How to use the command 'pwlauncher' (with examples)

The pwlauncher command is a tool used on Windows operating systems to manage the Windows To Go startup options. Windows To Go is a feature that allows a full version of Windows to be booted and run from a USB drive on any PC that meets the necessary hardware certification requirements. The pwlauncher command helps users configure and manage how these environments start up, ensuring smooth transitions between portable workspaces.

Use case 1: Display the current Windows To Go status

Code:

pwlauncher

Motivation:

Understanding the current status of Windows To Go startup options is crucial for system administrators and users who rely on portable Windows environments. By displaying the current status, users gain insights into whether the feature is enabled or disabled, which is essential for troubleshooting, compliance checks, or system audits. This command helps in quickly assessing the configuration without needing to delve deep into system settings manually.

Explanation:

The pwlauncher command, without any arguments, simply displays the existing configuration status of the Windows To Go startup options on the machine. It acts as a status check to inform users of the configured operational state, making it a valuable command during initial configuration checks or routine audits.

Example output:

Windows To Go startup options are currently enabled.

This output tells the user that the Windows To Go feature is active and may be set to boot from a USB drive, enabling portable workspace functionality.

Use case 2: Enable or disable the Windows To Go startup options

Code:

pwlauncher /enable

or

pwlauncher /disable

Motivation:

There are scenarios where it is necessary to enable or disable the Windows To Go startup options. For instance, if a user regularly uses a secure, modular workspace on different hardware setups, enabling this feature ensures accessibility and security. Conversely, disabling it might be needed for optimizing boot times or security concerns on a machine where Windows To Go is not needed. The command offers flexibility in configuring the system based on immediate user requirements or organizational policy changes.

Explanation:

• /enable: This argument activates the Windows To Go startup options. When enabled, the system will recognize and allow boot from a Windows To Go USB device.
• /disable: This argument deactivates the Windows To Go startup options. Disabling ensures that the system ignores Windows To Go USB devices during the boot process, potentially speeding up boot times and improving security by reducing attack vectors.

Example output:

When enabling:

Windows To Go startup options have been enabled.

When disabling:

Windows To Go startup options have been disabled.

These outputs confirm the change in status, providing immediate feedback to the user that the startup options have either been activated or deactivated accordingly.

Conclusion:

The pwlauncher command is a straightforward yet powerful utility for managing Windows To Go startup options. Whether you’re a system administrator managing multiple devices or an individual using Windows To Go for its portability, understanding how to check the status of and toggle this feature is vital. It provides both a quick check and a simple way to configure essential startup settings, ensuring that your portable Windows environment operates as expected.