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

The Unified Write Filter (UWF) is a crucial tool for systems administrators who need to protect the integrity of their system configurations, especially in environments where users may accidentally or intentionally alter system settings. The UWF commands allow you to redirect writes to a virtual overlay, essentially protecting the drive. These changes can either be discarded upon reboot or committed if necessary.

Use case 1: Get the Current Status

Code:

uwfmgr get-config

Motivation:
Understanding the current status of any system component is critical especially when dealing with security and configurations. By using the uwfmgr get-config command, you can obtain a comprehensive view of the current settings and protections the Unified Write Filter has in place. This makes it a vital step in troubleshooting, verifying system protections, or auditing system configurations.

Explanation:

• uwfmgr: This is the main command to invoke the Unified Write Filter Manager, responsible for managing write protections on Windows drives.
• get-config: This sub-command retrieves and displays the configuration settings currently applied to the system by the UWF.

Example Output:

Filter state: Enabled
Protected volumes: C: , D:
Exclusion list: C:\logs
...

Use case 2: Set a Drive as Protected

Code:

uwfmgr volume protect C:

Motivation:
To prevent unauthorized changes and ensure system stability, it may be necessary to protect certain drives, particularly those containing critical system files. By executing the uwfmgr volume protect command, system administrators can add another layer of security, ensuring that any changes or corruptions do not affect the drive between sessions.

Explanation:

• uwfmgr: Again, the main command for managing the UWF.
• volume: Specifies the action is related to drive volumes.
• protect: Indicates the desire to apply protective write filter management to the specified drive.
• C:: This is the placeholder for the drive letter that is being protected; in this example, it’s the C drive.

Example Output:

Volume 'C:' is now protected.

Use case 3: Remove a Drive from Protection List

Code:

uwfmgr volume unprotect C:

Motivation:
There are cases where you need the system to operate in a state where changes can be made and preserved, such as during software installations or updates. At such times, removing a drive from protection helps facilitate these necessary changes. Just be sure to re-enable protection afterward to maintain system integrity.

Explanation:

• uwfmgr: The command stem for Unified Write Filter management.
• volume: Specifies operation relates to managing drive volumes.
• unprotect: Informs the command-line utility to remove write protection.
• C:: This specifies the target drive that this command will unprotect.

Example Output:

Volume 'C:' is no longer protected.

Use case 4: Enable or Disable Protection

Code:

uwfmgr filter enable

Motivation:
Enabling or disabling the UWF filter is fundamental in transitioning between protected and open states for a system. This is particularly useful during maintenance or configuration sessions when persistent changes need to be made before re-enabling the write filter to maintain future session consistency.

Explanation:

• uwfmgr: Core command application for UWF.
• filter: Indicates that the operation pertains to enabling or disabling the overall filter.
• enable: This tells the system to initiate the protective measures after reboot for drives currently set as protected.

Example Output:

The Unified Write Filter has been enabled.

Use case 5: Commit Changes of a File on Protected Drive

Code:

uwfmgr file commit C:\config\settings.ini

Motivation:
There are instances where important settings or files on a protected drive need to be updated and saved. The uwfmgr file commit command allows these critical, user-defined exceptions to be persisted, solidifying any adjustments to selected files for consistency across system restarts.

Explanation:

• uwfmgr: Calls the UWF Manager.
• file: Specifies the command targets a file action.
• commit: Commands the system to save changes made to a specified file permanently.
• C:\config\settings.ini: This is the specific path to the file whose changes need committing.

Example Output:

File 'C:\config\settings.ini' changes have been committed.

Use case 6: Commit Deletion of a File on Protected Drive

Code:

uwfmgr file commit-delete C:\temp\obsolete.txt

Motivation:
To maintain a tidy and efficient system, certain files inevitably become unnecessary and need deletion. On a protected drive, simply deleting the file won’t suffice as the action will be undone upon reboot. The uwfmgr file commit-delete command ensures that these deletions persist, keeping the operating environment organized without manual repetition.

Explanation:

• uwfmgr: Engages the UWF management command.
• file: Specifies this operation concerns a particular file.
• commit-delete: Indicates the intention to commit the deletion of the file, ensuring that it stays deleted even after a system reboot.
• C:\temp\obsolete.txt: The path of the file that needs to be deleted permanently.

Example Output:

File 'C:\temp\obsolete.txt' deletion has been committed.

Conclusion:

Using the uwfmgr command, systems administrators and power users can carefully manage write protections on critical drives, retaining control over system changes and maintaining system integrity across reboots. The flexibility to commit certain changes while discarding others ensures that systems can remain both secure and efficient.