Device Manager is a built-in Windows utility for managing your PC’s hardware. Learn how to open Device Manager on Windows 11 here.
Device Manager in Windows allows you to configure and troubleshoot hardware-related components of your system. However, there are different ways to open the tool in Windows 11.
There are several ways to open the built-in Windows utility: you can even create a shortcut to Device Manager for easy access from the desktop. You can use it to manage internal and external hardware components, Bluetooth devices, USB devices, etc.
In this guide, we will show you different ways to open Device Manager in Windows 11.
What is Device Manager in Windows?
THE device Manager The utility in Windows is a tool that you can use when you encounter system problems. You can use it to identify unknown devices, update device drivers, reinstall drivers, disable them, etc.
It is an essential tool for administrators and advanced users who need to manage hardware devices on their PCs. It is built into Windows and also available on previous versions. There are different ways to open Device Manager, which we will explain in this guide.
How to open Device Manager from the Start menu
An easy way to open Device Manager is directly from the Start menu of your Windows 11 system.
To open Device Manager from the Start menu:
- press the Windows key to launch the Windows Start menu.
- Type device Manager.
- Select the device Manager option under the Best match search results section.
- Once you select it, Device Manager will open and you can start troubleshooting or updating hardware components.
How to open Device Manager from the quick access menu
You can also open Device Manager from the Quick Access menu (or Power User menu) in Windows 11.
To open Device Manager from Quick Access:
- Press Windows key + and select device Manager of the menu.
- You can also right-click the Start button to open the menu.
How to open Device Manager from Run
The Run dialog box provides an easy way to open Device Manager.
To open Device Manager from the Run dialog box:
- press the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run dialog box.
- Type devmgmt.msc and click ALL RIGHT or press Enter.
How to open Device Manager from Control Panel
Device Manager in Windows can also be opened from the classic Control Panel in Windows 11.
To open Device Manager through Control Panel:
- On your Windows 11 PC, open Control Panel.
- Regardless of how you open Control Panel, select the Hardware and sound option.
- Select Categories of Seen by menu in the upper right corner if you don’t see it.
- Click it device Manager link next to Devices and printers section.
How to launch Device Manager from Settings
Microsoft is slowing the deployment of Control Panel items and other legacy system options to the Settings app. However, you can open Device Manager directly from Settings.
To use the Settings app to open Device Manager:
- Open Settings from the Start menu or tap Windows key + I to open it directly.
- Once the Settings app opens, tap device Manager in the search box and click on the result that appears.
How to use File Explorer’s address bar to open Device Manager
If you are already busy managing your files and folders in File Explorer, you can launch Device Manager directly using the address bar.
To use File Explorer to open Device Manager:
- Press Windows key + E to launch File Explorer or click the icon in the taskbar.
- Type devmgmt.msc In the address bar at the top, tap Enterand Device Manager will open.
How to use PowerShell to open Device Manager
If you prefer to manage your computer from the command line, you can use PowerShell to open Device Manager.
To use PowerShell to open Device Manager:
- To get started, open PowerShell as administrator.
- When it opens, type devmgmt.mscpress Enterand Device Manager will launch.
Opening Device Manager on your Windows 11 PC
Device Manager is a handy tool when you encounter hardware-related issues. If you need to manage your system components, there are several ways to open Device Manager on Windows 11 using the steps above.
There are many things you can do with Device Manager. For example, you can use it to update device drivers in Windows 10 and 11. If you encounter a problem with an updated driver, you can always roll back a driver.
And you can always use Device Manager to fix Windows 11 not detecting headphones.
