How to Open Device Manager
in Windows 10 & Windows 11

What Is Device Manager in Windows?

Device Manager is a built-in Windows management tool used to view, enable, disable, update, uninstall, and troubleshoot hardware devices and their drivers. It shows components such as graphics cards, network adapters, Bluetooth modules, printers, sound devices, USB controllers, storage controllers, keyboards, mice, monitors, and system devices.

You may need to open Device Manager when a device is not working, a driver has an error, Windows shows an unknown device, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi disappears, a webcam is not detected, or a graphics driver needs to be updated or rolled back.

How to Open Device Manager with the Win + X Menu

The fastest and most convenient method is the power user menu, also known as the Win + X menu. It is available in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

1. Press Win + X on your keyboard.
2. Select Device Manager from the menu.
3. The Device Manager window will open immediately.

How to Open Device Manager with the Run Command

The Run dialog lets you launch Device Manager by using its Microsoft Management Console command: devmgmt.msc.

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type devmgmt.msc.
3. Press Enter or click OK.

Run Dialog Command
devmgmt.msc
    

This method is especially useful if Windows Search is slow or if you are following troubleshooting instructions that require a precise command.

How to Open Device Manager from Windows Search

Windows Search is simple and works well if you prefer using the Start menu or taskbar search box.

1. Press Win + S or click the Search icon on the taskbar.
2. Type Device Manager.
3. Click Device Manager in the search results.

How to Open Device Manager from Windows Settings

You can reach Device Manager from the modern Settings app. This path is useful if you are already checking system information or device-related settings.

Windows 11

1. Open Settings with Win + I.
2. Go to System → About.
3. Under Related links, click Device Manager.

Windows 10

1. Open Settings with Win + I.
2. Go to System → About.
3. On the right side, click Device Manager under related settings.

How to Open Device Manager from Control Panel

The classic Control Panel still includes access to Device Manager. This method is helpful on older Windows installations or when you are already working in Control Panel.

1. Press Win + R, type control, and press Enter.
2. Open Hardware and Sound.
3. Under Devices and Printers, click Device Manager.

Open Control Panel
control
    

How to Open Device Manager from Computer Management

Computer Management includes several administrative snap-ins, including Device Manager, Disk Management, Services, Event Viewer, and Task Scheduler.

1. Press Win + X.
2. Select Computer Management.
3. In the left pane, click Device Manager.

You can also open Computer Management directly with this command:

Computer Management Command
compmgmt.msc
    

How to Open Device Manager from File Explorer

File Explorer can also be used as a launcher for Windows system tools.

1. Open File Explorer with Win + E.
2. Right-click This PC in the left pane.
3. Select Manage.
4. In the Computer Management window, click Device Manager.

Alternatively, click the address bar in File Explorer, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.

How to Open Device Manager from Command Prompt or PowerShell

If you are already working in Terminal, Command Prompt, or PowerShell, you can launch Device Manager with the same command used in the Run dialog.

1. Open Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal.
2. Type the command below.
3. Press Enter.

CMD / PowerShell Command
devmgmt.msc
    

To open it from an elevated console, run Command Prompt or PowerShell as administrator first, then execute the same command.

How to Open Device Manager from Task Manager

Task Manager can launch system tools even when the desktop, Start menu, or File Explorer is not working correctly.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click Run new task. In Windows 10, open File → Run new task.
3. Type devmgmt.msc.
4. Click OK.

How to Create a Device Manager Desktop Shortcut

If you often troubleshoot drivers, create a desktop shortcut for one-click access.

1. Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
2. Select New → Shortcut.
3. In the location field, type devmgmt.msc.
4. Click Next.
5. Name the shortcut Device Manager.
6. Click Finish.

Shortcut Target
devmgmt.msc
    

Best Ways to Open Device Manager in Windows 10 and Windows 11

All methods open the same Device Manager window. Choose the one that fits your situation.

Device Manager Does Not Open in Windows: What to Do

If Device Manager does not open, opens and closes immediately, or shows an error, try these fixes.

1. Run Device Manager as administrator

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Select Run new task.
3. Type devmgmt.msc.
4. Enable Create this task with administrative privileges, if available.
5. Click OK.

2. Check system files

Corrupted system files can prevent Microsoft Management Console snap-ins from opening. Run these commands in an elevated Command Prompt or Terminal:

System File Check
sfc /scannow
    

Repair Windows Component Store
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    

3. Make sure Microsoft Management Console works

Device Manager is an MMC snap-in. Press Win + R, type mmc, and press Enter. If MMC itself does not open, the problem is not limited to Device Manager.

4. Scan for malware

If administrative tools are blocked unexpectedly, run a full scan with Windows Security or another trusted antivirus tool.

FAQ: Opening Device Manager in Windows

Final Recommendation: The Fastest Way to Open Device Manager

The quickest method is Win + X → Device Manager. If you prefer commands, use Win + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter. Both methods work reliably in Windows 10 and Windows 11 and are ideal for driver troubleshooting.