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How to Fix Device Manager Hardware ID Not Showing in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

If you are trying to find the Hardware ID of a device in Windows 11 but it is not showing up in Device Manager, it can be frustrating. Hardware IDs help identify devices for driver installation and troubleshooting. Without this information, it is harder to manage your hardware properly.

This guide will walk you through simple and detailed steps to fix the issue of missing Hardware IDs in Device Manager. Each step is explained clearly so even beginners can follow along.

We will start with the easiest checks and move towards more advanced solutions. By the end, you should be able to view Hardware IDs and get your device information back.

Let’s get started and make sure your Windows 11 Device Manager shows all the necessary details.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

  • Make sure you are logged into Windows 11 with an administrator account. Some settings require admin rights.
  • Restart your computer before trying these steps. Sometimes a simple reboot fixes temporary glitches.
  • Check if your Windows 11 is up to date. Updates often fix bugs related to hardware detection.
  • Ensure the device you want to check is properly connected and powered on.

Step 1: Check Device Manager View Settings

The first and simplest thing to do is confirm that Device Manager is set to show detailed device information.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. In Device Manager, click on the device you want to inspect.
  3. Right-click the device and choose Properties.
  4. Go to the Details tab.
  5. From the drop-down menu under Property, select Hardware Ids.

If Hardware IDs do not appear here, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Update or Reinstall Device Drivers

Missing Hardware IDs can occur if the device driver is outdated, corrupt, or missing. Updating or reinstalling the driver often restores the Hardware IDs.

  1. In Device Manager, right-click the problematic device and select Update driver.
  2. Choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will look online for the latest driver.
  3. If Windows finds and installs a new driver, restart your computer and check Hardware IDs again.
  4. If no update is found, right-click the device and select Uninstall device.
  5. After uninstalling, click the Scan for hardware changes button at the top of Device Manager or restart your PC.
  6. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.

This process refreshes the driver and can restore Hardware ID information.

Step 3: Enable Device Installation Settings

Sometimes, Windows blocks device installation or driver updates due to system settings, which can hide Hardware IDs.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type sysdm.cpl and press Enter. This opens System Properties.
  3. Go to the Hardware tab and click Device Installation Settings.
  4. Select Yes (recommended) to allow Windows to automatically download manufacturers’ apps and custom icons available for your devices.
  5. Click Save Changes and restart your PC.

After restart, check Device Manager again for Hardware IDs.

Step 4: Use Windows Troubleshooter for Hardware and Devices

Windows 11 has built-in troubleshooters that can detect and fix hardware-related problems.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Hardware and Devices in the list and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
  5. Restart your PC and check Device Manager again.

Step 5: Check Registry Settings (Advanced)

If Hardware IDs are still missing, the problem may be in the Windows Registry settings that control device information display.

Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system problems. Follow carefully and consider backing up your registry before proceeding.

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to the following path:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetEnum
  3. Right-click on Enum and select Permissions.
  4. Ensure that your user account or SYSTEM has Full Control permissions.
  5. If permissions are restricted, click Advanced and modify them to allow full control.
  6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

This step ensures Windows can properly read and display device details including Hardware IDs.

Alternative Method: Use Third-Party Tools to View Hardware IDs

If Device Manager still does not show Hardware IDs, you can use third-party software to retrieve them. Tools like HWInfo or DevManView provide detailed device information.

These programs scan your hardware and display IDs and other useful information. Use these as a last resort if built-in Windows tools fail.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are Hardware IDs important?

Hardware IDs uniquely identify devices on your system. They help Windows find the correct drivers and troubleshoot hardware problems.

Can missing Hardware IDs cause device issues?

Yes, without Hardware IDs, Windows may not install the correct drivers, leading to malfunctioning or unrecognized devices.

Is it safe to update drivers from the internet?

Using Windows Update or official manufacturer websites is safe. Avoid downloading drivers from unknown sources to prevent malware risks.

What if I accidentally delete a device in Device Manager?

Uninstalling a device removes it temporarily. You can scan for hardware changes or restart your computer to reinstall it automatically.

Can a Windows update cause Hardware IDs to disappear?

Rarely, but sometimes updates cause driver or registry issues that affect device information. Running the above steps usually resolves this.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above methods restore Hardware IDs in Device Manager, consider the following final options:

  • Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow to repair system files.
  • Perform a Windows Update: Ensure your system has the latest fixes from Microsoft.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support for personalized help.
  • Consider a System Restore: Roll back to a point before the issue started, if available.

Conclusion

Missing Hardware IDs in Windows 11 Device Manager can be fixed by following a series of simple to advanced steps. Starting with checking Device Manager settings and updating drivers usually solves the problem. Enabling device installations, running troubleshooters, and verifying registry permissions help address deeper issues.

If built-in tools fail, third-party utilities can provide hardware details. In extreme cases, system repair and official support are good fallback options.

By carefully following this guide, you can restore Hardware ID visibility and improve your device management experience on Windows 11.

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