How to find usb connected devices on windows 11​?

We will walk you through the different tools and settings you can use to view, manage, and troubleshoot your USB devices, ensuring you have all the information necessary to make the most out of your hardware.

USB Devices in Windows 11

Windows 11. just like previous versions of Windows, is designed to automatically detect most USB devices as soon as they are plugged in. For example, if you connect a USB keyboard or a flash drive, Windows will typically identify the device, install any necessary drivers, and make it available for use.

However, in some cases, you might need to manually check for these devices or troubleshoot them if they aren’t recognized. There are several tools built into Windows 11 to help you find and manage connected USB devices.

Method 1: Using Device Manager

Device Manager is one of the primary tools for managing hardware devices in Windows 11. It provides detailed information about all the connected devices, including USB peripherals. Here’s how to use Device Manager to find USB-connected devices:

Open Device Manager:

Right-click on the Start button or press Windows + X to open the Quick Access menu.

Select Device Manager from the list.

Expand USB Controllers:

In Device Manager, scroll down to the Universal Serial Bus controllers section. This section lists all the USB controllers and hubs installed on your computer, as well as any connected USB devices.

Click the small arrow next to Universal Serial Bus controllers to expand the list.

Identify Connected Devices:

Under the Universal Serial Bus controllers section, you will see a list of USB hubs, ports, and controllers, along with the devices that are connected. For example, if a USB flash drive is connected, it will be listed here as something like USB Mass Storage Device.

Troubleshooting USB Devices:

If a device is not functioning correctly, you may see a yellow exclamation mark next to its name. Right-click on the device and select Properties to check the status and troubleshoot the issue.

Method 2: Using the Settings App

Windows 11’s Settings app also provides a way to manage connected devices, including USB peripherals. Here’s how to view and find your USB-connected devices through Settings:

Open Settings:

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

Alternatively, you can click on the Start button and then select Settings from the list.

Navigate to Devices:

In the Settings window, click on the Devices category.

This section will show you a list of connected devices, such as printers, Bluetooth devices, and USB peripherals.

View USB Devices:

Scroll down to the USB section, where you can see a list of USB devices that are currently connected to your PC.

You can also manage device settings, like enabling or disabling a particular device, from this section.

Method 3: Using the Taskbar and System Tray

When you connect a USB device to your Windows 11 PC, it may appear as an icon in the System Tray on the taskbar. This is particularly common for devices like external hard drives or USB flash drives. Here’s how to use the System Tray to find USB devices:

Check for USB Icons in the Taskbar:

Look for a USB icon in the system tray at the bottom-right corner of the taskbar.

For instance, you might see an icon for a USB device, such as an external storage drive or a wireless mouse.

Eject or Safely Remove USB Devices:

Right-click on the USB icon to safely eject or remove the device. This is especially useful for external drives or storage devices.

Device Notifications:

When you connect a new USB device, Windows may also display a notification that the device is ready for use. You can click on the notification to open relevant device settings.

Method 4: Using the File Explorer

File Explorer is another way to view certain USB devices, particularly storage devices like USB flash drives or external hard drives. Here’s how to access USB devices via File Explorer:

Open File Explorer:

Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.

Alternatively, you can click on the File Explorer icon from the taskbar or Start menu.

Navigate to “This PC”:

In the File Explorer window, click on This PC from the left-hand sidebar.

Under Devices and drives, you will see any USB storage devices that are connected, such as external hard drives or flash drives.

Manage Files:

From here, you can view the contents of your connected USB devices and manage files, such as copying or moving documents, photos, and videos.

Method 5: Using Command Prompt or PowerShell

For advanced users, Windows 11 provides the option to use Command Prompt or PowerShell to find USB-connected devices. This is a more technical approach, but it can provide valuable details about connected devices.

Open Command Prompt or PowerShell:

Right-click on the Start button and select either Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell from the menu.

Use the “wmic” Command:

In the Command Prompt or PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:

wmic diskdrive list brief

This command will display a list of connected drives, including any USB drives that are currently plugged into your computer.

View Details:

This list will show you the device’s name, model, and type. If you have a USB storage device connected, it will show up here.

Using PowerShell for More Details:

In PowerShell, you can use the following command to get more detailed information about your USB devices:

mathematica

Get-WmiObject -Query “Select * from Win32_USBHub”

This will return a list of USB hubs and devices connected to your system, along with their details.

Method 6: Using USBDeview (Third-Party Tool)

For those who need more advanced functionality, there’s a third-party tool called USBDeview. This is a free utility that allows you to view detailed information about all USB devices connected to your computer, including devices that were connected in the past and have been removed.

Download and Install USBDeview:

Visit the official website and download USBDeview.

Install the program by following the on-screen instructions.

Launch USBDeview:

Once installed, open USBDeview. It will automatically list all USB devices that have been connected to your computer.

View Detailed Information:

The list will show details like the device name, type, connection date, and whether the device is currently connected or not.

You can right-click on any device in the list to perform actions such as uninstalling or disabling the device.

Troubleshooting USB Devices

If you encounter issues with a USB device not being recognized or not working correctly, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take:

Restart Your Computer:

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve issues with USB devices not being recognized.

Check for Driver Updates:

Open Device Manager, right-click on the device, and select Update driver to search for the latest drivers.

Try a Different USB Port:

If the device isn’t recognized, try connecting it to a different USB port to rule out a faulty port.

Disable and Re-enable USB Controllers:

In Device Manager, you can try disabling and re-enabling the USB controllers to reset the connection.

Run the Hardware Troubleshooter:

In the Settings app, navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.