How to open Windows Device Manager

Below are the steps for entering the Device Manager in each of the major versions of Windows. Select a link below for the version of Windows on your computer and follow the instructions.

Tip

Press the shortcut key Windows key and Pause key at the same time to open the Device Manager.

    How to open the Device Manager in Windows 10

    1. Press the Windows key + X or right-click on Start to open the Power User Menu.
    2. Select Device Manager in the menu.
     

    How to open the Device Manager in Windows 8

    1. Access the Windows Start screen.
    2. Type device manager and press Enter.

    OR

    1. Access the Windows desktop.
    2. Press the Windows key + C key on the keyboard to open the Charms menu.
    3. Click Settings, then click the Device Manager icon.
    Tip - In Windows 8.1, you can also access the Device Manager by pressing the Windows key + X key to open the Power User Tasks Menu. In the menu that opens, select Device Manager.

    How to open the Device Manager in Windows Vista and 7

    1. Click Start.
    2. In the Start menu search box, type device manager and press Enter.

    How to open the Device Manager in Windows 2003

    1. Open the Administrative Tools from the Control Panel.
    2. In the Administrative Tools, click Computer Management.

    How to open the Device Manager in Microsoft Windows XP and 2000

    1. On the desktop or in the Start menu, right-click on My Computer, and select Properties.
    2. In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
    3. On the Hardware tab, click the Device Manager button.

    OR

    1. Open the Control Panel.
    2. In the Control Panel, double-click the Systems icon.
    3. In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
    4. On the Hardware tab, click the Device Manager button

    Open the Device Manager in Windows 95, 98, 98 SE, and ME

    1. On the desktop, right-click on My Computer and select Properties.
    2. Click the Device Manager tab.

    OR

    1. Open the Control Panel.
    2. In the Control Panel, double-click the Systems icon.
    3. Click the Device Manager tab

    Microsoft Windows NT 3.x and Windows 3.x users

    These versions of Windows do not have a Device Manager feature.