How to Open Devices and Printers in Windows 11 or 10?
The Devices and Printers window in Windows 11 and Windows 10 gives you a simple way to manage connected hardware devices on your computer. From this section, you can view printers, scanners, Bluetooth devices, keyboards, mice, and other connected hardware in one place.
Even though newer versions of Windows now push users toward the Settings app, many advanced printer and hardware options are still easier to access through the classic Devices and Printers panel. This is especially useful when you want to troubleshoot a printer, set a default printer, remove old devices, or check device properties.
If you recently switched to Windows 11, you may notice that the Devices and Printers option is not as easy to find as it was in older versions of Windows.
In this guide, you will learn multiple methods to open Devices and Printers in Windows 11 or Windows 10.
How to Open Devices and Printers in Windows 11 or 10?
To open Devices and Printers in Windows 11 or Windows 10, press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box, type control printers, and then press Enter. You can also open it through the Control Panel by going to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers.
Now, let’s learn various methods to do this!
Method 1: Open Devices and Printers Using the Run Command
The fastest and easiest way to open Devices and Printers in both Windows 11 and Windows 10 is by using the Run command. This method works even if you cannot find the option inside the Settings app.
Step 1: Open the Run Dialog Box
Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard at the same time. This opens the Run dialog box on your screen.
The Run box is a built-in Windows tool that lets you quickly open folders, settings, apps, and system utilities by typing commands.
You should now see a small text box labeled Open.
Step 2: Type the Devices and Printers Command
Inside the Run box, type:
control printers
Make sure the spelling is correct. This command directly opens the classic Devices and Printers window in Windows.
Step 3: Press Enter to Open Devices and Printers
After typing the command, press the Enter key or click the OK button.
Windows will immediately open the Devices and Printers window, where you can view connected printers, Bluetooth devices, and other hardware.
Method 2: Open Devices and Printers Through Control Panel
Another reliable method is using the Control Panel. This is the traditional way many Windows users access printer settings and connected devices.
Step 1: Open the Control Panel
Click the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
Type Control Panel into the search bar.
When the Control Panel app appears in the search results, click it to open.
Step 2: Go to Hardware and Sound
Inside Control Panel, look for the Hardware and Sound category.
Path: Control Panel > Hardware and Sound
Click the Hardware and Sound option to continue.
If your Control Panel view is set to Large icons or Small icons, you may already see the Devices and Printers option directly.
Step 3: Open Devices and Printers
Under the Devices and Printers section, click View devices and printers.
Path: Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers
The Devices and Printers window will now open on your computer.
This method is especially useful if you are already working inside the Control Panel and want access to advanced printer management options.
Method 3: Open Devices and Printers from Windows Search
Windows Search provides another simple way to find hidden system tools quickly.
Step 1: Open Windows Search
Click the Search icon on the taskbar or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
In Windows 10, the search box may already appear on the taskbar.
Step 2: Search for Devices and Printers
Type Devices and Printers into the search field.
Windows should display the matching result near the top of the search results list.
Step 3: Open the Devices and Printers Window
Click the Devices and Printers result to open it.
This method works well for beginners because it avoids navigating through Control Panel menus manually.
Method 4: Open Devices and Printers Through Windows Settings
Windows 11 and Windows 10 now manage many hardware settings through the Settings app. While the classic Devices and Printers window is slightly hidden, you can still access it from there.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
Press the Windows + I keys together to open Settings.
You can also open Settings by clicking the Start button and selecting Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Bluetooth and Devices
In Windows 11, go to:
Settings > Bluetooth & devices
In Windows 10, go to:
Settings > Devices
This section contains printer, Bluetooth, scanner, and hardware settings.
Step 3: Open Printers and Scanners
Click Printers & scanners from the list of device options.
In Windows 11: Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
In Windows 10: Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners
Step 4: Access Devices and Printers
Scroll down and click More devices and printer settings or a similar related option, depending on your Windows version.
Windows will now open the classic Devices and Printers window.
Method 5: Open Devices and Printers Using File Explorer
Many users do not realize that you can also access Devices and Printers through File Explorer.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
You can also click the folder icon on the taskbar.
Step 2: Open the Address Bar
At the top of File Explorer, click inside the address bar.
The current folder path will become editable.
Step 3: Type the Devices and Printers Command
Type the following command into the address bar:
Control Panel\Hardware and Sound\Devices and Printers
Then press Enter.
Windows will immediately open the Devices and Printers section.
Method 6: Create a Desktop Shortcut for Devices and Printers
If you use Devices and Printers often, creating a desktop shortcut can save time.
Step 1: Right-click on the Desktop
Go to an empty area on your desktop.
Right click and choose:
New > Shortcut
Step 2: Enter the Shortcut Location
In the location field, type:
explorer.exe shell:::{A8A91A66-3A7D-4424-8D24-04E180695C7A}
Then click Next.
Step 3: Name the Shortcut
Type a name such as:
Devices and Printers
Click Finish.
You can now double-click the shortcut anytime to instantly open the Devices and Printers window.
This is one of the best options for users who frequently manage printers or connected devices.
What Can You Do in Devices and Printers?
The Devices and Printers window is more than just a list of printers. It gives you access to several useful hardware management tools.
You can view all connected printers and scanners from one place. This makes it easier to identify which devices are currently installed on your computer.
You can also set a default printer. Windows uses the default printer automatically whenever you print a document unless you choose another printer manually.
Another useful feature is troubleshooting. If your printer is offline or not responding, right clicking the device and selecting Troubleshoot can help Windows detect and fix common issues automatically.
Devices and Printers also lets you remove unused devices. Old printers, Bluetooth accessories, or disconnected hardware can clutter the system. Removing unused entries helps keep things organized.
You can also access printer properties, sharing options, print queues, and hardware settings directly from this window.
For many advanced tasks, the classic Devices and Printers panel is still easier to use than the newer Settings app.
FAQs
Why can’t I find Devices and Printers in Windows 11?
Windows 11 focuses more on the Settings app, so the classic Devices and Printers option is somewhat hidden. However, it is still available through Control Panel, Run commands, or Windows Search.
What is the fastest way to open Devices and Printers?
The quickest method is pressing Windows + R, typing control printers, and pressing Enter.
Is ‘Devices and Printers’ the same in Windows 10 and Windows 11?
The interface is very similar in both operating systems. However, Windows 11 places more device management settings inside the newer Settings app.
Can I pin Devices and Printers to the taskbar?
Yes. You can create a desktop shortcut first and then right click the shortcut and select Pin to taskbar.
Why do some printers not appear in Devices and Printers?
If a printer is not showing up, it may not be connected properly, the drivers may be missing, or the printer may be turned off. Restarting the printer and reinstalling drivers often fixes the issue.
Can I remove old printers from Devices and Printers?
Yes. Right-click the printer you want to remove and select Remove device. This helps clean up unused printer entries.
Does Windows 11 still use Control Panel?
Yes. Even though Microsoft is moving many settings into the Settings app, Control Panel is still included in Windows 11 and remains useful for advanced system settings.