ByIt becomes necessary at times to identify and scan for hardware changes in the Windows operating system, especially when a new device is added or there is a driver issue. In this article, we will detail 5 effective and easy ways to scan for hardware changes in Windows that not only keep the system optimized but also prevent potential technical issues.
1. Scan for hardware changes using Device Manager
Device Manager is an in-built tool of Windows that shows all the hardware connected to the computer. Using this, we can directly scan for hardware changes.
Steps:
1. Go to the Start Menu and open it by typing Device Manager.
2. Go to the top menu and click on the “Action” tab.
3. From here, click on “Scan for hardware changes”.
This command helps Windows identify any newly connected device or changed hardware. This method is also effective in driver reinstallation.
2. Scan via Windows PowerShell
PowerShell is a powerful command-line tool that we can use to perform various tasks at the system level, including hardware scans.
Steps:
1. Go to the Start Menu, run Windows PowerShell as an administrator.
2. Type the command below:
“`powershell
Get-PnpDevice -PresentOnly | Sort-Object -Property Name
“`
This command shows the complete list of currently active and connected devices, so we can find out if any new hardware has been added or not.
3. Hardware scan from Command Prompt (CMD)
CMD is very easy to use for technical users. With this, we can easily extract information related to the driver or device.
Steps:
1. Open Command Prompt in Administrator mode.
2. Type the command given below:
“`cmd
set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1
Start devmgmt.msc
“`
It also shows hidden or unplugged devices. After this, you can go to Device Manager and “Scan for hardware changes”.
4. System Information Tool
This tool is available in Windows, and with this, we can get complete information about our system. It also includes a list of hardware and its status.
Steps:
1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R.
2. Type `msinfo32` and press Enter.
3. Go to System Summary, and from here go to Components > Problem Devices to see if any device is giving an error or not.
This information is very useful during a hardware scan.
5. Scan with Windows Troubleshooter
If there is a hardware-related problem, Windows Troubleshooter can help scan and fix it.
Steps:
1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
2. Click on Additional troubleshooters.
3. From there, select Hardware and Devices and click on Run the troubleshooter.
This tool will automatically scan the system and identify hardware-related problems and suggest fixes.
Things to keep in mind while scanning hardware
Always ensure driver updates; this helps in detecting new hardware correctly.
Keep Windows Update running, so that the system keeps getting the latest drivers and support.
Also check that no hardware is disabled in BIOS/UEFI Settings.
Conclusion
Scanning for hardware changes in Windows is not a complicated task; you just need to know the right method and tools. The 5 methods mentioned above will help you identify and resolve any new device or hardware issues. If you monitor your system regularly, not only does the performance improve, but potential future problems can also be avoided.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question 1: Why is it necessary to scan for hardware changes in Windows?
Answer: When we add new hardware or change a device, Windows has to scan it to identify it and load the appropriate driver. This makes the hardware work properly, and any kind of error can be avoided.
Question 2: Does “Scan for Hardware Changes” automatically detect all new hardware?
Answer: In most cases, yes, but if the driver is missing or the hardware is not connected correctly, Windows will not be able to recognize it. In such a case, manual driver installation may be required.
Question 3: Is this process the same in both Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Answer: Yes, the process of scanning hardware is almost the same in both Windows 10 and Windows 11. There may just be some visual differences.
Question 4: What to do if the device is not showing even after scanning?
Answer:
Double-check the hardware connections.
Check if the device is enabled in BIOS/UEFI.
Install the driver manually.
Try plugging the device into another port.
Question 5: Does scanning hardware also update drivers?
Answer: No, the scan only helps to identify the hardware. To update the driver, you need to download the manual driver from Windows Update or the device manufacturer’s website.
Question 6: Can I scan hardware without admin rights?
Answer: A normal scan can be done from Device Manager, but some operations (such as driver installation or registration) require admin rights.
Question 7: What is the difference between Windows PowerShell and CMD when it comes to hardware scans?
Answer: Both are command-line tools, but PowerShell is more modern and powerful. It gives more details and scripting options, while CMD is a traditional tool.
Question 8: Does a hardware scan have any impact on computer performance?
Answer: No, the process is very light and takes only a few seconds to complete. It does not have any negative impact on the system.
Question 9: Are USB devices also included in “Scan for hardware changes”?
Answer: Yes, whenever you connect a new USB device and scan, Windows recognizes it and loads the necessary drivers.
Question 10: Does this scanning process work the same on both laptops and desktops?
Answer: Yes, this process works the same on laptops, desktops, and even tablets when they are running on Windows OS.
