To open Device Manager, go to the Start menu and right-click on My Computer> Manage, select Device Manager.

Here you will find only the devices visible. To view all devices, go to the View menu and click Show hidden devices.

It is still possible to display all devices (even those not connected). To do this:

  • Right-click on My Computer> Properties.
    • Under XP, go to the Advanced tab.
    • In Vista, click Advanced System Settings in the left pane.
  • Click Environment Variables.
  • In the System Variables section, click New ...
  • Devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices type the name of the variable.
  • Type 1 as the value of the variable.
  • Validate all the windows.


When you return to the device manager (leaving the display device hidden assets), you will notice the presence of peripheral dimmed. These are the devices installed on your PC but they are disconnected.

It is recommended not to touch these devices unless an advanced user you.