Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices have become an integral part of our computing experience, connecting a myriad of devices from flash drives to printers. As such, managing and monitoring these devices is crucial. Enter USBDeview — a compact, yet potent software tool that offers a comprehensive view of all USB devices connected to your computer. In this article, we’ll dive deep into USBDeview, exploring its features, uses, and benefits.
What is USBDeview?
Developed by NirSoft, USBDeview is a free utility that provides detailed information about all USB devices, both connected and previously connected, to a Windows machine. It displays a list of all USB devices, their description, type, serial number, connection status, and more. Additionally, USBDeview allows users to carry out various operations on these devices right from its interface.
USBDeview Key Features
- Detailed Device Information: USBDeview provides a wealth of data about each USB device, including its name, device type, serial number, vendor ID, and product ID.
- Connection History: The software can show devices that are currently connected, as well as those that were connected in the past.
- Enable/Disable Devices: Users can easily disable a malfunctioning device or enable a device that was previously disabled.
- Uninstall USB Devices: If a device is causing issues or is no longer needed, it can be quickly uninstalled directly from USBDeview.
- Device Speed Test: USBDeview allows users to test the read and write speeds of USB devices, ensuring optimal performance.
- Portable: One of the significant advantages of USBDeview is that it’s a portable application, meaning no installation is necessary. You can run it directly from a USB stick on any computer.
Why Use USBDeview?
- Troubleshooting: By providing detailed information about USB devices, USBDeview is invaluable for diagnosing issues with USB connections.
- Security: In organizational settings, keeping tabs on which USB devices have been connected to company systems can be crucial for maintaining security protocols.
- Convenience: The ability to manage, disable, or uninstall USB devices from a single interface can save time and reduce hassle.
How to Use USBDeview?
Using USBDeview is straightforward:-
Step 1. Download the software from NirSoft’s official website.
Step 2. Extract the ZIP file and run the USBDeview executable.
Step 3. The program will instantly display a list of all USB devices. From here, you can sort by various criteria, search for specific devices, or select a device to view more information or take action.
Safety Precautions
While USBDeview is a powerful tool, it’s essential to exercise caution. Disabling or uninstalling critical devices can lead to system malfunctions. Always ensure you know what a device is before making changes to its status.
Download USBDeview
You can download USBDeview from its official website.
Conclusion
USBDeview is a handy tool for anyone who regularly works with USB devices. Whether for troubleshooting, security, or convenience, its range of features and user-friendly interface make it a must-have utility in the modern computing environment. As with all tools, however, it’s essential to use it responsibly, ensuring the safety and stability of your systems.