Device Manager Blank on Windows 10? Here’s the Fix! (2023 Updated Guide)

Is Device Manager blank or empty? Unable to view any contents in the Device Manager window? Don’t worry! You can quickly fix this issue by following a few workarounds. From updating system drivers to checking device status, a Device Manager’s role is quite crucial on Windows. Device Manager is a centralized hub where you can manage and configure settings for both hardware and software. Viewing a blank Device Manager is nothing but a nightmare!

Let’s discuss all the possible solutions that you can use when the Device Manager is blank or empty on Windows 10.

Also Read: How To Fix Bluetooth Not Showing In Device Manager?

How To Device Manager Blank on Windows 11/10 PC? (2023)

Here’re the best troubleshooting methods to fix “Device Manager is blank & and not showing anything on Windows 11/10 PC”.

Solution #1: Register the .dll File

Well, having an unregistered msxml3.dll file leads to an “Empty Device Manager Issue”. Follow the steps shared below to re-register the .dll file and fix the problem.

STEP 1 = Press the Windows + R key combination to launch the Run dialog box.

STEP 2 = Type “regsvr32 msxml3.dll” in the text bar and hit Enter.

A pop-up box will appear on the screen for Confirmation. Proceed ahead to register the DLL file. Reboot your device to check whether it resolved the issue.

Solution #2: Check Plug and Play Service Status

Plug and Play Services are a blend of both hardware and software support on a Windows device. To resolve the “Device Manager blank” issue, you’ll be required to check the Plug and Play service status and configure the system settings.

STEP 1 = Press the Windows + R keys together to fire up the Run box.

STEP 2 = Type “services.msc” and hit Enter.

STEP 3 = In the Services window, scroll down to look for “Plug and Play” services. Tap on it to check its status, whether it is active or not.

STEP 4 = If the service status of “Plug and Play” indicates “Stopped,” you will need to enable it again.

STEP 5 = Hit the “Start” button, and then change the Startup type value to “Automatic.”

STEP 6 = Once you’re done with all the changes, simply click on the “Apply” button to save the recent settings.

Reboot your device, and launch Device Manager to check whether it’s still blank/empty or not.

Solution #3: Modify the Registry Entries

Our next solution to resolve the “Device Manager Blank” issue revolves around making a few tweaks to the Registry entries.

STEP 1 = Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows + R keys.

STEP 2 = Type “Regedit” and then hit Enter.

STEP 3 = In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar

STEP 4 = Once you double-click on the Toolbar section, you will see three components listed underneath: Explorer, Shell Browser, and Web Browser.

STEP 5 = Click on each entry, and then on the right side of the Registry Editor window, look for the “ITBarLayout” file. Right-click on it and select “Delete.” You will need to do this for each Toolbar entry, including Explorer, Shell Browser, and Web Browser.

Close the Registry Editor window, reboot your device and then launch Device Manager to check if you’re still experiencing any issues.

Solution #4: Edit Registry Permissions

STEP 1 =Press the Windows + R key combination to launch the Run box. Type “Regedit” and then hit Enter.

STEP 2 =In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum

STEP 3 =Right-click on “Enum” and select “Permissions.”

STEP 4 =A new window will appear on the screen. Under the “Group and User names” section, look for two values precisely: User and Everyone.

STEP 5 =If you don’t see “Everyone” in this list, we’ll need to add a new entry.

STEP 6 = Hit the “Add” button.

STEP 7 =Type “System” as a title and then check on the “Allow” option next to all three entries: Full Control, Read, and Special Permissions.

Close all the windows, reboot your device and open the Device Manager to check whether you’re still facing the issue.

Also Read: Windows 10 Error Code 45 In Device Manager

Conclusion

These were a few useful solutions that will allow you to resolve the “Device Manager blank” issue on Windows 11/10 PC. Making necessary alterations in the Registry Editor can certainly help you make the Device Manager functional again.

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