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How to Fix Device Manager Not Working After Windows 10 Anniversary Update

After installing the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, some users have reported that Device Manager stops working properly. This tool is essential for managing hardware and drivers on your computer. If Device Manager is not opening or responding, it can be frustrating.

Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can try to fix this issue. These steps start with quick checks and move on to more detailed troubleshooting methods. Following this guide carefully can help restore Device Manager functionality.

Understanding why Device Manager is important will help you appreciate why these fixes matter. It controls your hardware devices and ensures drivers are working correctly, which keeps your PC running smoothly.

This article will guide you through each step clearly, so you can confidently fix the problem.

Quick Note Before You Begin

  • Make sure your Windows 10 Anniversary Update installation is complete and not interrupted.
  • Restart your computer. Sometimes a simple reboot solves temporary glitches.
  • Check if you are logged in with an administrator account, as Device Manager requires admin privileges.
  • Ensure no other system updates are running in the background which might interfere.

Step 1: Open Device Manager Using Alternative Methods

Sometimes the usual way to open Device Manager might not work, but alternative methods can help you access it:

  • Method 1: Press Windows + X keys together on your keyboard and select Device Manager from the menu.
  • Method 2: Press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
  • Method 3: Open Control Panel → Hardware and Sound → Device Manager.

If Device Manager opens with these methods, the problem might be with shortcuts or context menus rather than Device Manager itself.

Step 2: Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Sometimes, system files related to Device Manager could be corrupted after an update. Running the System File Checker tool can detect and repair these files.

  1. Click the Start button and type cmd.
  2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This process may take some time. It will automatically scan for corrupted system files and fix them if possible.

Step 3: Check Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) Service

Device Manager depends on the WMI service to run properly. If this service is stopped or not working, Device Manager won’t open.

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. In the Services window, scroll down to find Windows Management Instrumentation.
  3. Right-click the service and select Properties.
  4. Make sure the Startup type is set to Automatic.
  5. If the service is not running, click Start. If it is running, click Restart.
  6. Click OK and close the window.

Restart your computer and try opening Device Manager again.

Step 4: Update or Reinstall Device Drivers

Outdated or corrupted device drivers can cause Device Manager to malfunction. To fix this:

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager if it opens.
  2. Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark — this indicates a problem.
  3. Right-click the device and choose Update driver.
  4. Follow the prompts to search automatically for updated drivers.
  5. If updating does not help, you can choose Uninstall device and then restart your PC. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.

If Device Manager still doesn’t open, try the next step.

Step 5: Perform a Clean Boot

Sometimes third-party software conflicts cause issues with Device Manager. Performing a clean boot starts Windows with only essential services.

  1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. Go to the Services tab.
  3. Check the box for Hide all Microsoft services.
  4. Click Disable all.
  5. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
  6. Disable all startup items by right-clicking each and selecting Disable.
  7. Close Task Manager and click OK in the System Configuration window.
  8. Restart your PC and try opening Device Manager again.

If Device Manager works after a clean boot, you can enable services and startup programs one by one to identify the conflict.

Step 6: Use System Restore to Revert Changes

If the problem started right after the Anniversary Update and none of the above steps worked, you can use System Restore to go back to a previous working state.

  1. Type rstrui in the Run dialog (press Windows + R) and press Enter.
  2. Follow the System Restore wizard to select a restore point dated before the update.
  3. Complete the process and restart your PC.

This will undo recent system changes that may have broken Device Manager.

FAQs

Why won’t Device Manager open after the Windows 10 Anniversary Update?

The update may have caused corrupted system files, conflicts with drivers, or issues with critical services like WMI.

Is it safe to uninstall device drivers?

Yes, but only if Windows automatically reinstalls them after restarting. Always create a restore point before uninstalling drivers.

Can a virus cause Device Manager problems?

Yes, malware can interfere with system utilities. Running a full antivirus scan is recommended if you suspect infection.

What if I don’t have a restore point?

If no restore point exists, you may need to try other repair methods or consider resetting Windows.

Will resetting Windows fix Device Manager?

Resetting Windows can fix deep system problems but should be a last resort as it may remove installed applications.

When Nothing Works

If none of these steps fix your Device Manager, you can try the following final options:

  • Visit the official Microsoft support page for Windows 10 troubleshooting: Microsoft Support
  • Run the Windows Troubleshooter: Open Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters → Hardware and Devices.
  • Consider performing an in-place upgrade repair using the Windows 10 installation media, which reinstalls Windows without removing your files or apps.

Conclusion

Device Manager is a vital tool for managing hardware on your Windows 10 PC. After the Anniversary Update, issues may arise due to system file corruption, driver conflicts, or service problems.

Starting with simple checks like restarting your PC and trying alternative ways to open Device Manager, then moving on to running system scans and checking services, covers most cases. Performing a clean boot or system restore can solve more complex conflicts.

By following these steps carefully, you can restore Device Manager functionality and keep your devices running smoothly. Always keep your system updated and create restore points before major updates to avoid problems in the future.

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