How to Find Device Manager in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

When troubleshooting hardware, updating drivers, or checking connected devices, the Device Manager is one of the most important tools in Windows 11. But if you’re new to the system, you might be asking: Where exactly is it, and how do I access it?

Don’t worry — this guide will walk you through how to find Device Manager in Windows 11 using multiple methods. Whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts, the Start menu, or advanced tools, we’ll cover them all step by step.

Table of Contents

What Is Device Manager?

Device Manager is a built-in Windows utility that lets you view and control the hardware attached to your computer.

Think of it as your PC’s control panel for hardware — everything from your keyboard, mouse, and graphics card to USB devices and network adapters shows up here.

Why You Need Device Manager in Windows 11

Here are some of the most common reasons to access Device Manager:

Update or roll back hardware drivers.
Fix hardware that isn’t working properly.
View hidden or disabled devices.
Check for hardware conflicts.
Enable or disable devices.

Method 1: Find Device Manager from the Start Menu

Click the Start button (Windows logo).
Scroll through the app list or type Windows Tools.
Open Windows Tools → click Device Manager.

✔️ Best for beginners.

Method 2: Open Device Manager with Windows Search

Press Windows + S or click the search icon.
Type Device Manager.
Select it from the results.

✔️ Quickest method if you use search often.

Method 3: Use Quick Access (Win + X) Menu

Press Windows + X together.
Select Device Manager from the menu.

✔️ A fast shortcut loved by power users.

Method 4: Run Device Manager via Run Command

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
Type:

Press Enter.

✔️ Works in all versions of Windows.

Method 5: Open Device Manager Using Control Panel

Open Control Panel (search in Start).
Select Hardware and Sound.
Under Devices and Printers, click Device Manager.

✔️ Great if you’re already inside Control Panel.

Method 6: Access Device Manager via Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Click File → Run new task.
Type devmgmt.msc → hit Enter.

✔️ Useful if your Start menu isn’t working.

Method 7: Use Command Prompt or PowerShell

Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Type:

Press Enter.

✔️ Ideal for advanced users and scripting.

Method 8: Open Device Manager from File Explorer

Open File Explorer (Windows + E).
In the address bar, type devmgmt.msc.
Press Enter.

✔️ A neat trick if you’re browsing files already.

How to Pin Device Manager for Faster Access

If you use it often, make Device Manager easier to reach:

Pin to Start: Right-click Device Manager in search results → Pin to Start.
Pin to Taskbar: Right-click → Pin to taskbar.
Create Desktop Shortcut: Right-click desktop → New → Shortcut → enter devmgmt.msc.

Common Uses of Device Manager

Update display drivers for better graphics.
Disable malfunctioning USB ports.
View properties of connected devices.
Fix “unknown device” errors.
Troubleshoot hardware after Windows updates.

Troubleshooting Tips if Device Manager Won’t Open

Restart your PC — temporary glitches happen.
Run System File Checker:

Check user permissions — some accounts may lack admin rights.
Run in Safe Mode if drivers are blocking normal boot.

Key Takeaways

The easiest way: Press Windows + X → select Device Manager.
Other options include Run (devmgmt.msc), Control Panel, or Search.
You can pin Device Manager to Start or Taskbar for one-click access.
It’s an essential tool for managing and troubleshooting hardware.

Conclusion

Now you know how to find Device Manager in Windows 11 using different methods. Whether you’re troubleshooting a driver, fixing a USB device, or checking your graphics card, Device Manager is your go-to tool.

By bookmarking or pinning it for quick access, you’ll save time the next time your hardware acts up.

FAQs

1. What is the shortcut to open Device Manager in Windows 11?

Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

2. Can I open Device Manager without admin rights?

You can view devices, but changing drivers usually requires administrator privileges.

3. Why can’t I find Device Manager in the Start menu?

It may not appear directly — instead, open Windows Tools or use the Run command (devmgmt.msc).

4. How do I update drivers in Device Manager?

Right-click a device → select Update driver → choose Search automatically or browse manually.

5. Is Device Manager available in all editions of Windows 11?

Yes, it’s included in Home, Pro, and Enterprise editions.