In Windows 11/10, the Device Manager is an extension that works with the Microsoft Management Console, providing an organized view of every component of Microsoft Windows that is installed on a computer. This post will guide you on How to Open Device Manager in Windows 11/10.
What is Device Manager in Windows?
Installed hardware devices on a computer like hard disk drives, keyboards, sound cards, USB devices, and more are managed through Device Manager.
It is possible to use Device Manager for managing drivers, setting hardware arrangement options, disabling and enabling hardware, detecting conflicting hardware devices, and much more.
How to Open Device Manager in Windows 11/10
There are multiple ways using which you could open Device Manager in Windows 11/10.
- Start Search Box
- Run Dialog
- Control Panel
- Power Menu
- Command Prompt
- Settings
All these will work without the need for an admin user account. However, some parts of the Device manager might not be available to a standard user.
1] Start Search Box
The Start Menu houses one of the quickest ways to open the Device Manager in Windows. Start by clicking on the Start Search Box and searching for Device Manager. You’ll notice the Device Manager application is shown as the main listed result, click on it, and you’ll be up and running.
2] Run Command Prompt
One could also use the Run Command Prompt, which can be accessed by pressing Win + R on the keyboard to open the Device in Manager in Windows 11/10.
Bring up the Run Command Prompt and then key in devmgmt.msc and press OK to pull up the Device Manager.
3] Control Panel
The Device Manager could also be accessed via the Control Panel in Windows. To begin with, open the Control Panel by searching for the same in the Start Search Box and choosing the main listed result.
Next, find the Hardware and Sound menu on the home page and later select Device Manager to complete your wish.
4] Power User Menu
If you’re one of those few people who actually know about the hidden Power User menu with Windows 11/10, then pulling up the Device manager is just a matter of a couple of clicks.
On the Desktop, right-click on the Windows icon present at the bottom left corner to pull up the Power User menu; here, select Device Manager from the list of options.
You can also use WIN +X, followed by pressing the M key to open the device manager.
5] Command Prompt
If you prefer a command-line solution, the command prompt in Windows 11/10 is the way to go. Bring up either the Command Prompt or the Windows Powershell and key in either of these queries: devmgmt.msc, mmc, devmgmt.msc or control hdwwiz.cpl.
6] Settings
Finally, last but not least, If you prefer accessing the Device Manager via Settings, you could do that too. Open up the Settings Page in Windows and navigate to System -> About.
Next, scroll down, find the Device Manager option, and click on it; with this, you’ll be ready to manage your devices.
FAQ: How to Open Device Manager in Windows 11/10
Can I enable or disable devices via the Device Manager?
Yes, users can enable or disable any hardware device connected to the computer via the Device Manager.
How can I enable or disable devices via the Device Manager?
Once you’ve pulled up the Device Manager, right-click on any of the peripherals and choose Disable/Enable Device to perform the task.
That said, how often do you access the Device Manager? Do let us know by dropping a comment down below.
