Windows WinRM Error: Inconclusive Operation Information

Error Description

This error occurs when the Windows Remote Management (WinRM) service requests an action from a system provider (such as WMI, Active Directory, or a registry provider), but the provider fails to return a clear success or failure status code. This usually happens due to corrupted WMI repositories, misconfigured WinRM listeners, corrupted system files, or strict security software blocking local loopback communications. It frequently disrupts remote PowerShell sessions, server management tools, and automated deployment scripts.

Step-by-Step Fixes

Follow these solutions in order until the issue is resolved.

Step 1: Restart the WinRM Service

A simple service refresh can clear stuck operations.

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Scroll down and locate Windows Remote Management (WS-Management).
4. Right-click the service and select Restart.
5. If the service is not running, right-click it and select Start.

Step 2: Run a WinRM Quick Configuration

Re-initialize the WinRM configurations to fix broken listeners and default firewall rules.

1. Press the Windows Key, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   winrm quickconfig

3. If prompted to make changes, type y and press Enter to confirm.

Step 3: Run SFC and DISM Repairs

Corrupted system components can cause providers to report inconclusive data.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Run the deployment image repair tool first by typing:

   DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

3. Wait for the process to reach 100%.
4. Run the system file checker by typing:

   sfc /scannow

5. Restart your computer after the scans complete.

Step 4: Repair the WMI Repository

Since WinRM relies heavily on the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) provider, fixing WMI often resolves this error.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Check the consistency of the WMI repository by running:

   winmgmt /verifyrepository

3. If the output says "Repository is not consistent", run the repair command:

   winmgmt /salvagerepository

4. If the issue persists, reset the repository completely by typing:

   winmgmt /resetrepository

5. Restart the computer to apply the changes.

Step 5: Increase WinRM Provider Timeout

Slow system performance can cause providers to time out before sending a clear success signal.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Increase the maximum timeout value (in milliseconds) by running:

   winrm set winrm/config @{MaxTimeoutms="60000"}

3. Verify if your operation now completes without throwing the error.