WMI Filters

More often than not when deploying Group Policy you need to target specific types of machine, or OS, or architecture and do this you need to use WMI filters.

Here are some helpful tips on what the numbers you are using mean:

WMI Win32_OperatingSystem ProductType:

ProductType 1 = Desktop OS
ProductType 2 = Server OS - Domain Controller
ProductType 3= Server OS - Non domain controller

WMI Win32_OperatingSystem Version:

5.1 - Windows XP

5.2 - Windows Server 2003

5.2.3 - Windows Server 2003 R2

6.0 - Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008

6.1 - Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2

6.2 - Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012

6.3 - Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2


In my case today I had to target servers that weren't domain controllers and were running Windows Server 2012 R2 so I used the following WMI filter:

select * from Win32_OperatingSystem WHERE Version like "6.3%" AND ProductType="3"

The following filter is also useful, it will select all Windows Server 2012 R2 objects, normal servers and domain controllers:

select * from Win32_OperatingSystem WHERE Version like "6.3%" AND (ProductType="2" or ProductType="3")


IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: 
Always test your Group Policies and WMI filters before deploying.

Why not follow me on Twitter for other hints and tips - www.twitter.com/weeyinfotos