Windows Device Manager is a useful component that allows users to view and manage hardware devices attached to the computer, including keyboard, USB drive, graphic card, hard disk, etc. So, if any piece of hardware attached to your device malfunctions or stops working, you can use the Device Manager to recognize it. The Device Manager is a helpful app that you can use to configure, enable/disable conflicts between devices.
So, if a technical glitch stops the Device Manager from loading on your machine, here are a few workarounds you can try. In this post, we have listed various solutions that you can use to fix the “Device manager not working” issue on Windows 11.
Also read: How To Fix The Device Has Either Stopped Responding or Is Disconnected Error.
Ways to Fix Device Manager not Working on Windows 11
Let’s get started.
Solution 1: Try Alternative Methods
If you cannot access the Device Manager via the Start menu, you can try alternative methods to launch the app. Press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run dialog box. Type “Devmgmt.msc” and hit Enter.
Another alternative to open the Device Manager app on Windows is via Command Prompt.
Tap on the search icon placed on the Taskbar and type “Command Prompt.” Select “Run as Administrator.”
In the Command Line window, type the following command and hit Enter to execute it:
Devmgmt.msc
Once this command executes, the Device Manager will load on your system. If you cannot open Device Manager using alternative methods, you can proceed further.
Solution 2: Use the Computer Management Tool
Yes, you can also use the Computer Management tool to use the Device Manager. The Computer Management tool is an all-in-one utility tool that gives you access to Task Scheduler, Event Viewer, Device Manager, and so on. Here’s what you need to do:
Right-click on the Windows icon placed on the Taskbar and select “Computer Management” from the context menu.
Select “System Tools” and then tap on “Device Manager.”
Also read: How To Fix Bluetooth Not Showing In Device Manager?
Solution 3: Run the SFC Scan
If a corrupt or misconfigured system file stops the Device Manager from loading your device, you can use the SFC scan to fix it. The SFC (System File Checker) is an in-built Windows utility that scans and restores corrupt system files on your device. To use the SFC command on Windows 11, follow these quick steps:
Tap on the search icon placed on the Taskbar and type “Command Prompt.” Select “Run as Administrator.”
Once the Command Prompt app launches in admin mode, type the following command and hit Enter to execute it:
sfc/scannow
Wait for a few moments until the scanning process is complete. Once the scan is completed, reboot your device and launch the Device Manager app to check if the issue was resolved.
Solution 4: Run the System Maintenance Troubleshooter
Launch the Control Panel app on your Windows 11 PC. Select “Troubleshooting.”
Under the “System and Security” section, tap on “Run maintenance tasks.”
Follow the on-screen instructions to run the system maintenance troubleshooter.
Reboot your device.
Also read: Device Manager Blank on Windows 10? Here’s the Fix!
Solution 5: Use System Restore
If any recent changes on your device have interfered with the Device Manager’s functioning, you can use the System Restore feature to roll back your device to a previous state. Here’s what you need to do:
Tap on the search icon placed on the Taskbar and type “Create a Restore Point.” Hit Enter.
Switch to the “System Protection” tab and tap on “System Restore.”
Tap on “Next.”
Select the most recently created restore point and hit on “Next.”
Tap on “Finish” to restore your Windows 11 device.
Reboot your device and launch the Device Manager app to check if the issue was resolved.
Also read: How to Fix Code 34: Device Manager Error on Windows 10
Conclusion
Here are a few quick yet effective solutions to fix the “Device Manager not working’ issue on Windows 11. The Device Manager is a useful component of Windows that allows you to perform multiple tasks, including updating drivers, enabling or disabling a hardware device, troubleshooting errors, and so on. You can use any of the above-listed methods to get the Device Manager app up and running again within no time.
Do let us know which method worked out the best for you. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.Follow us on social media – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.