Microsoft PsTools

Microsoft ❘ Commercial

Unleash Your Sysadmin Skills with Microsoft PsTools

Pete Milner

03/29/2025

Microsoft PsTools offers a powerful suite of command-line utilities that enable system administrators to easily manage remote systems and perform a multitude of tasks efficiently.

Microsoft PsTools is a set of command-line utilities that allow users to manage and troubleshoot Windows systems. These tools are developed and maintained by Microsoft and provide advanced functionalities for system administrators and IT professionals.

PsTools includes various utilities, such as PsExec, PsKill, and PsPing. Each tool serves a specific purpose, enabling users to execute processes remotely, terminate processes on local or remote systems, and measure network performance.

PsExec, for instance, allows users to run processes on remote systems without installing software on each individual machine. PsKill makes it easy to terminate processes that are in use or unresponsive. Meanwhile, PsPing measures network latency and bandwidth between two endpoints.

All of the utilities in the PsTools suite are designed to be used in command-line interfaces (CLI). By utilizing these powerful tools effectively, administrators can automate tasks, troubleshoot issues, and improve system performance.

Overview

Microsoft PsTools is a Commercial software in the category System Utilities developed by Microsoft.

The latest version of Microsoft PsTools is currently unknown. It was initially added to our database on 01/19/2021.

Microsoft PsTools runs on the following operating systems: Windows.

Microsoft PsTools has not been rated by our users yet.

Pros

Powerful suite of command-line utilities for Windows administrators.
Free to use, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Allows remote management of local and networked systems.
Includes tools for process management, service management, system information, and more.
Efficient for automating tasks through scripting and batch files.
Highly customizable with command line options.

Cons

Command-line interface may not be user-friendly for beginners.
Limited to Windows operating systems only.
Some tools may require elevated permissions to execute properly.
Documentation can be less detailed, making it challenging for new users to understand all functionalities.
No graphical user interface, which may deter some users who prefer GUI applications.

FAQ

What is Microsoft PsTools?

Microsoft PsTools is a suite of command-line utilities that allow you to manage local and remote systems, including tools for viewing processes, managing services, and executing commands remotely.

How can I download PsTools?

You can download PsTools from the official Microsoft website or the Sysinternals suite page.

Are PsTools free to use?

Yes, PsTools is free to use for both personal and commercial purposes.

What operating systems are compatible with PsTools?

PsTools is compatible with Windows operating systems, including Windows 10, Windows Server 2019, and prior versions.

Can PsTools be used remotely?

Yes, many of the tools in the PsTools suite allow you to execute commands on remote systems over the network.

Do I need administrative permissions to run PsTools?

Yes, most utilities in PsTools require administrative privileges to perform various system tasks.

Is there a way to view all processes running on a remote computer using PsTools?

Yes, you can use the 'PsList' utility from the PsTools suite to view processes running on a remote computer.

Can I use PsExec to run an application on a remote machine?

Yes, PsExec allows you to execute applications remotely and can also be used to start a command prompt on a remote machine.

What is the difference between PsExec and other remote command execution tools?

PsExec runs processes on remote systems with full interactivity and can redirect input/output streams directly among other features that enhance its usability.

Where can I find documentation for PsTools?

Documentation for PsTools is available on the Microsoft Sysinternals website, which includes a detailed guide for each tool in the suite.

Pete Milner

I'm Pete, a software reviewer at UpdateStar with a passion for the ever-evolving world of technology. My background in engineering gives me a unique insight into the intricacies of software, allowing me to provide in-depth, knowledgeable reviews and analyses. Whether it's the newest software releases, tech innovations, or the latest trends, I'm here to break it all down for you. I work from UpdateStar’s Berlin main office.

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