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Tools - Configuration•Updated: November 23, 2024

devmgmt.msc

Check your hardware and drivers through Device Manager.

devmgmt.msc

Command: devmgmt.msc

Category: Configuration

Type: GUI

Purpose

Opens the Windows Device Manager, which displays all hardware devices connected to your computer and their associated drivers. Use it to troubleshoot hardware problems, update drivers, enable or disable devices, and view device properties.

Quick Summary

Device Manager is your central hub for managing hardware and drivers. See every device connected to your PC, check for driver issues (indicated by yellow warning icons), update or roll back drivers, and quickly diagnose hardware problems. Essential for troubleshooting hardware issues and maintaining driver health.

How to Use

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter.
  3. The Device Manager window opens with expandable categories of devices.
  4. Click the arrow next to any category to expand and see individual devices.
  5. Right-click any device to update drivers, disable, uninstall, or view properties.

Alternative methods:

  • Type devmgmt.msc in Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Start menu search
  • Right-click "This PC" or "Computer" > Properties > Device Manager
  • Search for "Device Manager" in the Start menu

Tips and Best Practices

  • Look for yellow warning icons (!) which indicate driver or device problems.
  • Red X marks indicate disabled devices.
  • Use "Scan for hardware changes" (Action menu) after connecting new devices.
  • Always create a restore point before updating drivers.
  • Use "Roll Back Driver" if a new driver causes problems.
  • Check the "Events" tab in device properties for detailed error information.
  • View hidden devices via View menu > Show hidden devices.

Common Use Cases

  • Driver troubleshooting: Identify and fix driver issues causing device malfunctions.
  • Driver updates: Update outdated drivers for better performance or compatibility.
  • Hardware diagnostics: Check if hardware is detected and functioning properly.
  • Device management: Enable, disable, or uninstall devices as needed.
  • Conflict resolution: Identify resource conflicts between hardware devices.

Prerequisites

  • No administrator rights required to view devices
  • Administrator rights required to update drivers, disable, or uninstall devices
  • Available on all Windows versions

Troubleshooting

  • "Access denied" when updating drivers - Run Device Manager as Administrator.
  • Device has a yellow warning icon - Right-click and select "Update driver" or check device properties for error codes.
  • Device not showing up - Use Action > Scan for hardware changes, or check physical connections.
  • Code 43 error - Generic hardware failure; try uninstalling device and scanning for hardware changes.
  • Code 10 error - Device cannot start; update or reinstall drivers.
  • Code 28 error - Drivers not installed; install appropriate drivers.

Understanding Device Status Icons

  • Normal device: No icon overlay - device is working properly.
  • Yellow warning (!): Driver or configuration problem.
  • Red X: Device is disabled.
  • Down arrow: Device has been manually disabled.
  • Unknown device: Windows cannot identify the device (missing drivers).
  • driverquery /v - Command-line tool to list all installed drivers
  • dxdiag.exe - Diagnostic tool for graphics and sound devices
  • msinfo32.exe - System Information includes hardware details
  • compmgmt.msc - Computer Management includes Device Manager