Software auditing is a crucial process for ensuring compliance, security, and optimal performance within an IT infrastructure. In the Windows environment, software auditing involves tracking and managing software installations, usage, and licensing to ensure that all software adheres to organizational policies and legal requirements. This article will guide you through the process of performing software audits on Windows systems using built-in tools and scripts.

Examples:

1. Using PowerShell for Software Inventory:

PowerShell is a powerful scripting language in Windows that can be used to gather information about installed software.

   Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\* |

   Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion, Publisher, InstallDate |

   Format-Table –AutoSize

This script queries the registry for installed software and displays the name, version, publisher, and installation date.

2. Using WMIC (Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line):

WMIC is another tool that can be used to list installed software.

   wmic product get name,version

This command lists the name and version of all installed software products.

3. Using SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager):

For larger environments, SCCM can be used to perform comprehensive software audits. SCCM collects detailed information about installed software across all managed devices.

   # Example script to query SCCM database for installed software

   Import-Module 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Configuration Manager\AdminConsole\bin\ConfigurationManager.psd1'

   Set-Location 'SCCM:'

   Get-CMSoftwareInventory -CollectionId "YourCollectionID"

4. Using Local Group Policy Editor:

Local Group Policy Editor can be used to enforce software restrictions and audit software installations.

   gpedit.msc

Navigate to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Audit Process Creation and enable auditing.

5. Using Event Viewer:

Event Viewer can be used to track software installation events.

   eventvwr.msc

Navigate to Windows Logs -> Application and filter logs for software installation events.