What Device Manager looks like on Windows 7. How to open Device Manager. Showing hidden hardware in Device Manager

Using a modern computer is unthinkable without additional equipment. Many people mistakenly believe that this is not true: they say, I only store and process data on a computer, and work on the Internet, so I don’t need a printer, a scanner, a web camera, or other equipment. But in order to see the result of the processes occurring in the computer, you need at least a monitor that is recognized by the system as a separate type of equipment. In addition, you must have a mouse and keyboard - these essential tools are also recognized as separate types of equipment. Therefore, each user should know how to properly connect the equipment, configure it, and also how to solve possible problems associated with the operation of the equipment. All this, as well as much more, will be discussed in this chapter of the book.

In order to connect equipment to a computer, it is not enough to simply physically connect it to the system unit. In order for the operating system to recognize this equipment, you must have a special program - a driver. Only after this the computer will “see” the equipment and be able to work with it in a single connection.

It is worth noting that the Windows 7 operating system contains a large number of built-in drivers by default. When connecting new equipment to a computer, a suitable driver is automatically searched for, and in fact the user can only wait until the required driver is selected and an information message is displayed on the screen stating that the equipment is connected and ready for use.

However, if the system was unable to find the required driver, it will have to be installed separately. In this regard, the question immediately arises: where can I get the necessary driver, and how is it installed?

Currently, as a rule, there are no problems with finding the right driver. Firstly, the new equipment comes with a CD, on which, in addition to other materials (operation manual, etc.), there is a driver distribution kit. Secondly, the driver can be found on the Internet - either on the equipment manufacturer’s website, or on other resources, of which there are a great many (for example, www.freesoft.r, www.softodrom.r, etc.).

As for installing the driver, in most cases this does not present any difficulty. To install the driver, run the installation file and then follow the instructions of the Installation Wizard. If you are not very knowledgeable about computers, in particular, you have little knowledge (or no knowledge at all) of hardware installation issues, then it is not recommended to change the driver installation parameters that are offered by the system by default.

After the driver is installed, the equipment will be ready for use, and a corresponding information message will be displayed on the screen.

To connect new hardware to your computer, select the Hardware and Sound category in Control Panel, and click the Devices and Printers link. You can do it easier by selecting Devices and Printers from the Start menu. In any case, a window will appear on the screen, which is shown in Fig. 3.1.

Rice. 3.1. List of equipment connected to the computer

This window provides a list of all devices connected to the computer. For each of them, you can go to the mode of viewing and editing properties - to do this, you need to right-click on the corresponding icon and select the Properties command in the context menu that opens.

To connect new equipment, you need to click the Add device button in the toolbar of this window. As a result, a window will open on the screen, which is shown in Fig. 3.2.

Rice. 3.2. Search for devices to install

This window will initially display information that the system is searching for new devices that have been connected to the computer, but have not yet been installed. In other words, after completing the search, the window will display a list of devices that are physically connected to the computer (the connector is plugged into the corresponding socket), but for which the driver has not yet been installed.

After clicking the Next button in this window (you must first select the device you want to install with a mouse click), you will proceed to the first stage of installing the device. In general, the installation procedure for different devices follows approximately the same algorithm, although, of course, there are some peculiarities. In the next section we will talk about how to connect devices using the example of one of the most popular types of equipment - a printer.

To remove a device from the list of types of equipment available for use (see Fig. 3.1), you need to right-click on it and execute the Delete command in the context menu that opens. In this case, the system will issue an additional request to confirm the deletion operation. Typically, devices are removed in the following cases:

When there is no longer a need to use the device, in this case its driver is usually removed so as not to take up extra disk space;

When there is a need to remove and then reinstall the driver - for example, if the equipment is unstable or incorrect;

When a device driver conflicts with other software installed on the computer.

There are other situations that require removing the device and uninstalling the driver - here a lot depends on the specifics of the situation and the use of the computer.

As we noted earlier, you can connect a variety of external devices to your computer - printers, scanners, web cameras, etc. In this section we will learn how to connect the most popular external device - a printer.

Note that in the Windows 7 operating system, the printer installation process is as automated as possible, performed in a step-by-step mode and accompanied by appropriate prompts, so even an inexperienced user can easily connect the printer independently. Moreover, USB printers can generally be installed automatically when connected (and this also applies to a number of other devices), and to connect all other printers you just need to perform a few simple steps.

To install a printer, in the toolbar of the equipment list window (see Fig. 3.1), you need to click the Install Printer button - as a result, the window shown in Fig. will open. 3.3.

Rice. 3.3. Selecting the type of printer to install

Note that this window can also be opened from the control panel - to do this, in the Hardware and Sound category, click on the Add a printer link.

In this window you need to select the type of printer to install. For most ordinary users, in this window you need to click the Add local printer option - this means that a specific printer is connected to a specific computer (as is usually the case, for example, at home). After selecting this value, you will proceed to the next installation stage (Fig. 3.4).

Rice. 3.4. Selecting a Printer Port

At this stage you need to specify the printer port. In this case, a port is a channel (type of connection) for exchanging information between a computer and a printer; simply put, it is a connector for connecting a printer. You can use an existing one or create a new one - to do this, you need to set the switch to the appropriate position. In most cases, at this stage, you can leave the default settings - when the switch is set to Use an existing port, and LPT1: (Printer Port) is selected from the drop-down list.

To go to the next step, click Next - as a result, a window will open, as in Fig. 3.5.

Rice. 3.5. Selecting a driver for installing a printer

At this stage, the printer driver is selected. Let us recall that a driver is software included in the delivery of a device connected to a computer and designed to ensure that the system “sees” and recognizes this device. Otherwise, its use will be impossible. Since the Windows 7 system has a large set of drivers for a wide variety of devices, including printers, to install it you just need to select the printer manufacturer in the left part of the window (see Fig. 3.5), and the specific printer model in the right. However, the system also allows you to independently install the driver located on external media - to do this, you need to insert the disk into the drive and click the Install from disk button.

Rice. 3.6. Entering a printer name

In this window, in the Printer name field, enter an arbitrary printer name using the keyboard (for example, Epson, or Photo Printer). If desired, you can leave the name suggested by the system by default.

Rice. 3.7. Setting up printer access

If you do not plan to use the printer on a local network (as is usually the case at home), you need to set the switch to the No shared access to this printer position. If you need to open access to the printer to network users, then you should set the switch to Allow shared access to the printer so that others can use it, then in the appropriate fields indicate its network name (this parameter is required), location and any comment.

Rice. 3.8. The final stage of installing the printer

In this window you can make sure that everything was done correctly. To do this, click the Print test page button, and if the printer is connected correctly, it will print a test page. To complete the installation process, click Finish.

All information about your computer's hardware is stored in a special program called Device Manager. This program is included with the Windows operating system, and here you can not only view data about the equipment connected to your computer, but also edit the properties of each type of equipment, update its driver, and perform a number of other actions.

To launch Device Manager, select the Hardware and Sound category in Control Panel, and in the Devices and Printers section, click the Device Manager link. You can do it differently: in the Start menu, right-click on Computer, in the context menu that appears, select Properties, and in the left part of the window that opens, click on the Device Manager link. In any case, a window will appear on the screen, which is shown in Fig. 3.9.

Rice. 3.9. device Manager

In general, tasks that can be solved using Device Manager can be formulated as follows.

Diagnostics of the operation of equipment installed on the computer.

View and edit hardware configuration parameters.

Select a driver for each device, and also obtain information about device drivers.

View and edit advanced parameters and device properties, install updated device drivers.

Enabling, disabling and removing equipment.

Revert to the previous driver version.

View devices based on their type, how they are connected to your computer, or the resources they consume.

Control the display of hidden devices that do not necessarily need to be shown, but may be required for advanced troubleshooting.

Typically, Device Manager is used to check hardware status and update drivers. Experienced users who are well versed in the structure of computer hardware can use Device Manager to diagnose hardware operation to resolve device conflicts and change resource settings.

Note that in most cases there is no need to use Device Manager to change resource settings, since the required amount of resources is allocated by the system automatically when installing the equipment.

Remember that Device Manager only allows you to manage devices on your local computer. On a remote computer, it operates only in read-only mode, which allows you to view, but not edit, the hardware configuration on this computer.

As can be seen in Fig. 3.9, the Device Manager window is a standard Windows application interface. At the top there is a menu that by default contains the items File, Action, View and Help. Below the main menu there is a toolbar, the buttons of which are designed to select a display mode, as well as to perform a number of other actions. The toolbar button names appear as tooltips when you move the mouse pointer over them. Note that the contents of the toolbar may depend on the current cursor position.

By right-clicking on any position in the list, a context menu opens, some of the commands of which duplicate the corresponding commands of the main menu, as well as toolbar buttons. The contents of the context menu may also depend on the current operating mode.

At the bottom of the interface is the status bar - an element that is found in the windows of many Windows applications. This element does not carry any functional load, but plays only an informational role: information about the current operating mode is displayed here or hints are shown.

The central part of the interface contains a hierarchical list of devices installed and used on the computer. By default, all devices are grouped by type (Processors, Keyboards, etc.). To expand or collapse a hierarchy branch, click on the corresponding arrow to the left of its name, or double-click on the position name. The name of this computer is used as the top level of the hierarchy.

Before you start using the program, it is recommended to review and, if necessary, edit its settings. To switch to the corresponding mode, execute the main menu command View > Configure. As a result, a window will appear on the screen, which is shown in Fig. 3.10.

Rice. 3.10. Setting up Device Manager

In this window, by checking the appropriate boxes, you can determine which interface elements and program tools should be displayed or available for use, and which should not. In Fig. Figure 3.10 shows the default settings.

You can independently customize the presentation of data in the equipment list - the corresponding View menu commands are intended for this. You can choose one of the options listed below.

Devices by type. When you select this display option, all devices presented in the list are grouped by type (for example, Monitors, Mice, etc.). As we noted earlier, this option is used by default in the program. When you double-click on the name of a device type, the names of all connections will be displayed in the subordinate positions of the hierarchy.

Devices by connection. In this case, the devices presented in the list are displayed according to how they are connected to the computer. In this case, the name of each device is displayed under the equipment to which it is connected.

Resources by type. When you select this option, all enabled resources will be listed in a list according to the type of device that uses those resources. The following types of resources are available in the program: Direct Memory Access (DMA) channels, I/O ports, Interrupt Request (IRQ) and Memory Addresses.

Connection Resources. If this display option is selected, all resources will be presented by connection type.

Also, if you wish, you can enable the mode for displaying hidden devices - for this, in the View menu, use the Show hidden devices command. Typically, hidden devices are devices and types of equipment for which drivers are installed, but which are not currently connected to the computer. In other words, if you installed a driver, but did not physically connect the corresponding device to the computer, then this device automatically falls into the category of hidden devices.

To view the properties of the equipment, select it in the list by clicking the mouse and execute the main command Action > Properties or the Properties command of the context menu called by right-clicking the mouse. As a result, a window consisting of several tabs will be displayed on the screen (Fig. 3.11).

Rice. 3.11. Hardware Properties, General tab

Note that the number of tabs in this window may depend on the type of device. For example, in Fig. Figure 3.11 shows the properties window for the web camera, and for the network adapter this window may also contain tabs Advanced, Power Management and Resources, etc.

The General tab provides general information about this device. The corresponding fields display its type, manufacturer, as well as information about the current status. If the device operates normally, without malfunctions or deviations from the norm, then the phrase Device is working normally will be displayed in the Device Status field (see Fig. 3.11). If there are any problems with the operation of the device, then the corresponding information will be displayed in the Device Status field (for example, Problems may arise in the operation of this device, etc.).

On the Driver tab, the contents of which are shown in Fig. 3.12, you can view information about the driver of this device, as well as perform a number of actions with the driver.

Rice. 3.12. Device driver information

The upper part of this tab shows information about the current version of the driver, the date of its development, the developer, and the presence of a digital signature. All listed data is shown for reference; manual editing is not possible.

To view detailed information about the driver files, click the Details button. As a result, a window will appear on the screen, which, among other things, will display the full path to the driver files. This information can be useful, for example, when you need to manually remove a driver file (it happens that the driver cannot be removed using the built-in uninstaller or using the uninstall mode implemented in Windows, and then you have to do it manually, which requires knowing the exact location file).

To update the device driver, click the Update button. As a result, the window shown in Fig. 1 will open on the screen. 3.13.

Rice. 3.13. Driver update

You can update the driver either manually or automatically (select the appropriate option by clicking the mouse). In the first case (the value Automatically search for updated drivers), the operating system will independently search for newer versions of drivers both on the computer and on the Internet (provided that this function is not disabled in the settings of this device). Based on the search results, you will either be prompted to install a more recent version of the driver, or an information message will be displayed on the screen stating that there is no need to update the driver for this device.

In the second case (the value Search for drivers on this computer), the driver update window will look as shown in Fig. 3.14.

Rice. 3.14. Entering the search area for updated drivers

In this window, you need to specify where on this computer or local network the system should search for the latest driver version for this device. If the default value offered is not suitable, click the Browse button, then in the window that opens, specify the search area and click OK. The search area can be a folder, a hard disk volume, another local network computer, a CD, etc. If the search area contains subfolders and you want them to also search for new driver versions, check the Including subfolders checkbox folders.

To begin searching for new driver versions, click Next. Based on the search results, you will either be prompted to install a more recent version of the driver, or an information message will be displayed stating that there is no need to update the driver for this device.

Note that you can select the latest driver version from the list of drivers already installed on this computer. To do this, in the window shown in Fig. 3.14, click the mouse to select the Select driver from the list of already installed drivers. As a result, a window will open on the screen, which is shown in Fig. 3.15.

Rice. 3.15. Selecting a driver from the list of installed drivers

The central part of this window contains a list of installed drivers. If the Only compatible devices option is enabled, then the list will include drivers only for devices that are compatible with this device. If this option is disabled, the list will consist of two columns: on the left there will be a list of device manufacturers, and on the right - a list of models for each manufacturer. First, you will need to click on the manufacturer and then the device model.

You can install the driver from a CD - to do this, click the Install from disk button, and in the window that opens, specify the required path.

It happens that after installing the latest version of the driver, the device works worse than with the previous version, or does not work at all. In this case, it makes sense to revert to the previous version of the driver. Since users do not always remember where they got this version from and what its number is, the system provides a standard function of returning to the previous driver version. To do this, on the Driver tab, click the Rollback button - as a result, an automatic transition to the previous version of the driver will be performed. Note that this button is only available after updating the driver version (otherwise this operation will not make sense).

Sometimes it is necessary to disable the operation of the device for a while. In this case, it will be considered installed, but at the same time disabled. To disable the device, click the Disable button on the Driver tab. In this case, the program will issue an additional request to confirm this operation. Note that after disconnecting the device, this button will be called Enable, and when you click it, the device will be connected again (in this case, an additional request to confirm the operation will not be issued).

As we noted earlier, sometimes it is necessary to completely remove a device, that is, uninstall its driver. To solve this problem, there is a Remove button on the Driver tab. Please note that this operation is not recommended for users who do not have sufficient experience. When you press the button, the program prompts you to confirm this operation. If you answer yes to this request, the device driver will be removed, the device itself will disappear from the Task Manager, and it will become impossible to use.

On the Details tab, the contents of which are shown in Fig. 3.16, you can view additional information about this device.

Rice. 3.16. View device information

All the information you can view about your device is divided into categories. By selecting a category from the Property drop-down list, you can view the corresponding information in the Value field. For example, in Fig. 3.16 shows a description of the device, and in addition you can view information about the device manufacturer, driver version and release date, device class, bus number, driver key, etc.

Opening the Device Manager is quite simple and can be done in several ways. The procedure can be performed through any of the accounts. The only thing is that only the “Administrator” can make any changes to the device.

You can call the device manager:

• Using the Windows interface;
• Using the command line;
• Through "Computer Management";
• Using remote access;

We will look at each of the above options and you can choose the one that suits you best.

Running on Windows 10

In Windows 10, the developers have already removed the standard function of calling the remote control through the menu of the main “My Computer” icon and made everything much more convenient.

Via Windows 7, 8 interface

Logging into the device manager (DM) in Windows is quite simple; to do this you need to perform a few simple steps, namely:

Running on Windows XP

Compared to newer systems, the dispatcher is launched in a slightly different way in XP. Let's look at two options for launching the remote control through the standard OS interface.

First option:

Second option:

Command line

After which everything will happen in the following order:

Through the Computer Management window

Now let's look at another easy way to find and open the device manager on a computer or laptop. The method is equally suitable for both Windows 7 and Vista. You need to do the following:

• If work is carried out from the “Administrator” account, then the remote control will be displayed in the same window in the center;
• If you are logged in as a regular user, the required tab will be opened in view mode, since this user cannot make changes due to lack of privileges;

You can also enter the control window using the command line. To do this, open the “Run” line and enter the command “mmc compmgmt.msc” in the field. After this, you need to do everything in full accordance with the above procedure.

Via a remote computer

To understand where the remote control is located and how to open it from a remote computer, you need to:

1. Log in to the “Computer Management” section using one of the above methods.
2. Find the “Action” menu and select “Connect to another computer.”
3. In the “Select a computer” window, do one of the following:
4. In the “Other Computer” field, write the name of the PC to which you need access and click “OK”;
5. Click Browse/Advanced and find the device you want.
6. Select it and click "OK"

After successful connection, the PC name will be displayed in the upper left corner.

Next, to enter the remote control, use one of the above methods. Attention! In the case of a remote PC, access is provided exclusively in viewing mode. That is, you will not be able to change device settings.

Working with the dispatcher

First of all, it is needed to manage installed drivers; users can also find the necessary information about any installed device. The appearance of the utility has changed slightly in comparison with XP and 10, but the functionality remains the same.

The main section consists of a list of headings, which can be viewed by clicking on the arrow to the left of the title. After which a list of connected elements to the computer will be displayed. For example, in the “Video adapters” category, video cards (external or internal) will be located; if you have 2 external video cards connected, then all two will be displayed.

If you urgently need to find out all the information relating to the components and hardware of your computer, and are wondering how to do this without disassembling the PC, then the utility built into Windows 7 called “Device Manager” (DU) will help you do this quickly and at the same time provide the user with information about the characteristics of the equipment and their condition. Below are descriptions of the various ways to start the remote control.

What is it and what is the main purpose of the remote control?

The utility included with Windows is designed to manage PC devices and monitor their operating status. When asked why it is often used by personal computer owners, the answer is obvious.

Because this program allows you to analyze possible problems and the presence of errors in their functioning, as well as quickly fix them, for example, update device drivers or selectively disable and enable any of them to find out whether the components used in the PC are compatible, etc.

The application interface is simple and consists of a window with a list of equipment grouped into sections.

All actions in the remote control can be performed using the mouse, for example, enter any section by double-clicking, control devices through the context menu caused by right-clicking, etc.

The Manager also displays information about the exact names of the equipment; if there are problems with operation, then the name displays a yellow icon with the symbol “!” or "?".

Running Device Manager is a safe way to troubleshoot hardware software issues. In the English version of "Seven" the remote control is called "Device Manager".

Knowing the algorithms for launching the remote control, even a novice user can quickly do this in any modification of Windows 7.

You can use any of the step-by-step instructions below, which will be most convenient for the user.

Remote control opening methods

You do not need administrator privileges to open Device Manager. You can log into the program using any account.

Launching Device Manager using hotkeys

This is the fastest and easiest way. To start the remote control you only need to perform the following few steps:

Through Computer Properties

You can open the remote control without using a keyboard; all you need to do is make just a few of the following mouse clicks:

Using the "Control Panel"

To get into the remote control, the “almighty” Control Panel will come to the rescue.

To do this you need to do the following:

Via PC Control

The problem can be quickly solved through the personal computer control menu. To this end, the following should be done:

1. Call the context menu from the “Computer” icon;

This can also be done from its shortcut in Start;

Using the MMC console

You need to do the following:

Opening using program name

You will need to complete the following steps:

Via command line

The sequence of actions consists of the following stages:

Device Manager is present in all versions of Windows and allows you to manage all devices connected to your computer. Thanks to it, you can work with drivers, connect or disconnect external and internal devices, and also find detailed information about them. To open it, built-in OS tools are used.

How to open Device Manager in Windows 7

In Windows 7, there are several ways to navigate to the Manager to get started with it. Most of the manager launch options are configured by default, but you can add one more manually to get the fastest access to the program.

Via My Computer

Through computer control

Via Explorer

Via quick access program

Through command execution

Video: opening the dispatcher

Manually adding another method

If you want the manager to be open directly from the context menu that appears when you right-click on the “Computer” icon, then follow these steps:

How to show hidden devices

Some devices are hidden in the manager by default for the following reasons:

device Manager- MMC console snap-in, which allows you to view all devices installed on your computer/laptop (processor, hard drive, DVD drive, etc.). A very important piece of equipment that allows you to understand what the computer/laptop is equipped with, and most importantly, with its help you can understand whether all the drivers are installed on the computer/laptop.

How to open Device Manager on Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1.

Device Manager can be launched in several ways, and it does not matter which operating system is used: Windows XP, Windows 7 or Windows 8. These methods are:

1 Method to open Device Manager.

All that remains is to select "Device Manager".

2 Method to launch Device Manager.

Press the key combination "Win" + "R".

In the search bar, enter the command " devmgmt.msc" press Enter.

3 Method to launch Device Manager.

An even easier way to open Device Manager is to press the “Win” + “Pause Break” key combination.