Using the Control Panel Using the Device Manager
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This article, Using the Control Panel, was last updated on 31 July 2009 and is now out of date and held in our online archive for reference. Explore our latest Technology articles.
Checking the hardware of your computer
The Device Manager allows you to check the status of all the hardware components that make up your PC. Here’s how to use it.
Click the Device Manager heading
In the System and Maintenance section of the Control Panel, click the green Device Manager heading.
Click Continue on the User Account Control warning that appears.
The Device Manager window will open.
Showing the hardware on your computer
Clicking the plus (‘+’) sign next to each device category will reveal individual hardware components, usually listed by make and model number.
Double-clicking on an item will present you with a Properties window.
If everything’s running smoothly, you should see the message 'This device is working properly’ under the Device status.
Showing problematic hardware
Problematic hardware will appear in Device Manager with a small warning icon next to it.
A down-pointing arrow symbolises that a device has been disabled.
Double-click the device > then click Enable Device to correct this.
Unknown devices
If there’s a yellow exclamation mark next to a device or if something is listed as ‘Unknown Device’, this usually means that the device driver – the software that controls it – has not been installed correctly.
Double-click the device > click on Reinstall Driver > then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
