The WMI Query Language

WMI Query Language, or WQL, is used to query WMI in a similar style to SQL.

WQL implements a subset of Structured Query Language (SQL). The keywords are traditionally written in uppercase; however, WQL is not case-sensitive.

The WMI reference describes the keywords available: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/win32/wmisdk/wql-sql-for-wmi.

Certain products like Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) extend WQL. The extended keywords may only be used with WMI classes defined by SCCM: https://learn.microsoft.com/mem/configmgr/develop/core/understand/extended-wmi-query-language.

Both the CIM and the older WMI commands support the Filter and Query parameters, which accept WQL queries.

Understanding SELECT, WHERE, and FROM

The SELECT, WHERE, and FROM keywords are used with the Query parameter of either Get-CimInstance or Get-WmiObject.

The generalized syntax for the Query parameter is as follows:

SELECT <Properties> FROM <WMI Class>
SELECT <Properties...