How to open the device manager.  Opening Device Manager from the Computer Management window

How to open the device manager. Opening Device Manager from the Computer Management window

Device Manager is a utility built into all versions of Windows. Opening it, you can see what hardware is installed on your computer, check and, if necessary, update drivers, turn off or activate almost any element.

Knowing how to open (remote control), you will be able to determine the equipment that has certain problems.

Windows XP Device Manager

One of the oldest is Win XP. It owes its popularity to its simple interface and easy control of various computer parameters via remote control.

So how do you open XP Device Manager? The easiest way, which, by the way, is also suitable for "Windows 7.8", is to use Press Win + R or in the "Start" menu select the "Run" option. In the window that appears, enter devmgmt.msc and click "OK".

There is another way to get into the Win XP remote control. You should have a My Computer icon on your desktop. Right-click on it and select the "Properties" option in the drop-down menu. A window will appear where you need to open the "Hardware" section, and then go to the "Device Manager".

Note: The Win button is in the lower left area of ​​the keyboard (between fn and alt). It features the Windows logo.

How do I open Device Manager on Windows 7?

Opening the remote control on the Win 7 operating system is no less easy. There are also several ways here:

  1. On your desktop, right-click on the "My Computer" icon. Go to Properties. A window with information about the system will open. On the left menu, you will see the "Device Manager" section.
  2. Call the "Start" menu by clicking on the corresponding button. Enter the "Control Panel". Install small icons, find and go to the manager section.
  3. There is a search bar in the "Start" menu where you need to enter the word "dispatcher". Select the option you need and click LMB.

You can call the window by pressing the win and pause keys at the same time. Here again select the section you are looking for in the left menu. Now you know how to open Device Manager on Windows 7.

Remote control on Windows 8

Some users do not know how to open Device Manager on Windows 8, because this operating system appeared relatively recently. In fact, it is very easy to get into the DU here.

You can use the command line and enter the words mentioned above there. Also, in the case of this OS, the first method of the previous subsection (system properties) is suitable.

You can open the remote control in two clicks. To do this, right-click on the "Start" button and select the "Device Manager" option in the drop-down menu.

So you've learned how to open Device Manager in several operating systems... It remains only to get acquainted with its capabilities.

What actions can be performed in the remote control?

In the dispatcher, you can see what hardware is installed. Opening a section, for example, "Monitors", you will see the name of the device. Would you like to receive more complete information about him? Then right-click on it and select "Properties".

Here you can see disabled devices or those that have some kind of problem. Depending on the situation, there will be a warning cross next to them).

If there is a need to update drivers or get information about them, right-click on the device and go to "Properties" in the drop-down menu. A window will open where you need to select the "Driver" section.

In the remote control, you can turn off the equipment. In this case, you will not be able to deactivate the processor and some other devices, since the corresponding button will be absent.

You can see which device the hardware conflicts with in "Properties", section "Resources".

Errors in Device Manager

Almost all errors in the remote control have their own code. To troubleshoot, you need to know at least the most common codes. Here are just a few of them:

- "Code 1" signals that, possibly, drivers are not installed for the equipment, or they are not configured.

- “Code 14” means that the OS must be restarted for the correct operation of the equipment.

- "Code 31" indicates unstable operation of the device. The reason is drivers. You will most likely need to download new software.

Conclusion

Now you know how to open the Device Manager, so you can independently control the operation of the hardware and drivers. By the way, it is recommended to turn off some devices on laptops so that the battery will keep the charge longer.

Hardware Manager allows you to check and update the drivers for connected devices detected by the system. This system tool is often useful for troubleshooting problems, so information on how to open Device Manager will be helpful to all users.

Windows interface

Most quick way enable device manager - right-click on the "Computer" icon and select "Control" in the context menu. In the appeared window "Computer Management" in the menu on the left, select "Device Manager".

You can go a little longer and start the manager through the "Control Panel":


If this method does not work, try calling the hardware manager directly from the "system32" folder. It doesn't matter what system you have installed: XP, Windows 7 or "ten". The path to the executable file of the tool for working with the equipment remains unchanged.


The hardware manager will appear on the screen, with which you can work further, making changes to the software of the connected devices.

Run menu

Another method that works on all versions of Windows without exception (from XP to Windows 10) is to use the "Run" window, which can be opened through Start or launched using the Win + R combination.


Through Run, any programs, system tools and folders are included - you just need to correctly specify the launch command.

Using the command line

Let's try to launch the device manager from command line... First you need to open the command interpreter window itself. On Windows XP, for example, this is done through the Start menu, where there is a command line among the standard programs.

On other versions of Windows, you can use the built-in search box or the above Run menu by specifying cmd. In addition, the command line is a system application, the executable file of which is stored in the "system32" folder in the "Windows" directory. Go here and double-click on the cmd.exe file to go to work with the interpreter Windows commands.

To open the hardware manager through the command line, you need to enter the same command as in the Run window - "devmgmt.msc". After pressing the Enter key, a list of all connected devices with which you can work will appear.

Win + X menu

Windows 8 has a new convenient navigation menu for system tools, which is invoked by the Win + X keyboard shortcut. In previous versions, this menu does not work, but it was preserved in the "top ten", where it can also be called by right-clicking on "Start".

In the context menu Win + X, among other things, there is a link to the device manager - click on it to see a list of connected equipment on the screen.

Making changes to the registry

The first method describes how to start the hardware manager through the "Control" section of the "Computer" context menu. But if you make small changes to the system registry, then you will not have to open the "Control" window - the "Device Manager" item will be immediately displayed in the context menu:


After completing these steps, a link to the Hardware Manager will appear in the Computer context menu next to the Management tool, which you can use if necessary.

A computer is a set of equipment that, in combination, enables us to receive sound, images, and perform actions. IBM originally introduced the principle of open architecture when they released the first model of the IBM PC. To this day, every IBM-compatible PC can be self-assembled by purchasing the parts separately. And to control all the equipment, the Device Manager is intended, which is also present in Windows 10.

How to go to Device Manager on Windows 10

There are many ways to do this. We'll cover most of them.

One of the simplest options appeared in Windows 8. The main button now has a context menu. It can also be observed in 10-ke. Move the mouse over the "Start" button and press the right button (hereinafter RMB).

The next way to open Device Manager in Windows 10 is more complicated:

1. Click Start and in it menu - hamburger (top left).

2. Select options.

3. Navigate as shown in the screenshot.

4. In this window you can manage your PC equipment in groups. Scroll down to find the option you're looking for.

Let's take a look at how to find Device Manager on Windows 10 through search. Click on the magnifying glass icon next to the start and in the line start typing a search term. You have not typed the full text yet, and the choices will already appear at the top.

Another easy way how to start the dispatcher Windows devices 10 is to use the control panel (computer control).

1. Click RMB on Start.

2. Select the desired item on the left.

While doing all these steps, pay attention to the windows that open. In addition to managing your equipment, you will find a lot of useful things.

You can also open it through a conductor, or rather, its properties. By default, there is no This PC icon on the desktop. Let's add it before doing the basic steps.

  1. Right-click on the desktop and select "Personalization".

2. Next, click "Themes" and then "Desktop Icon Options."

3. Check the box next to "Computer".

After closing the window, you will see the desired icon on the desktop. Right-click on it and select "Properties".

Where is Device Manager in Windows 10

This utility is an executable file devmgmt.msc located in the System32 folder of the Windows 10 operating system. You can also run it through the command line.

If you are looking for how to invoke Device Manager in Windows 10 using hotkeys, then in vain. There is no shortcut button. However, you can use the "Run" line by calling it by pressing WIN + R. And also type the name of the file.

Also, the main context menu can be called not with the mouse, but by pressing the WIN + X combination.

Windows 10 Device Manager won't open - what to do?

This situation is rare, but anyone can face it. The first thing to do is to check for the presence of the startup file itself. It could have been accidentally deleted. To do this, open "This PC", select the system drive, then double-click on the Windows folder, also open System32. And look for the file.

If it is in place, then the problem may be damage to system libraries. In the operating system of different versions, they can be present in different variations: msxml.dll, msxml2.dll, msxml3.dll. In 10, the last one is important. It needs to be started. To do this, open a command prompt (administrator) and type the command Regsvr32 Msxml3.dl.

Try to run. If it does not help, run the antivirus and perform a complete disinfection of the computer. Some malware make their own changes to system files.

If all else fails, roll back the system to a restore point when everything was working, or perform updates.

Unknown device in Windows 10 Device Manager

This is another problem that users sometimes encounter. Most often it occurs after a fresh installation of the system. For some older devices, the new OS may not find drivers. In this case, you should try to determine what kind of equipment is marked as unknown.


Many users have difficulty answering the question of how to open Device Manager on their computer. The fact is that during normal operation of the Windows operating system, the absence of any problems with drivers or peripheral devices, the user does not need to know anything at all about the presence of Device Manager on the computer.

When a malfunction occurs in the operating system or hardware, users have to look for answers to questions about the causes of what happened, using a search on the Internet. Among the answers, there are often tips to look at some information in the Device Manager.

The management console includes the Device Manager snap-in, which lists installed devices, allocated resources, drivers. Device Manager displays information about devices, from here you can manage drivers, enable or disable devices.

With the help of special icons (in the form of question or exclamation marks), displayed in front of certain equipment, the user is informed about the problems that have arisen in the operation of certain devices. This data helps to identify the cause of a malfunction in the computer.

For example, the sound does not work on the computer, or there are problems with other devices. The problem might be due to drivers or hardware misconfiguration. Warning icons in Device Manager help you identify problem hardware. In addition, there you can get technical data about all the devices in your computer.

If there are no warning information icons in Device Manager, then all devices on your computer are operating normally.

How do I open Windows Device Manager? Novice users can easily cope with this problem. There are several ways to enter Device Manager directly from the operating system. Most of the methods are suitable for operating systems Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7.

How to open Device Manager using the Run command

In this way, you can open Device Manager in Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10.

To launch Device Manager, follow these steps:

  1. To launch the "Run" window, simultaneously press the "Win" + "R" keyboard keys.
  2. In the "Open" field, enter the command: "devmgmt.msc" (without quotes), and then click on the "OK" button.
  3. After that, the "Device Manager" window will open.

How to open Device Manager from the command line

Using the command line, you can open the Device Manager by entering the same command as in the previous case. If you don't find the Command Prompt in its place on Windows 10, read the article.

Start the command line in any convenient way, for example, by entering the expression in the "Search in Windows" field: "cmd" (without quotes).

In the command line interpreter window, enter the command: "devmgmt.msc" (without quotes), and then press the "Enter" key.

Starting Device Manager in Windows PowerShell

Device Manager is easily launched in Windows PowerShell using a similar command. Start PowerShell, enter the command: "devmgmt.msc" (without quotes), and then press the "Enter" key.

Opening Device Manager from the Computer Management window

This method for opening the Task Manager works in all operating rooms. Windows systems.

When the operating system is configured by default, there is no “This Computer” icon on the Desktop (My Computer, Computer). Therefore, the majority of users, for ease of use, independently add the "My Computer" icon to the Windows desktop. Read how to do it.

  1. Right-click on the "This PC" icon (My Computer, Computer).
  2. In the context menu, click on the "Control" item.
  3. In the Computer Management window, in the Computer Management (Local Computer) section, in the Utilities list, click on Device Manager.

In other ways, you can enter Computer Management from the Start button menu, by selecting the "Control" menu item, or using the "Run" dialog box, after executing the command: "compmgmt.msc" (without quotes).

Launching Device Manager from System Properties

In order to use this method, you will need the "This Computer" icon (My Computer, Computer) on your Desktop.

  1. After right-clicking on the "This computer" icon (My Computer, Computer), select "Properties" in the context menu.
  2. In the "System" window that opens, click on the "Device Manager" item.

How to open Device Manager from Control Panel

An easy way to enter Device Manager using the Control Panel of the Windows interface.

  1. Enter Control Panel from the Start menu (in Windows 10, in the Search Windows box, enter the expression "control panel").
  2. In the "All Control Panel Items" window that opens, in the "Small Icons" display mode, select "Device Manager".

How to open Device Manager using search

A very easy way to open Device Manager on your computer is by using the search function from the Windows Start menu.

In Windows 10, search is on the taskbar, next to the Start button. However, the search in Windows 10 can also be started from the Start menu. Right-click on the "Start" menu, select "Login".

  1. Enter the expression "device manager" in the Windows search box.
  2. Start Device Manager on your computer.

This method works on all Windows operating systems.

How to open Device Manager in Windows 10

In the Windows 10 operating system, it is very easy to launch Device Manager directly from the Start menu.

After right-clicking on the "Start" menu, select "Device Manager" in the context menu.

Device Manager for Windows 10 will open.

How to open Device Manager in Windows 8.1

A Start menu has been added to the Windows 8.1 operating system, which provides the ability to launch the Device Manager snap-in.

To call the Device Manager, you need to right-click on the "Start" menu, and in the context menu that opens, select "Device Manager".

Another way: press the "Win" + "X" keys, and in the window that opens, start the Device Manager.

How to open Device Manager in Windows 8

The Device Manager, in the Windows 8 operating system, can be accessed using the keyboard keys.

After simultaneously pressing the "Win" + "X" keys, a window will open in which you must click on the "Device Manager" item.

After that, the Device Manager will be opened on the Desktop Windows desktop 8.

Launching Device Manager from the Windows folder

Finally, I will tell you about one more method. If previous attempts are unsuccessful, you can try opening Device Manager directly from the Windows operating system folder.

  1. Enter the system drive "C:", open the "Windows" folder, and then the "System32" folder.
  2. In the "System32" folder, find the devmgmt utility (devmgmt.msc), and then double-click the left mouse button on the application.

Windows Device Manager starts on your computer.

Conclusions of the article

In case of problems in the operating systems Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, the user can open the Task Manager using different methods. Various system tools will help us with this.

Experienced PC and Internet user

The device manager is responsible for storing information about the hardware of the computer. The manager contains data on all devices that were installed on the user's PC. With the help of this manager, it is possible to fully remove devices from the OS or update the drivers for it.

How to open Device Manager in Windows 7

To open the Device Manager, follow these steps:

The next way to start the dispatcher in Windows 7 is even easier:


Another common method for invoking Windows 7 Device Manager involves the following sequence of steps:


The above methods are also suitable for other versions of Windows.

Where is Device Manager in Windows 10 and how do I open it?

To find the location of the utility responsible for the device manager, open the folder located in the system partition of the OS, namely: "C: \ WINDOWS \ system32". This folder contains the required tool called "devmgmt.msc", opening it, you can manipulate software devices connected to the computer.

How do I open Device Manager in Windows 10 in other ways? Consider another launch option:

  • Using the "Start" menu or by entering a combination of buttons "Win + R", the system tool "Run" opens.
  • You should enter the name "devmgmt.msc" and after clicking "OK" the user will see the interface of the device manager. (Everything is the same as in the seven)

You can call the dispatcher using the command line, in which you should enter the same command "devmgmt.msc". Pressing the "Enter" key will open a list with all connected devices.

A system like Windows 8 includes improved functionality for a user-friendly navigation menu. Windows 10 has acquired an identical option, to activate which you must press "Win + X", in addition, you can call such an interface in Windows 10 by right-clicking on the "Start" menu. Naturally, the navigation functionality will contain an item with the necessary device manager.

Where is Device Manager on Windows XP and how do I open it?

The tool responsible for storing devices connected to the PC is located at "C: \ WINDOWS \ system32", its name is "devmgmt.msc".

After figuring out where the Device Manager is in Windows XP using the above method, you can open it.

There is one more way to launch this dispatcher, for this you need to perform the following series of simple actions:

  • Click on the computer icon on the desktop with the right mouse button and select the "Properties" parameter.
  • Go to the "Hardware" tab in the window that opens, which contains the item with the device manager.