
    Open Windows tools

    The “Windows Tools” window will now open.

  5. Double-click “Computer Management.”

    Open the Computer Management console from the Control Panel
    Open the Computer Management console from the Control Panel

This will now open the Computer Management Console.

Open compmgmt.msc using File Explorer

Another way to access the Computer Management Console is through File Explorer. Open up Windows Explorer using the Windows Key + E shortcut keys, then right-click on “This PC” on the left navigation page. Then click Manage from the context menu to open up the Console.

manage
Computer Management Console using File Explorer

Alternatively, you can also open the Console by right-clicking “This PC” if available on your desktop.

manage 2
Computer Management Console using This PC on desktop

Note: If you do not see “This PC” on the desktop, you can add it by checking the box next to “Computer” at the following path:

Settings app >> Personalization >> Themes >> Desktop icon settings
show This PC on the desktop
show “This PC” on the desktop

Open compmgmt.msc using Command Prompt and PowerShell

To open the Computer Management Console from either the Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell, simply enter the following command:

compmgmt.msc
pwsh 1
Opening Computer Management Console from PowerShell
cmd
Opening Computer Management Console from Command Prompt

Create Shortcut to open compmgmt.msc

You can also create a shortcut directly onto your desktop using which you can instantly access the Computer Management Console. Perform the following steps to create a shortcut:

  1. Right-click on a blank space on the desktop, expand New, and then click Shortcut.

    Create a new shortcut
    Create a new shortcut

    The shortcut creation wizard will now launch.

  2. Type in the following in the text field and click Next:

    compmgmt.msc
    Enter computer management console shortcode in the shortcut wizard
    Enter computer management console shortcode in the shortcut wizard
  3. Now enter a name for the shortcut and click Finish.

    Name the shortcut
    Name the shortcut

You will now see a new shortcut on your desktop using which you can access the Computer Management Console quickly.

These are all the methods you can use to open this useful console in Windows.

Open Computer Management Console remotely

If you are a system administrator, you can also use the option to open the Computer Management Console of another computer on your network remotely from your own PC. Here is how:

Note: This method requires Remote Desktop Connection to be enabled on the remote PC.

  1. Open the computer management console with any of the above methods.

  2. Click Action from the menu at the top of the Console, and then click “Connect to another computer.”

    Connect compmgmt.msc with another PC
    Connect compmgmt.msc with another PC
  3. In the “Select Computer” window, enter the name or IP address of the computer you want to connect to, and click OK.

    Enter IP address or name of remote PC
    Enter IP address or name of remote PC

You will now be connected to the remote computer’s Management Console, and any changes you make here will be applied to that PC. However, some controls are eliminated while using the Computer Management Console remotely.

remote
Computer Management Console connected remotely

Closing Words

The Computer Management Console (compmgmt.msc) is a nifty tool if you know which of its components is used for what purpose. Even if you are not a sysadmin, we suggest you try it out and see for yourself how this tool can be useful for so many purposes.

The components inside this Console can also be accessed individually. To learn how to access them and what each of them does, read our post on the top Management Consoles for Windows.

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Subhan Zafar is an established IT professional with interests in Windows and Server infrastructure testing and research, and is currently working with Itechtics as a research consultant. He has studied Electrical Engineering and is also certified by Huawei (HCNA & HCNP Routing and Switching).

1 comment

  • imran

    Not showing contents in Groups and Users. Don’t know why but i can not use this to add user as local admin.

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