In the intricate maze of Windows functionalities, the Device Manager stands as a cornerstone, offering a consolidated view of all the hardware devices installed and connected to your system. Whether it’s the peripherals you interact with daily or the internal components that work silently in the background, the Device Manager lists them all. What’s more, it’s not just about the devices that are currently active and in use. Windows 11/10’s Device Manager holds within it traces of old, obsolete, or previously connected devices, aptly termed ‘non-present devices.’ These could range from an erstwhile printer you once used to an external hard drive that was briefly connected.
While these non-present devices are typically hidden from plain view, there are scenarios where you might need to delve deeper, perhaps to troubleshoot a hardware conflict or to uninstall a driver completely. Windows Device Manager is more than just a mere lister of hardware; it’s a dynamic tool that lets you manage drivers, enabling you to uninstall, update, or even roll back drivers depending on your needs. Moreover, for each device, a right-click unveils a realm of properties, spanning across tabs like General, Driver, Details, and Events, each offering insights and tools to iron out any potential glitches.
However, if your endeavor is to unmask these hidden or non-present devices, a simple toggle within the Device Manager reveals them. While the primary view showcases the active devices, by opting to ‘Show hidden devices‘ from the View tab, you can unearth these elusive entities. If you’re seeking a comprehensive view of your system’s hardware history or are on a troubleshooting quest, this risewindows guide is tailored to guide you on unveiling all devices, visible and hidden, within the Windows Device Manager.
How to display hidden (non-present) devices in Device Manager?
To show non-present devices in Windows 11 or 10, you will have to do the following steps:-
Step 1. First, open an elevated command prompt or PowerShell window.
Step 2. Now, type the following and hit Enter on the keyboard:-
set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1
Step 3. Then, type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter to launch the Device Manager.
Step 4. After that, click on the View tab in the menu and select Show hidden devices option.
Some additional devices will be populated in the list when you complete it.
Now, you can troubleshoot your Windows or uninstall these hidden devices from your computer if it is no more required.
After completing the above steps, click on the View tab in the Device Manager and uncheck Show hidden devices option to hide it again.
Conclusion
Device Manager in Windows 11/10 offers a panoramic view into the hardware intricacies of a system, actively helping users manage and troubleshoot their devices. Hidden devices, often remnants of old connections, can sometimes cause unexpected conflicts or occupy unnecessary system resources. By knowing how to unveil these hidden devices, users empower themselves with a more comprehensive understanding of their system’s hardware landscape, ensuring smoother operations and optimal hardware management.
