Windows 10 Run Device Manager As Administrator

Unlocking the Power of Device Manager as an Administrator in Windows 10

Windows 10 is a powerhouse of features designed to cater to the needs of both regular users and IT professionals. One such feature is the Device Manager, a crucial tool that allows users to manage the hardware attached to their computers. However, to harness the full potential of Device Manager, sometimes it is necessary to run it with administrative privileges. This article delves into the importance of running Device Manager as an administrator and provides a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Understanding Device Manager in Windows 10

Before we explore how to run Device Manager as an administrator, let’s understand what Device Manager is and why it’s an essential component of Windows 10. Device Manager is a system utility that provides a centralized and detailed view of all the hardware components installed on your computer. It allows users to:

• View and manage device drivers
• Enable or disable hardware components
• Update drivers for better performance
• Troubleshoot hardware issues
• Identify unrecognized devices

Running Device Manager with administrative rights elevates your control over these tasks, ensuring that you can make changes that are otherwise restricted to standard user accounts.

Why Run Device Manager as an Administrator?

Running Device Manager as an administrator is crucial for several reasons. It allows you to install and update drivers that require administrative permissions, troubleshoot devices that are not working correctly, and make changes to system hardware settings. Without administrative rights, these tasks might be limited or unavailable, potentially leading to suboptimal system performance or unresolved hardware issues.

How to Run Device Manager as an Administrator

There are multiple ways to run Device Manager with administrative privileges in Windows 10. Here are some of the most effective methods:

Method 1: Using the Search Function

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start menu.
2. Type “Device Manager” into the search bar.
3. Right-click on the Device Manager result and select “Run as administrator.”

Method 2: Via the Run Dialog

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “devmgmt.msc” and press CTRL + Shift + Enter to run it as an administrator.

Method 3: Through Command Prompt or PowerShell

1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator by searching for it in the Start menu, right-clicking, and selecting “Run as administrator.”
2. Type “mmc devmgmt.msc” and press Enter.

Method 4: Using a Desktop Shortcut

1. Right-click on the desktop and select “New” > “Shortcut.”
2. Type “devmgmt.msc” in the location field and click “Next.”
3. Name the shortcut “Device Manager” and click “Finish.”
4. Right-click on the new shortcut and select “Properties.”
5. Under the “Shortcut” tab, click “Advanced.”
6. Check “Run as administrator” and click “OK.”
7. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to close the properties window.
8. Double-click the shortcut to run Device Manager as an administrator.

Best Practices When Using Device Manager as an Administrator

While running Device Manager as an administrator gives you greater control, it also comes with responsibilities. Here are some best practices to follow:

• Proceed with caution: Making changes to device drivers and hardware settings can affect system stability. Always ensure you know what a change entails before proceeding.
• Backup drivers: Before updating or removing drivers, consider backing them up in case you need to revert to a previous version.
• Use trusted sources: Only install drivers from reputable sources to avoid potential security risks.
• Keep records: Document any changes you make for future reference, especially if troubleshooting is required later.

Advanced Device Manager Tricks for Power Users

For those who are comfortable with Device Manager and administrative tasks, there are advanced tricks that can help you streamline your workflow and troubleshoot more effectively:

• View hidden devices: By default, Device Manager doesn’t show devices that aren’t currently connected. You can reveal these by selecting “View” > “Show hidden devices.”
• Roll back drivers: If a new driver causes issues, you can roll back to the previous version by right-clicking the device, selecting “Properties,” going to the “Driver” tab, and clicking “Roll Back Driver.”
• Export a list of devices: Use the command-line utility “driverquery” in Command Prompt or PowerShell to generate a list of all installed drivers and their properties.

Common Issues and Solutions When Running Device Manager as Administrator

Even when running Device Manager as an administrator, you may encounter issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Device Manager won’t open: This could be due to system corruption or policy restrictions. Try running the System File Checker tool or checking group policy settings.
• Unable to change driver settings: If you can’t modify driver settings, ensure you’re logged in as an administrator and that the device isn’t locked by another application or service.
• Driver updates fail: This can happen if the driver is incompatible or corrupt. Download the latest version from the manufacturer’s website or use Windows Update to find a suitable driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run Device Manager as an administrator without logging into an admin account?

Yes, you can run Device Manager as an administrator by right-clicking and selecting “Run as administrator,” even if you’re logged into a standard user account. You will be prompted to enter the credentials of an administrator account.

Is it safe to always run Device Manager as an administrator?

While it’s generally safe, running Device Manager as an administrator should be done with caution. Always ensure that you understand the changes you’re making to avoid potential system issues.

What should I do if I accidentally remove a critical driver?

If you remove a critical driver, you can usually reinstall it through Device Manager by scanning for hardware changes or by downloading the driver from the manufacturer’s website.

How can I prevent unauthorized changes in Device Manager?

To prevent unauthorized changes, ensure that only trusted users have administrative privileges and consider implementing group policy settings that restrict access to critical system tools.

Conclusion

Running Device Manager as an administrator in Windows 10 is a powerful way to maintain control over your computer’s hardware. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can ensure that you have the necessary permissions to manage drivers and troubleshoot hardware effectively. Remember to exercise caution and follow best practices to keep your system running smoothly.

Whether you’re a seasoned IT professional or a curious user looking to optimize your system, understanding how to leverage Device Manager with administrative rights is a valuable skill in the Windows 10 environment.