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Device Manager (devmgmt.msc)

Device Manager (devmgmt.msc) allows you to view and edit the properties of installed hardware.

  • change hardware settings
  • update drivers
  • remove/disable disks

Updating and Troubleshooting Devices

If Windows cannot locate a driver for a device:

  • may be listed as “Unknown Device” or “generic” type
  • will have a yellow exclamation mark indicating a problem

Solution:

  • check that device is compatible with OS
  • download device driver from manufacturer’s website
  • check Windows Update for update

Removing, Uninstalling, and Disabling Devices

  • If a device supports Plug and Play and is hot swappable, you can remove it from the computer without having to uninstall it

To remove storage device:

  • close applications that might be using it
  • click Safely Remove Hardware icon in the notification tray in taskbar
  • click stop or eject device

Uninstall driver:

  • ensure device is plugged in
  • right click > Uninstall device

Disable device:

  • right click > Properties > Disable Device
  • useful if device is not working properly
  • useful to block device for security reasons

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