Compare software

PsExec vs PsTools: catalog facts
PsExec	PsTools
Free Free download from Microsoft as part of PsTools.	Free Free download from Microsoft Sysinternals.
Windows, Command line	Windows, Command line
No manual client installation on remote machines Interactive remote command prompts	Manages remote machines with nothing installed on them Covers processes, services, event logs, shutdown and passwords
Windows only and command-line only Requires administrative access to the remote systems	Some antivirus scanners flag the tools as remote admin threats Officially supports Windows 11 and Windows Server 2019 or later
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Closed source
License: Proprietary	License: Sysinternals EULA
No account needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 8, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.