Perform a Software Inventory

What software have you got on your PCs? To find out, you need to carry out a software inventory by following these four steps:

1. Make a list of all the PCs, business laptops, servers and other devices in your organisation, including their serial numbers and locations.

2. Note how each PC is set up. Is it:

3. Find out what software is on each PC. You can do this:

Doing A Manual Inventory

First, check what software is installed on each PC, laptop, server or device in your organisation and record the information. You can start by viewing the 'Add or Remove Programs' option on each PC.

Next, download the PC Software Inventory Report template.

Running An Automatic Inventory

To run an automatic inventory, use a software inventory application. You can use the Microsoft Software Inventory Analyser (MSIA) to see which major Microsoft titles are installed - or you can search the Software Inventory and Asset Management Tools catalogue for an application supplied by one of our partners.

When you've chosen your application, use it to scan a network of PCs or individual, non-networked PCs and devices. (You'll need to install the application separately on each stand-alone PC.) Most SAM tools automatically generate software inventory reports. If yours doesn't, download the PC Software Inventory Report template.

4. Download the Software Inventory Summary Report template and combine the information from your inventories into one master report. This is essential for your next step and will act as a reference for your future SAM records.

Downloads