The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Windows Device Manager is one of the fastest ways to inspect hardware, drivers, and device-related errors on a PC. When Wi-Fi stops working, audio disappears, a USB device is not recognized, or a display adapter behaves unexpectedly, Device Manager can help reveal whether Windows detects the hardware properly and whether its driver is functioning.
By checking device categories, status icons, properties, and error codes, you can narrow down many common problems without installing extra tools. Device Manager also lets you update drivers, roll back recent driver changes, disable or re-enable hardware, uninstall problem devices, and pair its findings with Windows troubleshooters and Event Viewer for a clearer diagnosis.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How to Open Device Manager in Windows
Device Manager is built into Windows and can be opened several different ways. The quickest method in Windows 11 and Windows 10 is the power user menu: right-click the Start button, or press Windows + X, then select Device Manager. This opens the main Device Manager console, where hardware is grouped into categories such as Display adapters, Network adapters, Bluetooth, Sound, video and game controllers, and Universal Serial Bus controllers.
You can also open it from Windows Search. Click Start, type Device Manager, and select the matching result. If you prefer command-based access, press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter. The same command works from Command Prompt, PowerShell, Windows Terminal, or the Run dialog, making it useful when documenting steps or working remotely with a user.
#1 Best Overall
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Common ways to launch Device Manager
- Power user menu: Press Windows + X, then choose Device Manager.
- Windows Search: Search for Device Manager from the Start menu.
- Run dialog: Press Windows + R, enter devmgmt.msc, then press Enter.
- Computer Management: Right-click Start, choose Computer Management, then select Device Manager in the left pane.
- Settings path: Open Settings, go to System > About, then select Device Manager under related links where available.
- Control Panel: Open Control Panel, choose Hardware and Sound, then select Device Manager under Devices and Printers.
For most troubleshooting tasks, open Device Manager with an administrator account. Standard users can usually view device information, but changing drivers, uninstalling devices, disabling hardware, or scanning for hardware changes may require administrator approval. If a User Account Control prompt appears, select Yes or enter administrator credentials. In managed business environments, some actions may be blocked by policy, especially driver installation or removal.
Once Device Manager opens, use the View menu to control what appears. Devices by type is the default view and is best for most troubleshooting because it groups hardware by function. Devices by connection is useful for tracing a device through a USB hub, PCI bus, docking station, or internal controller. You can also select Show hidden devices to reveal disconnected hardware, old driver entries, and non-present devices that may still affect ports, printers, audio devices, or network adapters.
If Device Manager does not open, restart Windows and try the devmgmt.msc command again. On systems with damaged management components, opening Computer Management first may still provide access. If the console opens but looks empty or incomplete, confirm that Windows services are running normally, sign in with an administrator account, and check whether the computer is controlled by workplace or school policies. After Device Manager is open, the next step is to read the device categories, warning icons, and status messages that identify where the hardware or driver problem is occurring.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Understanding Device Categories and Status Icons
Device Manager groups hardware and virtual devices into categories so you can quickly narrow down where a problem is coming from. For example, display issues are usually under Display adapters or Monitors, audio problems are often under Audio inputs and outputs or Sound, video and game controllers, and network connectivity issues are typically under Network adapters. Expand a category by selecting the arrow beside it to see the individual devices Windows has detected.
Some categories contain physical hardware, while others include system components, software-based devices, or connection standards. Universal Serial Bus controllers lists USB host controllers, hubs, and sometimes attached USB-related components. Human Interface Devices can include keyboards, mice, touchscreens, game controllers, and vendor-specific input devices. System devices often contains chipset, firmware, power management, and motherboard-related entries; these are normal and should not be changed unless you are following a specific fix from the PC or motherboard manufacturer.
Common Device Manager status icons
Status icons help you spot devices that need attention. A normal device usually appears without a warning symbol. If Device Manager detects a fault, Windows places an overlay icon on the device entry. These icons are a quick starting point, but the device’s Properties window provides the fuller status message and error code.
- Yellow triangle with an exclamation mark: Windows has detected a problem with the device. This commonly points to a missing, corrupted, incompatible, or failed driver, but it can also indicate a resource conflict or hardware issue.
- Down arrow: The device is disabled. Windows knows the device exists, but it is not currently active. You can usually re-enable it from the device’s right-click menu.
- Question mark or unknown device entry: Windows cannot identify the device correctly. This often happens after a clean Windows installation, a major update, or when chipset or vendor drivers are missing.
- Greyed-out device: The device is not currently connected or is a hidden/non-present device. This is common for previously used USB drives, Bluetooth devices, docks, monitors, and printers.
If you do not see an expected device, open the View menu and select Show hidden devices. This can reveal hardware that was previously connected, devices that are installed but inactive, or entries left behind after driver changes. Hidden devices are useful for cleaning up duplicate or stale entries, especially when troubleshooting USB, Bluetooth, audio, or networking problems. Be careful with system-level devices, because removing the wrong hidden entry can affect startup, power management, or hardware detection.
When comparing categories, look for patterns rather than a single entry in isolation. If several USB devices show errors, the issue may be with a USB controller or hub rather than each accessory. If both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are missing, the shared wireless card or its driver package may be the source. If many devices appear as unknown after reinstalling Windows, install the chipset and manufacturer driver packages before troubleshooting each device one by one.
Checking Device Properties and Error Codes
After you spot a device with a warning icon, unknown label, or unexpected behavior, open its Properties window for more precise information. In Device Manager, right-click the device and select Properties. The General tab is usually the best starting point because it shows the device name, manufacturer, device type, location, and Device status. If Windows detects a problem, this status box often includes an error code such as Code 10, Code 28, Code 43, or Code 45.
These codes help narrow the problem. For example, Code 28 usually means the driver is not installed, so the next step is to install or update the driver. Code 10, often shown as “This device cannot start,” can point to a driver fault, incompatible hardware, firmware issue, or a device that is not responding properly. Code 43 means Windows stopped the device because it reported a problem, which is common with failing USB devices, graphics adapters, and devices connected through unstable hubs or cables. Code 45 indicates the hardware is currently not connected, so you should check the physical connection, port, dock, adapter, or internal seating before changing drivers.
| Error code | Common meaning | Practical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Code 10 | Device cannot start | Restart Windows, update the driver, check firmware or hardware compatibility |
| Code 28 | Driver not installed | Install the correct driver from Windows Update or the manufacturer |
| Code 43 | Device reported a problem | Disconnect and reconnect the device, try another port, reinstall the driver |
| Code 45 | Device not connected | Check cables, ports, docks, adapters, or internal hardware seating |
The other tabs in the Properties window provide more diagnostic detail. The Driver tab shows the driver provider, date, version, and digital signer, which is useful when comparing an installed driver with the latest version from the PC or component manufacturer. The Details tab lets you inspect hardware identifiers, compatible IDs, class GUIDs, and device instance paths. If Windows lists an item as Unknown device, choose Hardware Ids from the Property menu; the VEN, DEV, VID, PID, or ACPI values can help identify the exact chipset, USB device, Bluetooth adapter, storage controller, or other component.
Some devices also include Events, Resources, or Power Management tabs. The Events tab shows recent driver installations, device configuration attempts, and migration messages after Windows updates. The Resources tab can reveal conflicts involving IRQs, I/O ranges, or memory ranges, though modern Windows versions usually manage these automatically. On network adapters, USB controllers, Bluetooth radios, and input devices, the Power Management tab may include an option that allows Windows to turn off the device to save power. If a device disappears after sleep or stops responding until reboot, clearing that power-saving checkbox can be a useful test.
When reviewing properties, avoid changing advanced values randomly. Record the device name, error code, driver version, and any recent change such as a Windows update, BIOS update, new peripheral, or hardware replacement. That information makes the next troubleshooting step clearer, whether you update the driver, roll it back, reinstall the device, test a different port, or check the manufacturer’s support page for a known issue.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
Updating, Rolling Back, and Reinstalling Drivers
Drivers are the software components that let Windows communicate with hardware such as graphics cards, Wi-Fi adapters, audio devices, printers, storage controllers, and Bluetooth radios. If Device Manager shows an error code, a yellow warning icon, or a device that behaves unpredictably, the driver is often the first item to check. Windows lets you update, roll back, or reinstall a driver directly from Device Manager, and each option is useful in a different situation.
Updating a driver
To update a driver, right-click the affected device in Device Manager and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for drivers if you want Windows to look for a newer driver already available through Windows Update or the local driver store. If you downloaded a driver from the PC manufacturer, motherboard vendor, or hardware maker, choose Browse my computer for drivers, then point Windows to the folder containing the driver files.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11For best results, get drivers from trusted sources. Laptop and desktop manufacturers often customize drivers for power management, function keys, touchpads, graphics switching, audio enhancements, and wireless hardware. For graphics cards, network adapters, chipsets, and printers, the component manufacturer may also provide newer packages. Avoid random driver download sites, since incorrect or bundled drivers can create new problems or install unwanted software.
Rolling back a driver
If a device stopped working after a driver update, use the rollback option. Open the device’s Properties, go to the Driver tab, and select Roll Back Driver. Windows will restore the previously installed driver if one is available. This is especially useful after updates that cause display flickering, broken audio, unstable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth pairing failures, touchpad issues, or blue screen crashes involving a specific device.
The Roll Back Driver button may be unavailable if Windows does not have an older driver saved. In that case, you can manually install an earlier version from the manufacturer’s support page. Before replacing major drivers, such as graphics, storage, or chipset drivers, it is wise to create a restore point so you have a recovery path if the system becomes unstable.
Reinstalling a driver
Reinstalling is useful when a driver appears corrupted, has missing files, or repeatedly fails to start. Right-click the device and choose Uninstall device. In the confirmation window, you may see Attempt to remove the driver for this device or Delete the driver software for this device. Select that option only when you want Windows to discard the current driver package, such as when replacing a bad driver with a clean download.
- Right-click the problem device and select Uninstall device.
- Restart the PC so Windows can detect the hardware again.
- Let Windows reinstall a compatible driver automatically, or install the driver package from the manufacturer.
- Return to Device Manager and check whether the warning icon or error code has cleared.
If the device does not reappear after uninstalling, select Action > Scan for hardware changes. For USB devices, unplug the device, restart Windows, and reconnect it to a different port. For internal hardware such as network cards or storage controllers, check the manufacturer’s driver package and firmware updates if reinstalling the driver does not resolve the issue.
Disabling, Enabling, or Uninstalling Problem Devices
When a device or driver is causing instability, conflicts, or unwanted behavior, Device Manager lets you temporarily disable it, re-enable it, or remove it from Windows. These actions are useful when a component is not essential for startup, such as a secondary network adapter, Bluetooth radio, webcam, fingerprint reader, audio device, or external USB controller. They are also helpful when testing whether a specific device is responsible for crashes, battery drain, connection drops, or repeated error messages.
To manage a device, open Device Manager, expand the relevant category, right-click the device, and choose the action you want. Disable device turns the hardware off in Windows without deleting its driver. The device remains listed but is marked as disabled, and Windows will not use it until you enable it again. This is often the safest first step when isolating a suspected problem because it is reversible and does not remove driver files.
- Disable device: Use this to stop Windows from using a device while you test system behavior. For example, disable a problematic Wi-Fi adapter and connect by Ethernet to see whether network errors stop.
- Enable device: Use this to turn a previously disabled device back on. Right-click the disabled device and select Enable device.
- Uninstall device: Use this when you want Windows to remove the device entry and reload it on the next scan or restart. This can fix corrupted device instances, stuck USB devices, or drivers that did not install cleanly.
Uninstalling a device is more forceful than disabling it, but it does not always delete the driver package from the system. After right-clicking a device and selecting Uninstall device, Windows may show a checkbox such as Attempt to remove the driver for this device or Delete the driver software for this device. Select that option only when you want Windows to discard the current driver package, such as when replacing a faulty vendor driver with a clean version. If you leave it unchecked, Windows usually removes the device instance and may reinstall it automatically after you click Action > Scan for hardware changes or restart the PC.
Use extra care with devices required for input, display, storage, or network access. Disabling the active keyboard, touchpad, graphics adapter, system drive controller, or the only working network adapter can make the PC difficult to use or troubleshoot remotely. If you are working on a laptop, confirm you have another input method before disabling touchpad or keyboard-related entries. If you are connected through Remote Desktop, avoid disabling the network adapter that carries the session.
| Situation | Recommended action |
|---|---|
| A device is suspected of causing crashes or conflicts | Disable it temporarily and test whether the problem stops |
| A disabled device needs to be used again | Right-click it and choose Enable device |
| A USB device appears duplicated or stuck | Uninstall the device, unplug it, restart Windows, then reconnect it |
| A driver installation seems corrupted | Uninstall the device and, if appropriate, remove the driver package before reinstalling |
After disabling, enabling, or uninstalling hardware, check Device Manager again to confirm the status icon has changed and open the device’s Properties dialog to review the Device status message. If the device returns with the same warning icon or error code, combine this step with a driver update, rollback, Windows Update check, or the manufacturer’s support tool. For removable hardware, also test another cable, port, or computer to separate a Windows driver issue from a failing physical device.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Using Device Manager with Windows Troubleshooters and Event Logs
Device Manager is most useful when you combine what it shows with Windows’ built-in troubleshooters and logs. Device Manager can tell you that a device has failed to start, is missing a driver, or has been disabled, but other Windows tools can add context about when the problem began, which update or driver was installed, and whether Windows has already attempted a repair. This is especially helpful for intermittent issues such as a Wi-Fi adapter that disappears after sleep, a USB device that disconnects randomly, or an audio device that stops working after a Windows update.
Rank #3
- WINDOWS 11 | STABLE PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 system, this laptop delivers stable performance for everyday computing tasks. It supports web browsing, online learning, document editing, email communication, and basic office work with optimized power efficiency, providing a practical and reliable experience for essential daily use for daily use.
- 15.6” FHD IPS DISPLAY: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels, offering wider viewing angles and clearer image details compared to standard panels. The improved screen-to-body ratio enhances visual experience for study, reading, document work, and video playback, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment use.
- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
Start from the device that shows the problem in Device Manager. Right-click it, select Properties, and check the General, Driver, Details, and Events tabs. The Events tab is often overlooked: it records recent device-related actions such as driver installation, device migration, configuration changes, and start failures. If you see entries around the time the issue began, the timestamp and event description before moving to other tools.
Recommended Free Tools
Run the relevant Windows troubleshooter
Windows troubleshooters can reset services, reapply settings, restart adapters, and detect common configuration problems. Open Settings, go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, then run the troubleshooter that matches the affected hardware. For example, use Audio for sound devices, Network and Internet for Wi-Fi or Ethernet problems, Printer for print devices, and Bluetooth for pairing or connection failures. After the troubleshooter completes, return to Device Manager and use Action > Scan for hardware changes to refresh the device list.
- Audio issues: Check Sound, video and game controllers and Audio inputs and outputs, then run the audio troubleshooter.
- Network issues: Check Network adapters, then run the network troubleshooter and review adapter status.
- Bluetooth issues: Check Bluetooth and Universal Serial Bus controllers, since some Bluetooth radios are internally connected over USB.
- USB issues: Check Universal Serial Bus controllers, disconnect nonessential USB devices, then reconnect the problem device after scanning for changes.
Use Event Viewer for deeper diagnostics
For persistent or recurring failures, open Event Viewer by right-clicking Start and selecting Event Viewer. Expand Windows Logs and check System for driver, Plug and Play, power, disk, USB, and network-related errors. Look for warnings or errors that match the time shown in the Device Manager Events tab. Common sources include Kernel-PnP, DriverFrameworks-UserMode, Service Control Manager, Disk, Ntfs, and adapter-specific driver names.
When comparing entries, focus on the device name, hardware ID, driver file, and timestamp. A pattern is more useful than a single isolated warning. For instance, repeated Kernel-PnP events after resume from sleep may point to a power management or driver initialization problem, while disk or controller errors can suggest a storage device, cable, port, or controller issue. If the problem appeared after a specific driver or Windows update, use Device Manager’s Roll Back Driver option when available, or reinstall the vendor driver after confirming the device model and Windows version.
| Tool | Use it for | What to compare |
|---|---|---|
| Device Manager | Device status, driver version, hardware IDs, error codes | Status message, driver date, Events tab entries |
| Windows Troubleshooters | Automated checks and repairs for common device problems | Detected issue, applied fix, result after restart |
| Event Viewer | System-level driver, hardware, and service failures | Error source, event time, repeated patterns |
After applying a fix, restart Windows and test the hardware under the same conditions that caused the issue. If the device works, check Device Manager again to confirm that no warning icon or error code remains. If the problem returns, save the error code, driver version, hardware ID, and relevant Event Viewer entries before contacting the device manufacturer or replacing hardware.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Frequently Asked Questions
What does a yellow triangle in Device Manager mean?
A yellow triangle means Windows has detected a problem with that device, often related to a missing, corrupted, or incompatible driver. Open the device’s Properties window and check the Device status box for an error code. That code can help you decide whether to update the driver, roll it back, reinstall the device, or check for a hardware issue.
Should I update drivers through Device Manager or download them from the manufacturer?
Device Manager is useful for quick driver updates, especially for common devices like keyboards, mice, and basic system components. For graphics cards, Wi-Fi adapters, audio devices, printers, and chipset drivers, the manufacturer’s website usually provides newer and more complete drivers. If a recent driver caused problems, use Roll Back Driver in Device Manager when available.
Is it safe to uninstall a device in Device Manager?
It is usually safe to uninstall a device if you are troubleshooting a driver problem, because Windows often redetects it after a restart and reinstalls the driver. Be more careful with storage controllers, display adapters, network adapters, and system devices, since removing the wrong one can temporarily affect booting, display, or internet access. If available, avoid selecting “Delete the driver software for this device” unless you specifically want to remove the driver package.
What should I do if Device Manager does not show my hardware?
First, click View and select Show hidden devices to check whether Windows has detected it previously. If it still does not appear, check the physical connection, try another USB port or cable, restart the PC, and look for the device in BIOS or UEFI if it is internal hardware. You can also run Windows troubleshooters and check Event Viewer for hardware detection or driver installation errors.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWhat does rolling back a driver do in Device Manager?
Rolling back a driver restores the previous driver version that was installed before the most recent update. This is helpful when a device starts failing, disconnecting, crashing, or performing poorly after a driver update. If the Roll Back Driver button is grayed out, Windows does not have an earlier driver saved for that device, so you may need to manually install an older version from the manufacturer.
Bottom Line
Windows Device Manager is one of the fastest places to start when hardware stops working, a driver misbehaves, or an unknown device appears. By checking device status icons, reading error messages, updating or rolling back drivers, and disabling or uninstalling problem devices when needed, you can resolve many common issues without extra software.
If a device still does not work after using Device Manager, confirm Windows Update is current, check the manufacturer’s support site for the correct driver, and use built-in tools like the troubleshooter, Event Viewer, or System Restore for deeper diagnosis. Start with the least disruptive fix first, then move step by step until the hardware is working reliably again.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
