How to identify an unknown device on Windows

Indeed, You can use this how to identify an unknown device on windows article to identify unknown device on your computer. Let us explain you with real example to understand it professionally.

Identify an Unknown Device

Meanwhile, You can read this step by step article to find any unknown device on all Windows versions. Let's start to find unknown devices.

1. Open Device Manager

  1. Firstly, on all Windows computers, Press Windows Logo Key + R to open Run dialog Box.
  2. Then, type devmgmt.msc in Run dialog box and press OK or simply Enter to open Device Manager.
  3. Alternatively, You can search Device Manager or type devmgmt.msc in the Start Menu and click to open Device Manager.

2. Find Device Hardware ID

  1. In fact, you can easily locate unknown devices in the Device Manager with a warning symbol having exclamation mark.
  2. You can find devices with errors will have a small "!" icon.
  3. Of course, You need to Right click on this unknown device and select Properties.
  4. Then, You need to click the "Details" Tab and select the "Hardware Ids" under the 'Property' drop down menu.
  5. Now, You can find Hardware Ids under the Value section.
  6. Right click the top most hardware Id and select "Copy". You can use this hardware id to lookup this device.

3. Hardware ID Lookup

Generally, Hardware Ids starts with device types like PCI or USB devices. Specifically, You can use hardware id lookup tool on device kb to find the unknown device. 

If you need Technical Information about PCI Device Identifier which togather make Hardware IDs, see our How to Identify PCI Devices with PCI Device Identifiers? post for more information. If this article helps you to identify unknown device on you Windows PC, let's contribute or help Device KB team by sharing this on your social network, donating to continue the cause or sending your un-identified devices to Device KB Team. Get in Touch with Us

.