Windows 10 is one of the most user-friendly operating systems that Microsoft has ever developed. With its advanced features and tools, users can easily manage their devices and hardware. One of the most useful tools in Windows 10 is the Device Manager. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Device Manager in Windows 10.
What is Device Manager?
Device Manager is a built-in utility tool in Windows 10 that allows users to manage and control all the hardware and devices connected to their computer. It displays a list of all the devices installed on your computer and their status, including drivers, hardware, and other important information.
How to Open Device Manager in Windows 10
There are several ways to open Device Manager in Windows 10. The easiest way is to use the search bar. Simply type "Device Manager" in the search bar and click on the app. Alternatively, you can open Device Manager by using the Run command. Press the Windows key + R, type "devmgmt.msc" in the Run dialog box, and hit Enter.
Understanding Device Manager
Device Manager displays all the devices and hardware installed on your computer. You can see the status of each device, such as whether it is working properly or not. You can also update, enable, disable, uninstall, or roll back the drivers of each device from Device Manager.
Device Manager Categories
Device Manager categorizes devices into different categories, such as Audio inputs and outputs, Batteries, Bluetooth, Computer, Disk drives, Display adapters, Human Interface Devices, etc. You can view the devices in each category by expanding the category.
Device Manager Icons
Device Manager uses different icons to represent the status of each device. A green checkmark indicates that the device is working properly, a yellow exclamation mark indicates that there is a problem with the device, and a red X indicates that the device is disabled or not working.
Updating Drivers in Device Manager
Device Manager allows you to update the drivers of each device. To update a driver, simply right-click on the device and select "Update driver." You can choose to update the driver automatically or manually. If you choose to update the driver manually, you will need to download the driver from the manufacturer's website and install it on your computer.
Enabling and Disabling Devices in Device Manager
Device Manager allows you to enable or disable devices. To enable or disable a device, simply right-click on the device and select "Enable" or "Disable." Disabling a device can help you troubleshoot device conflicts or save power.
Uninstalling Devices in Device Manager
Device Manager allows you to uninstall devices. To uninstall a device, simply right-click on the device and select "Uninstall." You can choose to delete the driver software for the device as well.
Rolling Back Drivers in Device Manager
Device Manager allows you to roll back drivers. If you have recently updated a driver and it is causing problems, you can roll back the driver to the previous version. To roll back a driver, simply right-click on the device and select "Properties." Go to the "Driver" tab and select "Roll Back Driver."
Device Manager Troubleshooting
Device Manager can help you troubleshoot device issues. If a device is not working properly, you can check the status of the device in Device Manager. If there is a problem with the device, Device Manager will display a yellow exclamation mark. You can then update, enable, disable, or uninstall the driver to fix the problem.
Device Manager and Hardware Changes
Device Manager automatically detects hardware changes. If you add new hardware to your computer, Device Manager will detect it and install the necessary drivers. If you remove hardware from your computer, Device Manager will detect it and remove the drivers.
Device Manager and Hidden Devices
Device Manager also shows hidden devices. Hidden devices are devices that are not currently connected to your computer but have been connected in the past. You can view hidden devices by selecting "View" from the menu bar and clicking on "Show hidden devices."
Device Manager and Remote Desktop
Device Manager can also be used in Remote Desktop. If you are connected to a remote computer, you can use Device Manager to manage the devices on that computer.
Device Manager and Device Installation Settings
Device Manager also allows you to change device installation settings. To change device installation settings, simply select "File" from the menu bar and click on "Change device installation settings." You can choose to automatically download and install device drivers or ask for permission before downloading and installing device drivers.
Device Manager and System Information
Device Manager also provides system information. You can view system information by selecting "Action" from the menu bar and clicking on "System Information." System Information displays information about your computer, including the hardware and software installed on it.
Device Manager and Event Viewer
Device Manager also works with Event Viewer. Event Viewer is a tool that allows you to view events and errors that occur on your computer. You can view Event Viewer by selecting "Action" from the menu bar and clicking on "Event Viewer."
Device Manager and Group Policy
Device Manager can also be controlled by Group Policy. Group Policy is a tool that allows administrators to configure and manage Windows settings. You can configure Device Manager settings using Group Policy.
Conclusion
Device Manager is a powerful tool in Windows 10 that allows users to manage and control their devices and hardware. It provides users with a comprehensive view of all the devices installed on their computer and allows them to update, enable, disable, uninstall, or roll back the drivers of each device. With Device Manager, users can easily troubleshoot device issues and manage device installation settings.
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