In the Windows operating system, the Device Manager is a vital tool for managing and troubleshooting hardware devices. However, sometimes users may encounter a situation where the Device Manager appears empty, not showing any devices. This can be a frustrating issue as it prevents users from identifying and resolving hardware-related problems. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of this problem and provide step-by-step instructions to fix it in the Windows environment.

Examples:

1. Restart the Device Manager Service:

• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.


• Type "services.msc" and press Enter to open the Services window.


• Scroll down and locate the "Device Manager" service.


• Right-click on it and select "Restart" from the context menu.


• After restarting the service, check if the Device Manager is now displaying the devices.

2. Update or Reinstall Device Drivers:

• Press the Windows key + X and select "Device Manager" from the menu.


• Expand the device categories and locate the devices with missing drivers.


• Right-click on a device and select "Update driver" or "Uninstall device" (if the drivers are already installed).


• Follow the on-screen instructions to update or reinstall the drivers.


• Repeat this process for all devices with missing drivers.

3. Scan for Hardware Changes:

• Open the Device Manager as mentioned in the previous example.


• Click on the "Action" menu at the top and select "Scan for hardware changes."


• Windows will automatically detect and install any missing devices or drivers.


• Check if the Device Manager is now populated with the devices.