Embedded Files
First introduced in Windows 95, the Device Manager is a feature of Microsoft Windows that detects and lists hardware devices and their status information. The device driver settings and information is also stored here. Device Manager is available in Microsoft Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, 2003, XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10.
NOTE: Computers running macOS do not have the Device Manager utility, but instead have the System Information utility, which is similar to Device Manager. Chromebooks do not have a Device Manager or similar utility available.
Opening the Device Manager
To open the Device Manager in Windows 10:
Press Windows key+X (hold down the Windows key and press X) to open the Power User Tasks Menu.
Select Device Manager (or press M).
or
Click Start or press the Windows key.
Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter.
Device Manager Categories
Device Manager Categories
Device Manager lists devices in separate categories so that it's easier to find what you're looking for. You can expand each section to see which devices are listed inside. Once you find the right hardware device, double-click it to see more information like its current status, driver details, or in some cases its power management options.
Some of these categories include Audio inputs and outputs, Disk drives, Display adapters, DVD/CD-ROM drives, Printers, Sound, video and game controllers, and Universal Serial Bus controllers.
If you were having trouble with your network card, you might open the Network adapters area and see if there are any unusual icons or colors associated with the device in question. You can double-click it if you want more information about it or to perform one of the tasks like what you see on the left.
These are some of the common icons that can indicate a problem with a device on your computer. Go ahead and open your Device Manager and see if you have any of these icons.
These are some of the common icons that can indicate a problem with a device on your computer. Go ahead and open your Device Manager and see if you have any of these icons.
Indicates the device is in a problem state. A device in a problem state can be functioning. A problem code explaining the problem is displayed for the device.
Indicates a disabled device. A disabled device is a device that is physically present in the system, consuming resources, but does not have a protected-mode driver loaded.
On a device resource in Computer properties, indicates that Use Automatic Settings is not selected for the device and that it was manually selected. This does not indicate a problem or a disabled device state.
This indicates that an exact (device-specific) driver is not available, and that a compatible driver has been installed.
But what if you need to get a more detailed description of the hardware installed on your computer? For example you may need to buy new RAM, but not remember the exact model of Motherboard that you need. You can use a 3rd party app to do this. However, be careful when choosing and installing any free app! Free software often comes with a catch - it may install unwanted and potentially malicious software on your computer.
After plugging in the USB flash drive open File Explorer to access the drive.
Locate the spsetup132 file and DRAG it to the download folder on your computer. After it copies right-click the flash drive and eject it. Pass it to the next student.
Double click the spsetup132 file on your computer to begin the install.
You'll see the installer screen open. ALWAYS click the customize (or similar) option when you install new software. This allows you to check for unwanted software before you install your app.
Fortunately this software doesn't appear to have any unwanted software. However, to keep your desktop uncluttered go ahead and uncheck the Desktop Shortcut option.
However, notice this screen also has a More option. Click this to make sure there isn't an unwanted option here too.
On this screen you will see an option to change where it's installed and who to install it for. You can leave these set at the default options.
Go ahead and click Install.
After Speccy installs go ahead an launch it. You will now see a detailed list of the hardware installed on your computer!
Go ahead and click around to see what's on your computer.
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