How to Launch and Use Device Manager in Windows

The Device Manager is a crucial feature in Windows that allows users to manage, check the status, and configure installed hardware devices. In this article, we will explore how to launch and use the Device Manager in various ways.

Running as an Admin

To run the Device Manager as an administrator, you need to log in to your Windows account with administrative rights. If you are logged in with a standard user account, you will receive a warning that 'You can view device settings in Device Manager, but you must be logged on as an administrator to make changes.' However, you can still open and view the information in Device Manager regardless of your user account type.

Launching the Device Manager

There are several methods to launch the Device Manager in Windows. Here are some of them:

1. From This PC: You can find the Device Manager by navigating to 'This PC' or 'Computer' > right-clicking on it > selecting 'Manage' > clicking on 'Device Manager'.

2. From Computer Management: Another way is to open the Computer Management console and click on the 'Device Manager' tab.

3. From Control Panel: You can also launch the Device Manager from the Control Panel by searching for 'Device Manager' or navigating to 'Control Panel' > 'System and Security' > 'Device Manager'.

4. From Windows Settings: In Windows 10 and 11, you can open the Device Manager by going to 'Settings' > 'Update & Security' > 'Device Manager'.

5. Pin to Start Menu or Taskbar: You can also pin the Device Manager shortcut to your Start menu or taskbar for easy access.

6. Using devmgmt.msc File: You can launch the Device Manager by running the command 'devmgmt.msc' in the Run dialog box or in Command Prompt.

7. From Task Manager: Another way is to open the Task Manager and click on the 'Performance' tab > click on 'Device Manager'.

8. Using Search: You can also search for 'Device Manager' in the Windows search bar to launch it.

In conclusion, the Device Manager is an essential tool in Windows that allows users to manage their hardware devices. With these methods, you can easily launch and use the Device Manager to check device status, settings, and configuration. Remember that you need administrative rights to make changes to your device settings.

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