What Is the Windows iSCSI Initiator, and How Do You Access It?
iSCSI (internet Small Computer Systems Interface) is an Internet Protocol-based storage networking tool that links data storage devices. It can be used to transmit data over local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), or the Internet.
Meanwhile, the Microsoft iSCSI Initiator is a tool that allows you to connect a host PC to an external iSCSI-based storage array. It manages the iSCSI sessions on your computer and the remote iSCSI target devices.
Let’s check out how you can configure this tool. From there, we’ll explore the different ways to access it.
How to Configure the iSCSI Initiator
Here are the steps for setting up the iSCSI Initiator:
At this point, your iSCSI target device should be added to the “Discovered targets” box. Press theDonebutton to proceed.
Can’t find any iSCSI target devices? Navigate to theFavorite Targetstab and check if you can find something.
Otherwise, follow these steps:
If you still can’t find iSCSI targets, click theDiscover Portalbutton and then add a target portal. From there, click theRefreshbutton again to search for the iSCSI target devices.
After adding your target device, you’ll be able to handle all iSCSI sessions from your PC using the iSCSI Initiator. To get started, simply explore all the options that appear on theVolumes and Devicestab and the other sections.
But then, what are the various ways to access the iSCSI Initiator? Let’s find out.
1. Open the iSCSI Initiator Using the Run Command Dialog Box
You’ve already discovered how to open the iSCSI Initiator with the Start menu search bar. Now, we’ll show you how to access this tool with the Run command dialog box.
What’s interesting is that you can alsoaccess your third-party programs using the Run command dialog box. But you’d need to tweak some Registry keys first.
Now, here’s how to open the iSCSI Initiator using the Run command dialog box:
2. Open the iSCSI Initiator Using the Start Menu
The Start menu is another incredible tool that helps you easily access your apps. So, here’s how you can use it to access the iSCSI Initiator:
3. Open the iSCSI Initiator Using the File Explorer Address Bar
You probably know that you can locate your file and folder paths on the File Explorer address bar. In addition to that, this tool can also help you access almost any app on your device.
Here’s how to open the iSCSI Initiator using the File Explorer address bar:
4. Open the iSCSI Initiator Using the Control Panel
Ever used the Control Panel before? It’s an awesome tool that helps you troubleshoot PC issues or configure some system settings.
But that’s not all! This tool can also help you access various programs on your Windows device.
Let’s check out how you’re able to access the iSCSI Initiator using the Control Panel:
5. Open the iSCSI Initiator Using the Task Manager
You probably know that you canforce close your Windows programsusing the Task Manager. But besides that, this tool can also help you access your apps.
So, let’s explore how you can open the iSCSI Initiator using the Task Manager:
6. Open the iSCSI Initiator Using the Command Prompt or PowerShell
We’ll now check out how to access the iSCSI Initiator using the Command Prompt and PowerShell.
Let’s start with the Command Prompt:
Now, let’s discover how to open the iSCSI Initiator using PowerShell:
7. Search for the iSCSI Initiator in the System32 Directory
You can also access the iSCSI Initiator by double-clicking on the relevant option in the Windows System32 directory.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
If you want to make your life much easier, simply pin the iSCSI Initiator to the taskbar. To do that, right-click on theiscsicploption and selectPin to taskbar.
8. Use a Desktop Shortcut
The Windows desktop shortcuts help you access your apps with ease. So, let’s check out how to create a desktop shortcut for the iSCSI Initiator:
Type iSCSI Initiator in theNamebox and then press theFinishbutton. From there, you should easily access the tool using your desktop shortcut.
Easily Manage Your iSCSI Sessions With the iSCSI Initiator
Wondering how it’s possible to connect your Windows device to external iSCSI-based storage devices? The iSCSI Initiator is all you need!
If you want to easily access this tool, check out any of the methods in this article. And if you want to explore other ways to connect to a remote PC, then check out the Windows Remote Desktop Services tool.
Get familiar with the Windows Remote Desktop Services Tool and use your PC across long distances.
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