icon-bg
icon-bg
icon-bg

How to scan Windows devices

In today's interconnected world, where networks play a crucial role in facilitating business operations and maintaining productivity, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the devices connected to your system. Windows scan network is a critical task that provides invaluable insights into the hardware and software components, enabling effective management and maintenance of your IT infrastructure.

Why do you need to scan a network for Windows computers?

Scanning a network for Windows computers is not just a routine task; it's a critical aspect of network management that serves multiple vital functions essential for maintaining the health and security of IT environments. One of the primary reasons for conducting such scans is to gather detailed information about each computer's hardware and software configurations. This data is crucial for assessing the performance levels of various equipment, identifying any potential hardware or software issues, and ensuring compatibility across the network.

Moreover, regular scans help maintain the integrity of the system drives by detecting early signs of failure or corruption, thus preventing potential data loss. They also play a significant role in security management. By keeping track of the latest system updates and patches, network administrators can ensure that all Windows computers are up to date, thereby minimizing vulnerabilities to cyber threats. Additionally, pc scanning network allows for the monitoring of Event Log entries, which can provide early warnings of unauthorized access attempts or other security incidents.

How to scan Windows computers on a local network?

When an administrator needs to scan networked Windows computers, the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) is typically used, and most of the information is extracted from this specialized tool. Additionally, data can be obtained from the Windows registry and Active Directory when using the synchronization mode. There are several methods for remotely scanning Windows computers, each with its advantages and trade-offs.

Remote scanning via SMB

In this method, the inspecting agent is downloaded to the remote computer and removed after the review is completed. While this approach minimizes the lingering footprint on the scanned system, it can potentially load the network when scanning a large number of computers regularly.

Remote scanning via RPC

With this method, Total Network Inventory directly connects to the WMI service of a remote computer and extracts the necessary information about it. However, this approach can noticeably increase network traffic and should be considered an alternative if the SMB protocol is not available.

Low-level hardware scan

TNI can scan the Windows computer's hardware using a driver that allows you to collect data that is not available in WMI, such as detailed information about memory modules, S.M.A.R.T data, and more. This method provides a more comprehensive view of the hardware components but may require additional configuration or permissions.

Resident Agent scanning

A permanently installed agent running as a service allows you to check on a schedule without using the main TNI module. This method reduces the load on the network and enables you to constantly have the most up-to-date information about computers for further analysis and reporting.

For more detailed information about scanning methods and configurations, consult the TNI user manual.

Windows device scanner in Total Network Inventory

The scanner in Total Network Inventory enables you to scan remote computers on the network using all the methods described above. Scan targets can be set in several ways, including network names, IP addresses, network ranges with mask indications, IP address ranges, Windows workgroup names, Active Directory domain controllers, and LDAP notation.

Network scanner for Windows

Automatically scan Windows devices on a schedule

One of the key advantages of Total Network Inventory is the ability to schedule scanning tasks for Windows devices. The program will perform these tasks automatically, according to the set schedule. TNI offers a wide range of fine-tuning options for the review scheduler, which are described in detail in the user manual.

It's worth noting that the application allows you to work with various types of equipment, such as network-attached storage devices (NAS), printers, routers, UPS devices, VoIP phones, and other network equipment based on different operating systems and protocols. The scanning algorithm is nearly identical for all equipment, with the only difference being the protocol used by the specific device.

What data can be extracted when scanning Windows computers?

When scanning computer, Total Network Inventory can extract a wealth of information about both hardware and software components, including:

Hardware:

  • CPU: manufacturer, specifications, connector type, power (TDP), number of cores, etc.
  • System memory: total volume, swap files, available slots, etc.
  • Video: graphics adapters and monitors, manufacturer name, chipsets, driver information, video signal type.
  • Storage: information about hard drives, volumes, type, chipset support.
  • Logical partitions: drive and media type, file system.
  • Network: network adapters, MAC address, subnet/gateway, IP addresses, connection statuses, hostnames, etc.
  • Periphery equipment: printers, plotters, scanners additional information about ports, attributes, connectors, and more.
  • Connected USB devices, that can scan for devices on the network without permission and more.

Software:

  • Operating system: version and architecture, product key.
  • Installed software: name and publisher, version, installation date.
  • System updates.
  • Safety.
  • Antivirus, firewall, antispyware.
  • Database.
  • Virtual machines.

And more:

  • System and User Environment Variables.
  • Shared Resources: disk devices, printer queues, IPC admin, etc.
  • Startup.
  • Services: file system drivers, kernel drivers.
  • Running processes.
  • User accounts.

Total Network Inventory is a comprehensive multi-tool among its competitors. It offers numerous available functions, an intuitive interface, and informative reports on how to scan on Windows, Unix, and macOS computers were scanned. These features greatly simplify the work of system administrators responsible for managing network and computer equipment operations.

By leveraging the powerful checking capabilities of Total Network Inventory, organizations can gain a comprehensive understanding of their IT infrastructure, enabling proactive maintenance, effective resource allocation, and informed decision-making. Whether you need to review for devices on a pc, scan devices on network windows, or perform a comprehensive scanning computers, this versatile tool provides the necessary insights to ensure the smooth operation and security of your Windows devices.

 

FAQ
What is the importance of scanning Windows devices on a network?
Scanning Windows devices on a network is crucial for maintaining visibility into the health, security, and configuration of Windows-based endpoints. It allows IT administrators to track hardware and software assets, identify security vulnerabilities, and ensure compliance with IT policies.
What types of information can be collected by scanning Windows devices with Softinventive's solution?
Softinventive's solution can collect a wide range of information from Windows devices, including hardware specifications, installed software, system configuration settings, user accounts, running processes, event logs, and security patches.
Can Softinventive's solution scan Windows devices remotely?
Yes, Softinventive's solution supports remote scanning of Windows devices, allowing IT administrators to perform scans from a central management console without physically accessing each endpoint. This reduces the need for manual intervention and minimizes disruptions to end-users.
21 November 2024

TNI 6.3.5: Network map export and UI improvements

This version brings network map export, several quality-of-life changes for database storages management and a number of important updates for scanning agents.

06 September 2024

Total Network Inventory 6.3: Improving DB management!

The latest update of Total Network Inventory, which enhances database management capabilities, making work with TNI storage even much easier.