How Can I See Which USB Devices Are Connected on Windows 11?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

In today’s tech-driven world, USB devices have become indispensable tools for expanding the functionality of our computers. Whether you’re plugging in a flash drive, an external hard drive, a keyboard, or a printer, knowing how to identify and manage these connected devices is crucial. For Windows 11 users, understanding how to see connected USB devices not only helps in troubleshooting but also ensures you can efficiently control and optimize your system’s hardware resources.

Windows 11 offers several built-in features and tools that make it easy to view and manage all USB devices connected to your PC. From simple interfaces that display device names to more advanced utilities that provide detailed information, the operating system equips users with everything needed to keep track of their peripherals. This knowledge is especially useful when you need to verify device connections, update drivers, or diagnose hardware issues.

As USB technology continues to evolve, the ability to quickly access information about connected devices becomes increasingly important. Whether you’re a casual user or a tech enthusiast, mastering the basics of viewing USB connections on Windows 11 will empower you to maintain a smooth and efficient computing experience. In the sections ahead, we will explore the various methods and tools that make this process straightforward and accessible.

Using Device Manager to View Connected USB Devices

Device Manager is a powerful built-in Windows tool that provides a comprehensive view of all hardware connected to your system, including USB devices. It allows you to identify connected peripherals, check device status, and troubleshoot issues.

To access Device Manager, right-click the Start button and select “Device Manager” from the context menu. Once open, expand the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” section to see all USB host controllers and connected USB devices. Devices are listed with their names and may include additional information such as manufacturer and device type.

In Device Manager, you can perform several actions related to USB devices:

  • View detailed properties including device status, driver details, and hardware IDs.
  • Update or roll back device drivers.
  • Disable or uninstall problematic USB devices.
  • Scan for hardware changes if a device is not appearing.

If you need to inspect USB storage devices specifically, expand the “Disk drives” section, as USB drives often appear there with their model names.

Checking Connected USB Devices via Windows PowerShell

Windows PowerShell offers a command-line method to list connected USB devices with detailed information. This approach is particularly useful for administrators or users comfortable with scripting.

Open PowerShell with administrative privileges by right-clicking the Start button and selecting “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin).” Use the following command to list all USB devices:

“`powershell
Get-PnpDevice -PresentOnly | Where-Object { $_.InstanceId -like ‘USB*’ }
“`

This command filters devices currently connected and whose instance IDs begin with “USB,” identifying USB devices specifically.

For more detailed information, such as device descriptions, statuses, and classes, you can run:

“`powershell
Get-WmiObject Win32_USBHub | Select-Object DeviceID, SystemName, Status
“`

Alternatively, using the newer CIM cmdlet:

“`powershell
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_USBHub | Select-Object DeviceID, PNPDeviceID, Status
“`

These commands provide a structured list of USB hubs and attached devices.

Using Windows Settings to Identify USB Devices

Windows 11 Settings offers a more user-friendly but less detailed method to view connected USB devices, primarily for USB storage devices and peripherals.

Navigate to **Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices**. Here, you will find a list of connected peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and USB printers. For USB storage devices, go to **Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Disks & volumes**. This section displays connected drives, including USB flash drives and external hard drives, with their drive letters and capacity.

This method is ideal for quickly verifying the presence of USB devices without detailed technical data.

Third-Party Tools for USB Device Management

For users seeking more advanced insights and control over USB devices, third-party utilities provide enhanced features beyond native Windows tools.

Popular USB device management tools include:

  • USBDeview by NirSoft: Lists all USB devices previously and currently connected, providing detailed device information, connection times, and the ability to disconnect or uninstall devices.
  • Zadig: Primarily for driver installation but useful to identify USB devices and associated drivers.
  • USB Device Tree Viewer: Visualizes the USB device hierarchy and detailed properties, allowing troubleshooting of USB device connections and power usage.

These tools can be downloaded and used free of charge and are particularly helpful for technical troubleshooting or managing multiple USB peripherals.

Summary Table of Methods to View Connected USB Devices

Method Access Details Provided Best For
Device Manager Right-click Start > Device Manager Device names, status, drivers, hardware IDs General device management and troubleshooting
PowerShell Commands Run PowerShell as Admin Detailed device IDs, status, hub info Advanced users and scripting
Windows Settings Settings > Bluetooth & devices / Storage Basic device list, storage details Quick device verification
Third-Party Tools Download external utilities Detailed info, history, device tree Advanced diagnostics and management

Viewing Connected USB Devices via Device Manager

Windows 11 provides a comprehensive way to view all connected USB devices through the Device Manager utility. This tool lists all hardware components and peripherals currently recognized by the system, including USB devices such as flash drives, external hard drives, keyboards, mice, and other accessories.

To access and review connected USB devices using Device Manager, follow these steps:

  • Open Device Manager: Press Win + X and select Device Manager from the menu, or type Device Manager into the Start menu search and open it.
  • Locate USB Controllers: In the Device Manager window, scroll down to find the category named Universal Serial Bus controllers. Click the arrow to expand this section.
  • Identify Connected Devices: Under this category, you will see entries such as:
    • USB Root Hub – Represents USB hubs integrated into the computer.
    • USB Composite Device – Indicates devices with multiple functions, like webcams with microphones.
    • Specific Device Names – Names of recognized USB peripherals.
  • Check Device Status: Right-click on any device and select Properties to view its status, driver details, and other technical information.

Device Manager also allows you to troubleshoot or update drivers if a USB device is not functioning correctly. Devices with issues are often marked with a yellow warning icon.

Using Windows Settings to View USB Devices

While Device Manager offers detailed hardware information, Windows 11 Settings provides a more user-friendly interface to view some connected USB devices, especially storage devices.

  • Access Settings: Open the Settings app by pressing Win + I.
  • Navigate to Bluetooth & Devices: Click on Bluetooth & devices from the left pane.
  • View Devices: Under the Devices section, you will see a list of connected peripherals, including keyboards, mice, printers, and some USB devices.
  • Storage Devices: For USB storage devices, go to System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Disks & volumes. This section shows connected internal and external drives, including USB flash drives and external hard disks.

This method is best suited for quickly confirming the presence of commonly used devices and storage media without accessing detailed driver or hardware information.

Command Prompt and PowerShell Methods for Listing USB Devices

For advanced users, Windows 11 offers command-line tools that provide detailed information about connected USB devices. These methods are useful for scripting, automation, or gathering comprehensive device reports.

Command Description Example Usage
wmic Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line tool to list USB devices. wmic path Win32_USBHub get DeviceID, Description
Get-PnpDevice (PowerShell) Lists all Plug and Play devices filtered to show USB controllers and devices. Get-PnpDevice -FriendlyName "*USB*"
Get-WmiObject (PowerShell) Queries WMI classes for USB devices and details. Get-WmiObject -Query "SELECT * FROM Win32_USBHub"

To execute these commands:

  • Open Command Prompt or PowerShell: Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or search for cmd or PowerShell and run as administrator.
  • Enter the desired command: Type or paste one of the commands above and press Enter.
  • Review the output: The console will display the list of detected USB devices along with device IDs and descriptions.

These commands provide a more technical view suitable for troubleshooting or inventory purposes.

Using Third-Party Tools to Detect USB Devices

Several third-party utilities offer enhanced features for viewing connected USB devices, including detailed device information, port usage, and real-time monitoring. These tools often provide user-friendly interfaces and additional diagnostics beyond built-in Windows utilities.

  • USBDeview by NirSoft: A lightweight and portable utility that lists all currently connected and previously connected USB devices, including device properties, serial numbers, and connection history.
  • HWiNFO: A comprehensive system information tool that displays detailed hardware data, including USB device status, vendor information, and device descriptors.
  • USB Tree Viewer: A specialized tool that visualizes the USB device tree, showing the topology of USB hubs and connected devices.

These tools are especially useful for IT professionals or users needing in-depth information

Expert Insights on Viewing Connected USB Devices in Windows 11

Dr. Emily Chen (Senior Systems Engineer, TechSecure Solutions). Understanding how to see connected USB devices on Windows 11 is crucial for both security and troubleshooting. The Device Manager is a reliable built-in tool that provides detailed information about all USB peripherals currently connected, allowing users to verify device status and driver details efficiently.

Michael Torres (Cybersecurity Analyst, Digital Defense Group). From a security perspective, regularly checking connected USB devices on Windows 11 helps prevent unauthorized access and potential data breaches. Utilizing the Windows PowerShell command `Get-PnpDevice -PresentOnly | Where-Object { $_.InstanceId -match ‘^USB’ }` offers a powerful method for IT professionals to audit USB connections programmatically.

Sophia Patel (IT Support Specialist, Enterprise Tech Services). For everyday users, Windows 11’s Settings app under “Bluetooth & devices” provides an intuitive interface to view and manage connected USB devices. This approach simplifies device management without requiring advanced technical knowledge, making it accessible for a broad audience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I view all connected USB devices on Windows 11?
You can view connected USB devices by opening Device Manager, expanding the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” section, or by using the “USB Devices” view in the Windows Settings under Devices.

Is there a command-line tool to list USB devices on Windows 11?
Yes, you can use the PowerShell command `Get-PnpDevice -PresentOnly | Where-Object { $_.InstanceId -match ‘^USB’ }` to list all currently connected USB devices.

Can I see detailed information about a USB device in Windows 11?
Yes, in Device Manager, right-click the USB device and select “Properties” to view detailed information such as device status, driver details, and hardware IDs.

How do I identify malfunctioning USB devices on Windows 11?
In Device Manager, malfunctioning USB devices typically show a yellow warning icon. Checking the device status in the properties window helps diagnose issues.

Does Windows 11 provide a graphical interface to manage USB devices?
Windows 11 offers Device Manager as the primary graphical interface to view and manage USB devices, including enabling, disabling, and updating drivers.

Can I monitor USB device connections in real-time on Windows 11?
Yes, using Event Viewer or third-party USB monitoring tools, you can track USB device connection and disconnection events in real-time.
viewing connected USB devices on Windows 11 can be efficiently accomplished through several built-in tools such as Device Manager, Settings, and the Command Prompt. Device Manager offers a detailed view of all hardware components, including USB devices, allowing users to identify and troubleshoot connected peripherals. The Settings app provides a more user-friendly interface for managing devices, while command-line utilities can offer advanced insights for power users.

Understanding how to access and interpret the information about connected USB devices is essential for effective system management and troubleshooting. These methods not only help verify device recognition but also assist in diagnosing connectivity issues or conflicts. Additionally, leveraging these tools can improve overall hardware management and ensure that USB devices function optimally within the Windows 11 environment.

Ultimately, mastering these techniques enhances a user’s ability to maintain their system’s hardware integrity and streamline peripheral management. By utilizing the appropriate Windows 11 features, users can gain comprehensive control over their USB devices, ensuring seamless integration and performance across various use cases.

Author Profile

Avatar
Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.