.MSC files, also known as Microsoft Saved Console files, are snap-in control files that open in the Microsoft Management Console with a Graphical User Interface (GUI). These can be used to control and monitor different elements of the operating system, such as disk management, Windows services, etc. Although users can open various Management Consoles in Windows (22 to be exact), they can also create their own version of Management Consoles that holds one or more .MSC files, which can then be shared with other people. The Microsoft Management Console has been around since Windows 98 but has since been carried forward into all Windows and Server releases. In this article, we are going to be discussing all Microsoft Management Consoles in Windows and Server so it is easier for you to understand how to access them, and what each of them is used for.
How to List All MSC Files in Windows
.MSC files can be opened by entering the file’s name with the extension into Run (Windows Key + R Shortcut keys). In Windows, you can obtain the complete list of the available .MSC files by running the following command in Windows PowerShell: You can run each of the .msc files in Run to bring up the respective snap-ins in Microsoft Management Console.
List of All MSC Files in Windows (Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7)
Below is a list of all the .MSC files that you may find in Windows along with a brief description of what they are used for:MSC FileConsole NameDetailsazman.mscAuthorization ManagerManage Authorization Storescertlm.mscCertificates Local ComputerLoads the list of certificates of the local computercertmgr.mscCertificatesLoads the list of certificates of the usercomexp.mscComponent ServicesLoads Component Services, Event Viewer, and Servicescompmgmt.mscComputer ManagementIncludes System Tools (Task Scheduler, Event Viewer, Shared Folders, Local Users and Groups, Performance and Device Manager), Storage (Disk Management), and Services and Applications (Services and WMI Control)devmgmt.mscDevice ManagerOpens the Device Manager to manage hardware and devicesdevmoderunasuserconfig.mscTo manage the Start Menu, Taskbar, and Notification settingsdiskmgmt.mscDisk ManagementOpens Disk Management to administrate connected storage deviceseventvwr.mscEvent ViewerOpens the Event Viewer which displays the operating system, software, and hardware eventsfsmgmt.mscShared FoldersLoads the list of shared folders, sessions, and open filesgpedit.mscGroup Policy EditorLoads Group Policy Editor to manage system policieslusrmgr.mscLocal Users and GroupsInterface to manage local users and user groupsperfmon.mscPerformance MonitorLoads Windows Performance Monitorprintmanagement.mscPrint ManagementManage printersrsop.mscResultant Set of PoliciesList policies, full results only available through command-line tool gpresultsecpol.mscLocal Security PolicyLoads policies such as account policies, public key policies, or advanced audit policy configurationservices.mscServices ManagerLoads the list of installed services to manage them.taskschd.mscTask SchedulerLoads the Task Scheduler to manage taskstpm.mscTrusted Platform Module ManagementManage the TPM on the local device.wf.mscWindows FirewallStarts Windows Firewall with Advanced Securitywmimgmt.mscWMI ManagementConfigure and Control the Windows Management Instrumentation ServiceList of .msc files in Windows Learn about the top 10 Management Console snap-ins for Windows 11.
List of All MSC Files in Servers (Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016)
Below is a list of all the .MSC files that you may find on Microsoft Server:
How to Open MSC File
Open .msc file using Run dialog
The most common method to open a .MSC file is by putting in its name in Run. Look for the snap-in MSC file from the list given above which you wish to open, and paste it in Run (Windows Key + R shortcut keys).services.msc in Run Entering the services.msc command above will open the Services Manager.
Open .msc file from File Explorer
You can also open the .MSC files directly from the File Explorer. Navigate to the following location: Here, scroll down and you will find the .MSC files with their Type defined as “Microsoft Common Console Document.”.MSC files in System32 directory
Open .msc files using MMC Console
You can also add an MSC snap-in to MMC directly. Follow the steps below to learn how:
Final Thoughts
Despite the fact that snap-in .MSC files can be extremely useful, especially to system and network administrators, they can also be a complete disaster if you do not understand what you are doing. We recommend that you only access them if you need to troubleshoot your operating system and make any necessary changes so that you know how they work or monitor your resources. Also see:
8 Ways to open Computer Management Console (compmgmt.msc) in WindowsWhat Are User Privileges In Windows 10List of Windows Control Panel Applets (CPL Files)What Are Windows 11 Administrative Tools/Windows ToolsTop Windows 11 Management Consoles You Should Know About
