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3 Different Ways to Show Hidden Devices in Device Manager
Learn what you need to do to view hidden devices
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
The Device Manager is a tool that allows you to view, enable and disable the devices connected to your computer.
You can also use it to troubleshoot problems you may have with your mouse or keyboard. Some devices have multiple drivers, and the Device Manager will show all of them.
When a device is detected and configured, Device Manager will display it in the proper category. If it can’t detect it, or if the driver isn’t fully configured, then you will see an item under theUnknown devicessection.
If a device isn’t working correctly on your computer, for example, the sound isn’t working, you may want to try updating the device driver.
When you go to the Device Manager list, you can find the drivers but in some cases, they may be hidden. In such cases, troubleshooting your device can be difficult if you don’t know where it is located.
Why does the Device Manager hide devices?
The Device Manager only shows information about those devices that are connected and configured on the system.
It also hides nonpresent devices that are not physically present in the system, but still, have configuration information in the Registry.
When a device is plugged in, plugged out, or otherwise removed from the system by removing its drivers, Windows marks it as nonpresent and hides it by default.
Also, if you have a lot of devices on a system, some may only be active when something specific is attached. The DVD drive for example won’t show up unless there’s a disk in the drive. There are others also that do not show when not in use.
How can I view hidden devices in Device Manager?
1. Use the Search bar
1.Hit theWindowskey on your keyboard to open theWindows Searchbox.
2.TypeDevice Managerin the search bar and clickOpen.
3.Select theViewoption.
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A drop-down menu will appear.
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Click onShow hidden devices.
In order to view hidden files in Device Manager, you need to access the Device Manager menu and manually enable the specific option.
You can access Device Manager very easily using the search bar on your taskbar.
2. Use the Run command
3. Use Command Prompt
Can you remove hidden devices in Device Manager?
You can remove hidden devices in Device Manager but first, you have to unhide them.
To remove an unknown device from Device Manager, follow the steps below:
If you were having trouble locating hidden devices, we hope one of the methods above was able to come to your rescue.
Remember, you can do more with Device Manager such asscan for hardware changesorupdate your motherboard resources.
Let us know of any tips and tricks that you use with WIndows’ Device Manager in the comment section below.
More about the topics:Device Manager,Windows 11
Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
Claire has a knack for solving problems and improving the quality of life for those around her. She’s driven by rationality, curiosity, and simplicity, and always eager to learn more about Microsoft’s products. With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11, errors, and software.
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Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11 errors.
