In today’s post, we will show you how to access and run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter, which seems to have been deprecated from Windows 11/10.
Technically, the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter hasn’t been removed entirely from the Windows operating system per se. Instead, it has been “buried” or hidden within Windows 10 v1809 or later and Windows 11.
The reason is that Microsoft, after careful deliberation and observation via telemetry, determined that the Hardware & Devices troubleshooter had the lowest daily usage and was usually run in tandem with other troubleshooters. Therefore, it was no longer needed, and specific troubleshooters were to be used instead.
Listed below are the primary hardware and the most common ones that require a troubleshooter:
- Keyboard.
- Bluetooth.
- Video playback.
- Audio.
- Printer.
- Internet connection.
- Battery.
Nevertheless, people on Windows online forums have been asking where it is, as it has helped them solve specific hardware issues.
Read: Windows failed to start; A recent hardware or software change might be the cause
A typical Windows user complaint about this missing troubleshooter is highlighted below.
A user complained:
Without the hardware detection troubleshooting my SD CARD port doesn’t work! I have to always run the find my hardware/device troubleshooter to be able to open my SD card port!
Another user complained:
Previously the Hardware/Devices troubleshooter was useful when the brightness keys F2 and F3 stopped working temporarily. So, is there an alternative option now?
Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter missing
For Windows 11/10 users who still need to run this helpful tool, do not despair; there’s a possible way to access this troubleshooter. You will have to run the Troubleshooter using the command line.
- To invoke the troubleshooter, launch the command prompt, type or copy and paste the command below, and hit Enter.
msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
- Once the troubleshooter displays, you can run the tool as usual.
You can also download and use our helpful freeware FixWin to open the troubleshooter with a click.
You will find the button in the Troubleshooters tab.
That’s it, folks!
How to fix a hardware issue on PC?
The best way to start checking is to reconnect the device, followed by a restart. If that doesn’t work, you can use the hardware troubleshooter. One last step would be to check if the device works on another PC. If that, too, doesn’t work, you may need to replace the hardware.
Read: Windows cannot use this hardware device because it has been prepared for safe removal
What is the leading cause of hardware failure?
It can be a manufacturing defect or if the product has reached its high limit, usually during overclocking. Ambient temperature also plays a significant role in these cases. If you have a warranty, you can get your product replaced.