Scan for hardware changes. Activate your PC in 5 seconds ⚡
You can scan connected hardware devices using Device Manager, Computer Management, or Command Prompt, without needing to restart your PC. Here are the best ways to detect hardware changes in Windows. 🔍💻
1. Scan for hardware changes using Device Manager
Device Manager is the easiest way to detect hardware changes. Follow these steps to use it in Windows:
1. Open Device Manager from Windows Search.
2. When the Device Manager opens, right-click on the device category and select Look for hardware changes.
3. If you don't know which category to select, click on the menu Action and then choose Look for hardware changes.
2. Detect Hardware Changes from the Device Management Tool
The Windows Computer Management utility includes Device ManagerTherefore, you can also use it to scan for hardware changes. Follow these steps:
1. Open the Computer Management tool from Windows Search.
2. Navigate to System Tools > Device Manager.
3. Select the device category you want to scan.
4. In the right panel, click on Action and choose Look for hardware changes.
3. Scan for Hardware Changes via Command Prompt
The Command Prompt is a powerful command-line tool that can perform complex tasks, including scanning for hardware changes in Windows 11.
1. Type "Command Prompt" in the Windows search 11. Right-click and select Run as administrator.
2. In the Command Prompt window, run the following command:
pnputil.exe /scan-devices
3. You will see the message Scanning for hardware changes in devices, confirming that Windows is detecting modifications.
When the message appears Scan completedYou can now close the Command Prompt. ✅
4. Create a Desktop Shortcut to Scan for Hardware Changes
If you're not comfortable with Device Manager, Computer Management, or Command Prompt, creating a desktop shortcut is a great option.
This shortcut will allow you to quickly run a hardware scan without navigating through other tools. Follow these simple steps:
1. Right-click on an empty space on the desktop and select New > Shortcut.
2. In the field Enter the location of the itemPaste this line and click on Following:
C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe /k pnputil.exe /scan-devices
3. In the shortcut naming window, type Look for hardware changes and press Finish.
4. Right-click on the shortcut you created and select Properties.
5. Go to the tab Direct access and select Advanced.
6. Select the option Run as administrator and click on Accept.
7. Apply the changes using the button Apply and close the window.
When you want to scan for hardware changes, just double-click the shortcut you created 📌.
These simple methods let you easily scan for and detect hardware changes in Windows 11 and Windows 10. Try the one that works best for you and keep your system up to date! 🚀
