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PnPUtil.exe: What is It & How to Properly Use It?

Manage device drivers in Windows using this utility

3 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

PnPUtil.exe is a command-line utility tool that comes with the Microsoft Windows operating system, starting with Windows Vista, which enables users to manage device drivers and driver packages.

In this guide, we’ll provide a detailed overview of PnPUtil.exe, explain how it works, and show you how to properly use it to manage device drivers in Windows.

What is PnPUtil.exe?

What is PnPUtil.exe?

PnPUtil.exe is a command-line tool that provides a wide range of functionalities, including installing, uninstalling, exporting, and querying information about drivers and driver packages.

It can be used to update existing drivers,install unsigned drivers, and enable or disable device drivers.

However, as PnPUtil.exe is a command-line tool, it can be difficult for novice users to use it effectively.

How to use PnPUtil.exe?

How to use PnPUtil.exe?

Here are a few preliminary checks you should do before using the utility tool:

Now that you have checked all these things let us know how to use the tool.

So, these are the steps you can use PnPUtil.exe to manage device drivers in Windows. You must remember that some PnPUtil.exe commands may require administrator privileges.

However, if the PnPUtil tool seems a bit too complicated, you can use one of thebest driver updater softwarefrom our list.

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to mention them in the comments section below.

More about the topics:driver update on Windows 11,windows 10,Windows 11

Srishti Sisodia

Windows Software Expert

Srishti Sisodia is an electronics engineer and writer with a passion for technology. She has extensive experience exploring the latest technological advancements and sharing her insights through informative blogs.

Her diverse interests bring a unique perspective to her work, and she approaches everything with commitment, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. That’s why she’s part of Windows Report’s Reviewers team, always willing to share the real-life experience with any software or hardware product. She’s also specialized in Azure, cloud computing, and AI.

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Srishti Sisodia

Windows Software Expert

She is an electronics engineer and writer with a passion for technology. Srishti is specialized in Azure, cloud computing, and AI.