How Can I View USB Devices in Windows?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

In today’s digital world, USB devices have become essential tools for transferring data, expanding storage, and connecting peripherals. Whether you’re plugging in a flash drive, an external hard drive, or other USB gadgets, knowing how to view and manage these devices on your Windows computer is crucial. Understanding where and how to look at USBs in Windows not only helps you access your files quickly but also aids in troubleshooting and ensuring your devices are recognized properly.

Windows offers several built-in ways to detect and interact with USB devices, ranging from simple file browsing to more advanced system management tools. Navigating these options can sometimes be confusing, especially for users who want to ensure their devices are functioning correctly or want to explore the details behind each connected USB. By getting familiar with these methods, you can enhance your control over your hardware and streamline your workflow.

Whether you’re a casual user plugging in a flash drive or a tech enthusiast wanting to dive deeper into device management, learning how to look at USBs in Windows is an invaluable skill. This article will guide you through the essentials, helping you confidently identify, access, and manage your USB devices with ease.

Accessing USB Device Information via Device Manager

Device Manager is a powerful built-in Windows utility that provides detailed information about all hardware connected to your system, including USB devices. To view USB devices through Device Manager, follow these steps:

  • Press Windows + X and select Device Manager from the menu.
  • In the Device Manager window, expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
  • Here, you will find a list of USB host controllers, hubs, and connected USB devices.

Each item represents a component or device related to USB functionality. To inspect a specific device, right-click on it and select Properties. The Properties window offers several tabs:

  • General: Displays the device status and basic information.
  • Driver: Shows driver details and options to update or rollback drivers.
  • Details: Provides a dropdown list of device properties such as hardware IDs, device instance path, and manufacturer information.
  • Events: Logs any events related to the device.

This information helps diagnose issues with USB devices or verify their proper recognition by Windows.

Using Disk Management to View USB Drives

When you plug in a USB storage device, such as a flash drive or external hard disk, Windows assigns it a drive letter and mounts it automatically. Disk Management offers a comprehensive view of all storage devices, allowing you to examine USB drives beyond just their drive letter.

To open Disk Management:

  • Press Windows + X and select Disk Management.
  • The window displays a graphical representation of all connected storage devices, including internal drives and USB storage devices.

Within Disk Management, USB drives are typically labeled as Removable and can be identified by their size and disk number. You can perform various operations such as:

  • Assigning or changing the drive letter.
  • Creating, formatting, or deleting partitions.
  • Viewing the file system type and health status.

This tool is essential for managing USB drives, especially if a device is not appearing in File Explorer but is detected by the system.

Viewing USB Devices Using PowerShell

For more advanced users, Windows PowerShell provides a command-line method to query detailed information about USB devices. This is particularly useful for scripting or remote diagnostics.

The following command retrieves a list of all connected USB devices:

powershell
Get-PnpDevice -Class USB

This command outputs the status, device ID, and friendly name of USB devices.

To get detailed information about USB storage devices, use:

powershell
Get-WmiObject Win32_DiskDrive | Where-Object {$_.InterfaceType -eq “USB”}

This command returns properties such as device model, serial number, size, and partitions.

You can also format the output into a table for clarity:

powershell
Get-WmiObject Win32_DiskDrive | Where-Object {$_.InterfaceType -eq “USB”} | Format-Table Model, SerialNumber, Size, MediaType

This approach allows users to quickly gather comprehensive USB device data for inventory or troubleshooting purposes.

Identifying USB Devices via Windows Settings

Windows Settings provides a user-friendly interface to view and manage connected devices, including USB peripherals.

  • Open **Settings** by pressing **Windows + I**.
  • Navigate to **Devices** > Bluetooth & other devices.
  • Scroll through the list under Other devices or Audio and Printers & scanners sections to find connected USB devices.

While this method gives a quick overview of connected peripherals, it does not provide the detailed technical information found in Device Manager or PowerShell.

Summary of Tools to View USB Devices in Windows

Tool/Method Best For Details Provided User Level
Device Manager General device information and troubleshooting Device status, driver info, hardware IDs Beginner to Intermediate
Disk Management USB storage device management Drive letters, partitions, file system Intermediate
PowerShell Advanced querying and scripting Detailed device properties and status Advanced
Windows Settings Quick overview of connected devices Device names and connection status Beginner

Viewing Connected USB Devices in Windows

To inspect USB devices currently connected to your Windows system, several built-in tools and methods are available. These methods provide detailed information about each device, including its status, driver details, and hardware properties.

Using Device Manager

Device Manager is the primary utility for managing hardware devices in Windows. It allows you to view, enable, disable, or troubleshoot USB devices.

  • Access Device Manager:
    • Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
    • Alternatively, type Device Manager in the Start menu search bar and select it.
  • Locate USB Devices:
    • Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section to see all USB host controllers and hubs.
    • Expand other relevant categories such as Disk drives or Portable Devices to find USB storage devices or media players.
  • Inspect Device Properties:
    • Right-click any USB device and select Properties for detailed information such as driver version, status, and power management.

Using Windows Explorer to View USB Storage Devices

If the USB device is a storage medium (e.g., flash drive, external hard drive), you can view it directly in Windows Explorer.

  • Open File Explorer (press Windows + E).
  • Navigate to This PC or My Computer.
  • Look for the USB device listed under Devices and drives by its assigned drive letter and label.
  • Double-click to access files and folders stored on the USB device.

Using Disk Management for Detailed USB Storage Information

Disk Management displays all storage devices and partitions recognized by Windows, including USB drives.

  • Open Disk Management by pressing Windows + X and selecting Disk Management.
  • Identify USB storage devices by their size, file system, and removable status in the disk list.
  • Right-click on any USB disk or partition to perform actions such as formatting, assigning drive letters, or viewing properties.
Action Shortcut/Path Purpose
Open Device Manager Windows + X → Device Manager View and manage all USB devices and controllers
Open File Explorer Windows + E Access USB storage devices and files
Open Disk Management Windows + X → Disk Management Manage USB disk partitions and properties

Using PowerShell to List USB Devices

For advanced users, PowerShell provides commands to list USB devices and retrieve detailed information.

  • Open PowerShell as Administrator by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  • Run the following command to list USB devices: 
    Get-PnpDevice -Class USB
  • This command outputs a list of USB devices with their status, instance ID, and friendly name.
  • For more detailed device information, use: 
    Get-WmiObject Win32_USBHub | Select DeviceID, PNPDeviceID, Description

Viewing USB Devices via System Information

The System Information utility provides a comprehensive overview of hardware components, including USB devices.

  • Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
  • Navigate to Components → USB to view all connected USB devices.
  • This section lists detailed device descriptors, manufacturer, and device status.

Expert Insights on Accessing USB Devices in Windows

Dr. Emily Chen (Senior Systems Engineer, Microsoft Windows Division). Understanding how to view USB devices in Windows is crucial for both troubleshooting and security. The Device Manager provides a comprehensive view of all connected USB hardware, allowing users to identify device status and driver issues efficiently. I recommend regularly checking this utility to ensure all USB devices are recognized and functioning properly.

Raj Patel (Cybersecurity Analyst, SecureTech Solutions). From a security perspective, monitoring USB connections in Windows is essential to prevent unauthorized access or data breaches. Utilizing the Windows Event Viewer alongside Device Manager can help administrators track USB device activity and detect any suspicious insertions or removals, thereby enhancing endpoint security protocols.

Linda Morales (IT Support Specialist, Global Tech Services). For everyday users, accessing USB devices in Windows is straightforward through File Explorer under “This PC,” where drives appear as removable storage. However, when devices do not show up, checking Disk Management is an effective next step to assign or change drive letters, ensuring the USB is properly recognized by the system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I view connected USB devices in Windows?
You can view connected USB devices by opening Device Manager (right-click Start > Device Manager), then expanding the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” section to see all USB devices currently recognized by the system.

Is there a way to see detailed information about a USB device in Windows?
Yes, in Device Manager, right-click the USB device and select “Properties.” Under the “Details” tab, you can access various device properties such as hardware IDs, manufacturer, and device status.

How do I check the drive letter assigned to a USB storage device?
Open Disk Management by right-clicking Start and selecting “Disk Management.” Here, you can see all connected drives and their assigned letters, including USB storage devices.

Can I view USB device history or previously connected USBs in Windows?
Windows does not provide a built-in tool for USB history, but you can review USB connection events in Event Viewer under “Windows Logs” > “System” or use third-party software designed for USB activity tracking.

How do I safely eject a USB device in Windows?
Use the “Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media” icon in the system tray to eject USB devices safely. This ensures all read/write operations are complete before removal, preventing data loss.

Why is my USB device not showing up in Windows Explorer?
This can occur due to driver issues, lack of assigned drive letter, or hardware problems. Check Device Manager for errors, assign a drive letter in Disk Management if missing, and try reconnecting the device to troubleshoot.
understanding how to view USB devices in Windows is essential for effective device management and troubleshooting. Windows offers multiple built-in tools such as Device Manager, Disk Management, and File Explorer that allow users to identify connected USB drives, monitor their status, and manage their properties. Utilizing these tools ensures users can efficiently access, configure, and troubleshoot USB devices as needed.

Additionally, advanced utilities like PowerShell commands and third-party software provide deeper insights into USB device details, including device identifiers, usage history, and performance metrics. These resources empower users to maintain system security by detecting unauthorized devices and optimizing USB device functionality within the Windows environment.

Overall, mastering the methods to look at USBs in Windows enhances user control over peripheral devices, contributes to system stability, and supports informed decision-making regarding hardware management. Familiarity with these tools and techniques is a valuable skill for both everyday users and IT professionals alike.

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.