What is Windows Device Manager? How to use it?

Windows Device Manager is the control hub for managing hardware connected to your computer. Whether you’re troubleshooting driver issues, updating hardware components, or resolving conflicts, this built-in tool provides a centralized way to monitor and configure devices like printers, keyboards, display adapters, and more. 

But how exactly does it work, and how can you use it to optimize your system’s performance? 

Let’s break down everything you need to know about Windows Device Manager—what it is, why it matters, its core features and more. 

What is Device Manager for Windows?

Windows Device Manager is a built-in Control Panel tool that allows you to view, manage, and troubleshoot the hardware connected to your computer. It provides a centralized interface to monitor and configure devices such as hard drives, sound cards, USB peripherals, keyboards, and more.

With Device Manager, you can:

• Adjust hardware configuration settings
• Enable or disable specific devices
• Install, update, or roll back device drivers
• Identify and resolve hardware conflicts
• Access detailed properties for each connected device

Learn More: What is Windows Device Management (Windows MDM)?

Why is Windows Device Manager important?

Windows Device Manager is an important tool for managing and troubleshooting hardware devices on your system. It provides several key functions that help ensure smooth operation and resolve hardware-related issues.

1. Views and manages hardware devices

Device Manager offers a centralized interface to monitor and control all connected hardware components, including USB devices, keyboards, sound cards, and more.

2. Manages device drivers

Drivers act as a bridge between hardware and the operating system. With Device Manager, you can:

• Install and update drivers
• Roll back to a previous driver version if an update causes issues
• Uninstall and reinstall malfunctioning drivers

3. Troubleshoots hardware issues

When a device malfunctions, Windows Device Manager highlights the problem with a yellow exclamation mark. You can locate the error code and follow the recommended resolution. For example:

Error Code 29 – The device is disabled
Error Message: This device is disabled because the firmware of the device did not give it the required resources. (Code 29)
Resolution: Enable the device in the system BIOS. Refer to your hardware documentation or contact the manufacturer for guidance.

4. Scans for hardware changes

If you’ve added or removed a device, Device Manager allows you to scan for hardware changes and refresh the device list to detect new or missing components.

5. Provides device properties

Device Manager provides detailed information about each hardware component, including:

• Manufacturer details
• Driver version and status
• Power management settings

6. Updates drivers for better performance

Keeping drivers updated is essential for security, compatibility, and performance. Device Manager can automatically search for and install updated drivers for connected hardware. In Windows 10 and later, automatic updates are enabled by default, ensuring that drivers stay up to date. Some driver updates may require a system reboot to complete installation.

7. Enables you to set privacy settings

Device Manager also helps protect privacy by allowing users to disable certain hardware components. For example, disabling a laptop’s microphone or camera through Device Manager prevents unauthorized access to these devices.

Which Windows versions support Device Manager?

Windows Device Manager has been a core utility in the Windows operating system for managing hardware devices. It has evolved over different Windows versions, improving functionality, user experience, and driver management capabilities. Here’s a look at its availability across key Windows versions:

• Windows 95 – Introduced as a graphical interface for managing hardware, providing basic control over connected devices.
• Windows XP – Enhanced with better driver support, troubleshooting tools, and improved hardware management.
• Windows 7 – Added a more user-friendly interface with enhanced plug-and-play functionality and troubleshooting wizards.
• Windows 10 – Integrated with Windows Update for seamless driver updates and modernized interface improvements.
• Windows 11 – Features a refined UI with optimized driver management, better troubleshooting tools, and improved hardware compatibility.

Apart from these versions, Windows Device Manager is also available in Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows Vista, and Windows 8, ensuring users across different generations of Windows can manage their device hardware effectively.

How to access Windows Device Manager? 

You can access Windows Device Manager in several ways, depending on your preference. Here are the most common methods:

Method 1: Using the Run Command

Step 1: Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter.

Step 3: The Device Manager window will open.

Method 2: Using the Start Menu

Step 1: Click on the Start button or press Win key.

Step 2: Type Device Manager in the search bar.

Step 3: Click on Device Manager from the search results.

Method 3: Using Control Panel

Step 1: Open the Control Panel (Press Win + R, type control, and press Enter).

Step 2: Navigate to Hardware and Sound > Device Manager.

Method 4: Using Quick Access Menu (Windows 10 & 11)

Step 1: Press Win + X to open the Quick Access menu.

Step 2: Select Device Manager from the list.

Method 5: Using Command Prompt or PowerShell

Step 1: Open Command Prompt (cmd) or PowerShell.

Step 2: Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter.

How to use Windows Device Manager? 

There are multiple functions offered by Device Manager and this is how you can make complete use of them: 

1. Viewing the status of a device

You can check if a device is working properly by expanding the relevant category in Device Manager and looking for warning symbols:

• Yellow exclamation mark (!) next to a device indicates a driver issue, resource conflict, or hardware malfunction.
• Downward-facing arrow (Windows 10 and later) shows that the device is disabled, either manually or due to missing system resources.

a. Troubleshooting Steps

If Windows cannot communicate with a device:

Step 1: Check the error code in the device’s properties.

Step 2: Right-click the device → Select ‘Update driver’ → Search automatically for drivers.

Step 3: If the issue persists, look up the error code on Microsoft’s support page or contact the device manufacturer.

Step 4: Use Windows Troubleshooter (Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot) to find possible fixes.

3. Updating or rolling back drivers

If a device is not functioning properly, you can always update or roll back the drivers

a. Updating a driver

Step 1: Open Device Manager and find the device.

Step 2: Right-click the device and select ‘Update driver’.

Step 3: Choose Search automatically for drivers.

Step 4: If Windows doesn’t find a driver, visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest version.

b. Rolling Back a Driver

If a new driver update causes issues:

Step 1: Right-click the device and select Properties.

Step 2: Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver (if available).

Step 3: Follow the prompts and restart your PC.

4. Enabling or disabling a device

Step 1: Open Device Manager and locate the device.

Step 2: Right-click and choose Enable device or Disable device as needed.

5. Uninstalling and reinstalling a device

If a device is not working properly, you can resolve the issue by following the steps below: 

Step 1: Right-click the device in Device Manager and select Uninstall device.

Step 2: Restart your PC. Windows will automatically detect and reinstall the device.

If the device is not reinstalled, select Action > Scan for hardware changes in Device Manager.

6. Managing hardware conflicts

To resolve resource conflicts you can use Device Manager by following the below steps: 

Step 1: Open the Device Properties > Resources tab to check for conflicts.

Step 2: If there is a conflict, try updating the driver or manually changing the resource settings 

Windows 10 Device Manager is great, but it has its limits

In a business environment, the Device Manager plays a limited role in managing devices effectively. For instance, if employees face issues with their laptops due to disabled or external drivers, they might attempt to fix them by downloading and installing software from unverified sources.

Many download sites disguise malware as legitimate drivers or bundle them with adware, exposing corporate systems to security threats. If left unchecked, unmanaged devices can become a major vulnerability for organizations.

Why organizations need Windows MDM or UEM solutions

A Windows MDM or unified endpoint management (UEM) solution like Scalefusion UEM provides a modern approach to managing and securing enterprise Windows devices beyond just restricting unauthorized software installations. It enables IT teams to:

• Secure sensitive data – Implement encryption and data loss prevention (DLP) policies to protect corporate information.
• Enforce security policies – Prevent the installation of unauthorized applications, drivers, and software that may compromise security.
• Automate software distribution – Deploy and update essential business applications remotely across all managed devices.
• Monitor and ensure compliance – Enforce security configurations, encryption, and patch updates to meet organizational and industry compliance standards.
• Gain real-time visibility – Track device health, software versions, and security risks through centralized dashboards.
• Enhance remote troubleshooting – Minimize downtime by remotely diagnosing and fixing software or driver-related issues.
• Control peripheral device access – Restrict the use of USBs, external storage devices, and other peripherals that could introduce security threats.

Take Windows device management beyond Device Manager with Scalefusion UEM

While Windows Device Manager is a useful tool for handling individual hardware components, it falls short when it comes to managing multiple corporate devices efficiently. For businesses, ensuring device and data security, enforcing policies, and maintaining compliance with industry regulations and organizational policies requires a more advanced solution.

Scalefusion UEM simplifies Windows device management by offering centralized control, automated policy enforcement, real-time monitoring, and enhanced security features. Whether you need to manage drivers, restrict unauthorized software, or troubleshoot devices remotely, Scalefusion empowers IT teams to streamline operations while keeping endpoints secure.

Ready to elevate your Windows device management? Get started with Scalefusion today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a Device Manager in computer?

Device Manager is like the control center of your computer. It lets you view, manage, and troubleshoot devices, ensuring everything runs smoothly and stays connected.

2. How do I access Windows Device Manager?

Just right-click on the Start button, select “Device Manager,” and voila! Or, hit the Windows key + X, and you’ll find it in the power user menu.

3. What are the common device categories in Windows Device Manager?

You’ll find your essentials like Display Adapters, Network Adapters, Sound, Video, and Game Controllers, and Human Interface Devices. Each category manages a specific aspect of your hardware.

4. How can I update device drivers through Windows Device Manager?

Right-click on the device, select “Update driver,” choose either automatic or manual updates, and Windows will do the rest. Keeping things fresh and efficient.

5. What are some common issues with Windows Device Manager, and how can they be resolved?

Occasionally, devices may show errors. Uninstall and reinstall the problematic driver, check for Windows updates or visit the manufacturer’s website for the latest driver. 

6. How do I run Device Manager from Command Prompt?

To run Device Manager from the Command Prompt, follow these straightforward steps.

• Open the Command Prompt by pressing Win + R, typing cmd, and hitting Enter.
• In the Command Prompt window, type devmgmt.msc and press Enter. This will launch the Device Manager, providing you with a comprehensive view of all the hardware devices on your system and allowing you to manage their drivers effectively. This method is quick and efficient, especially for those who prefer using command-line tools.

7. How do I distinguish USB ports in Device Manager?

Distinguishing USB ports in Device Manager is a breeze with the following steps-

• Open Device Manager by pressing Win + X and selecting “Device Manager.” In the Device Manager window, expand the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” section.
• Here, you’ll see a list of all USB controllers and ports on your system. Each entry typically includes a descriptor, such as “USB Root Hub” or “USB Host Controller,” which helps identify the type and version of the USB port. For detailed information, right-click on an entry and select “Properties.” This will provide additional details under the “Details” tab.

References:

1. Microsoft