How to View a Device’s Status in Device Manager in Windows
You can view a device’s status from the device’s Properties in Device Manager. The detailed steps involved in this procedure vary a little depending on which Windows operating system you have installed, so those differences are called out when necessary below.
Important Information on Error Codes
Any status other than one that explicitly says that a device is working properly should be accompanied by an error code. You can troubleshoot the issue that Windows sees with this device based on that code: Complete List of Device Manager Error Codes. However, if you’re using Windows 11, Windows 10, or Windows 8, the Power User Menu (Windows Key+X) is probably faster. If you’re using Windows Vista or Windows XP, the icon is a plus sign (+).
If the Device is Working
If Windows sees the hardware device as working properly, you’ll see this message: Windows XP adds some additional information here:
If the Device Isn’t Working
If Windows determines that the device isn’t working properly, you’ll see an error message as well as the Code 43 error. Something like this: If you’re lucky, you may get even more information about the problem, like this: There may still be an issue with a piece of hardware, even though Windows might not report it via the device’s status. If you have a strong suspicion that a device is causing a problem, but Device Manager doesn’t report an issue, you should still troubleshoot the device.
