The fastest way to open Device Manager in Windows 10 is to right-click the Start button (or press Windows + X) and choose Device Manager. You can also press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter, or type Device Manager in the Start menu search box.
6 ways to open Device Manager
1. Power User menu (quickest)
- Right-click Start, or press Windows + X.
- Click Device Manager. You can also press M while the menu is open.
2. Run box
Press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
3. Start menu search
Click Start or the search box, type Device Manager, and press Enter.
4. Control Panel
Open Control Panel, set View by to Large icons, and click Device Manager. Or go to Hardware and Sound > Device Manager.
5. Computer Management
Right-click Start, choose Computer Management, and click Device Manager in the left pane.
6. Command Prompt or PowerShell
Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter. This is handy when you’re already working in a terminal.
What you can do in Device Manager
- Update a driver: Right-click a device and choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
- Roll back a driver: Right-click the device, choose Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver after a bad update.
- Disable or uninstall a device: Right-click it and choose Disable device or Uninstall device.
- Find problems: Devices with a yellow warning icon have a driver or hardware issue. Double-click to see the error code.
- Show hidden devices: Click View > Show hidden devices to see disconnected hardware.
- Rescan hardware: Click Action > Scan for hardware changes if a new device isn’t showing.
Create a Device Manager shortcut
- Right-click the desktop and choose New > Shortcut.
- Type devmgmt.msc and click Next.
- Name it Device Manager and click Finish.
Related: Enable device management in Windows 11.
Related: Check COM ports in Windows 11.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need admin rights to open Device Manager?
You can open it and view devices as a standard user, but changing or updating drivers requires administrator permission.
Why is Device Manager empty or blank?
The Plug and Play service may be stopped, or system files may be damaged. Restart your PC, then run sfc /scannow in an admin Command Prompt.
What’s the keyboard shortcut for Device Manager?
There’s no single shortcut, but Windows + X, then M, opens it in two keystrokes.
Does this work on Windows 11?
Yes. All of these methods work 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.