Device Manager is where Windows 11 lists every piece of hardware in your PC, from the graphics card and Wi-Fi adapter to USB ports and webcams. It’s where you update or roll back drivers, disable a misbehaving device, and spot hardware problems. Microsoft doesn’t put it in the Settings app, so it’s not obvious where to find. Here are the fastest ways to open Device Manager in Windows 11 and what to do once you’re there.
Quick Answer
Right-click the Start button (or press Windows + X) and choose Device Manager. Or press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
8 Ways to Open Device Manager in Windows 11
1. Power user menu (fastest)
Press Windows + X (or right-click Start) and click Device Manager. With the keyboard, press Windows + X, then M.
2. Search
Click Start or press the Windows key, type Device Manager, and press Enter.
3. Run box
Press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
4. Settings
Open Settings > System > About and click Device Manager under Related (it may be listed under Related links on some builds). You can also type “Device Manager” in the Settings search box.
5. Control Panel
Open Control Panel, choose Hardware and Sound, and under Devices and Printers click Device Manager.
6. Computer Management
Press Windows + X, choose Computer Management, and click Device Manager under System Tools. This view also includes Disk Management and Event Viewer.
7. Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Terminal
Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter. From an administrator terminal, Device Manager opens with admin rights.
8. File Explorer address bar
Click the address bar in File Explorer, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
What You Can Do in Device Manager
Expand a category (click the arrow), then right-click a device for these options:
- Update driver: Choose Search automatically for drivers, or Browse my computer if you downloaded a driver from the maker’s site. Windows Update also delivers drivers under Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
- Roll back driver: Open Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver if a new driver caused problems. It’s grayed out if there’s no previous driver.
- Disable device: Turns off the device without removing it, such as a touchscreen or webcam.
- Uninstall device: Removes the device and, optionally, its driver. Restart or use Action > Scan for hardware changes to reinstall it.
- Properties: Shows device status, driver version, and hardware IDs (under Details) that help you find the right driver.
Understand the Warning Icons
| Icon | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Yellow triangle with ! | The device has a problem, often a missing or faulty driver. Open Properties to see the error code. |
| Down arrow | The device is disabled. Right-click and choose Enable device. |
| “Unknown device” or “Other devices” | Windows doesn’t have a driver. Install one from your PC or device maker. |
Common error codes include Code 10 (device can’t start), Code 28 (driver not installed), and Code 43 (Windows stopped the device because it reported problems). Updating or reinstalling the driver fixes most of them.
Show Hidden Devices
Click View > Show hidden devices to see disconnected devices and old drivers (shown faded). This is useful for removing leftover drivers from devices you no longer use.
Troubleshooting
- Device Manager won’t open: Run sfc /scannow in an administrator terminal to repair system files, then try again.
- Options are grayed out: You’re not signed in as an administrator. Open Device Manager from an admin terminal or ask the PC’s administrator.
- “Blocked by your administrator” on a work PC: Your organization restricts it. Contact IT.
Summary
- Fastest: Windows + X, then Device Manager.
- Or run devmgmt.msc.
- Right-click a device to update, roll back, disable, or uninstall its driver.
- Yellow triangles mark devices that need attention.
Related: Enable device management in Windows 11.
Related: Check COM ports in Windows 11.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.