Exploring Set-CimInstance in PowerShell

Welcome back to Wahman’s PowerShell Blog! Today we’re diving into one of the powerful cmdlets that let you interact with system configuration using CIM (Common Information Model): Set-CimInstance.

What is Set-CimInstance?

Set-CimInstance is a cmdlet that allows you to modify properties of an existing CIM instance on a local or remote CIM server. In simpler terms, you can use it to make changes to various system settings that are exposed through WMI/CIM classes. It calls the ModifyInstance method of a CIM class to apply those changes.

This can be useful for configuration tasks such as changing network adapter settings, updating time zones, modifying firewall configurations, and more.

Getting Started: Begin Slowly, Then Go Deep

Let’s explore four practical and progressively advanced examples of using Set-CimInstance.

Example 1 – Rename the Computer Description

Level: Beginner

Update the computer description that you see when you view system properties.

$CimInstance = Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_OperatingSystem
$CimInstance.Description = "My Awesome PowerShell Machine"
Set-CimInstance -InputObject $CimInstance

Example 2 – Change the Time Zone

Level: Intermediate

This example changes the system’s time zone to UTC.

$TimeZone = Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TimeZone
$TimeZone.Description = "UTC"
Set-CimInstance -InputObject $TimeZone

Note: For accurate operations, you should query available time zones and assign the proper properties.

Example 3 – Disable a Network Adapter

Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Disable a specific network adapter using its name.

$adapter = Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_NetworkAdapter | Where-Object { $_.NetConnectionID -eq "Ethernet" }
$adapter.NetEnabled = $false
Set-CimInstance -InputObject $adapter

Important: This may disconnect you from the network, so use it carefully!

Example 4 – Change the Caption of a Logical Disk (for demo purposes)

Level: Advanced

Although some properties are read-only or require elevated permissions, let’s try modifying an editable property (even for academic purposes) of a disk.

$LogicalDisk = Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_LogicalDisk -Filter "DeviceID = 'C:'"
$LogicalDisk.VolumeName = "SystemDrive"
Set-CimInstance -InputObject $LogicalDisk

Note: Permissions may be required. Some changes won’t take effect until the system is refreshed or rebooted.

Conclusion

Set-CimInstance is a versatile cmdlet that opens doors for powerful system configuration through PowerShell. Always verify your WMI classes and property values before making changes, and ensure you have the necessary admin privileges when needed.

Happy scripting, and I will see you in the next post!

Wahmans Powershell Blog

Set-CimInstance