Viewing Hidden Devices In Windows Device Manager

Introduction:

A common problem can arise that if you remove a hardware device such as a Connect Tech product without first removing the drivers for that product. This can then lead to ports being reserved by windows and looking as thought they are “in use” when in fact the device is now even on the system anymore. What is actually happening is that windows is changing the hardware device to a “hidden device” which can only be viewed if you enable view hidden hardware devices in windows. This document will give you a step by step procedure to enable windows device manager to show any hidden devices that may still be on your system, so then you can chose to remove those that are unwanted. 

Instructions:

• Right click on my computer and go to properties ( OR ) go to → control panel → system
• Then go to the advanced tab
• Then at the bottom left click on the Environment Variables button
• Then once the new window opens click the new button under the System Variables section
• Add the following entry:
  Variable Name: DEVMGR_SHOW_DETAILS
  Variable Value: 1
• Then click OK
• Click new again and this entry:
  Variable Name: DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES
  Variable Value: 1
• Click OK and then OK on the following window.
• Restart your system
• Go to control panel and go to view → show hidden devices