How to Check the Hardware ID for a Windows Device

All hardware equipment inside and connected to personal computers uses an identifier to uniquely identify itself. This allows operating systems to recognize the device and install the necessary software for it. In Windows, this generally means that a device driver for the hardware is installed. The hardware ID for a device can be checked to locate a driver for it.

The hardware identifier is a combination of the bus type, the hardware manufacturer (or vendor), and the device identifier. In some cases, additional sub-system identifiers and revision information is included to distinguish between variations of a device.

So when you are looking for a device driver for a piece of hardware, it is useful to know the hardware id of the device. This can tell you which manufacturer made the device and help you find a device driver. Read on to find out how to check the hardware ID for a device in Microsoft Windows. The steps are valid for Windows XP all the way up to Windows 11.

Check the Hardware ID using the Windows Device Manager

The hardware id for a device in Windows can be found in the Windows Device Manager. To check the hardware id for a device, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Device Manager from the Control Panel. You can also type “devmgmt.msc” at the Run option in the Start menu (or menu Search option for Windows 7 and newer).
  2. In the Device Manager, right-click the device, and select Properties in the popup menu.
    Windows Device Manager device details
  3. Next, select the Details tab.
  4. Now select the entry called Hardware Ids in the Property dropdown list.
    Check the Hardware ID

As you can see in the screenshot, there can be multiple hardware ids for a device. The top one is the most specific identifier, and going down, the identifiers are more generic. The reason this is done is to allow a device driver to be selected based on a match to any of these hardware identifiers. This allows drivers to be used that are applicable to variations of devices.

The hardware manufacturer in this example is NVidia, which is identified by VEN_10DE.

Obviously, this is a device for which a driver is already installed, and the manufacturer and model for the device are shown. But the hardware id is also available for unknown devices and not recognized devices. This way, the hardware id, or Windows device ID, can be used to find the correct driver for the device. If no exact match for the driver is available, you can also check out the Compatible Ids by selecting that as the Property selector.

Compatible Windows device id

Note: Depending on the hardware device, the number of tabs in the device properties dialog will vary. But there will always be a Details tab as used in the steps in this guide.

Hardware device details tab

Programs like DriverFinder use the hardware id and the compatible id to find a matching driver for a device as well. This way these programs can find a driver for a device to match the hardware and Windows version.

FAQs

What is a hardware ID?

The hardware ID for a device is an identifier for a piece of computer hardware. Think of a sound card, or a webcam, for example. The hardware ID is vendor-specific. A hardware ID consists of a device class, vendor identifier, device identifier, subsystem identifier (different versions of the device), and a revision number. An example of a hardware ID is: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_9A49&SUBSYS_14321043&REV_01

Revisions can be used for updates of firmware on the same device for example.

Is hardware ID the same as Device ID?

Yes, the hardware ID is often referred to as the device ID.

Is the hardware ID the same for all Windows versions?

A hardware ID is specific to a device. So, it is linked to the equipment, not the operating system. The hardware ID will not change for different Windows versions.

How do I find the hardware ID?

The hardware ID for a device can be found in the Windows Device Manager. In each version of Windows, the steps are the same. Open the Device Manager, right-click the device, select Properties, select the Details tab, and under Property select Hardware Ids. The Value shown contains the hardware ID(s) for the device.

What is the hardware ID used for?

The hardware ID is used by Windows to identify the device and find a device driver for it. Microsoft finds a driver in the repository or the Windows Update catalog. If no driver is available with Microsoft, a driver from the manufacturer needs to be installed to allow communication between Windows and the device.

What is a compatible ID?

The compatible IDs for a device are also hardware IDs. The difference is that a hardware ID is unique to a single device, while compatible IDs can apply to multiple devices. The compatible IDs identify the device as a piece of equipment of a certain category that can be used for certain functions. This is important if no unique device driver is available for a device. A driver for a compatible ID of the device can enable Windows to still communicate with the device.

Do Virtual Devices also have a hardware ID?

Yes, virtual devices in Windows also have a hardware ID. These devices also need software to function, and need to be identified as a device within Windows. Examples are:

Intel(R) Virtual 82566 Gigabit Network Connection (PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_10B7)

Logitech Gaming Virtual Mouse (LogiDevice\VID_046D&PID_C231)

HP 530T DP Virtual Bus Device (pci\ven_14e4&dev_16af&subsys_18d3103c)

Entry Filed under: Device Drivers

318 Comments Add your own

  • 1. Widya  |  May 29th, 2014 at 10:08 am

    I am getting problem in PCI Device

    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229&SUBSYS_183A103C&REV_01
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229&SUBSYS_183A103C
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229&CC_FF0000
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229&CC_FF00

    Can you help me?

  • 2. Tyoma  |  June 1st, 2014 at 9:44 pm

    HP m6-k010dx
    Wi-Fi can not find my connect.

    PCI\VEN_1814&DEV_3290&SUBSYS_18EC103C&REV_00
    PCI\VEN_1814&DEV_3290&SUBSYS_18EC103C
    PCI\VEN_1814&DEV_3290&CC_028000
    PCI\VEN_1814&DEV_3290&CC_0280

  • 3. Andy  |  June 2nd, 2014 at 4:57 pm

    @Widya – Your device is a Realtek PCIE card reader. So try reinstalling the driver for that from the Realtek website. If you can let me know your Windows version and computer brand+model, I’ll include the link to it.

    @Tyoma – Your device is a Ralink RT3290 802.11bgn Wi-Fi Adapter. But on the HP website it is listed as the Mediatek wireless LAN driver. Assuming you have Windows 8 or 8.1 installed, download and install this driver.

  • 4. Someone  |  June 4th, 2014 at 10:34 pm

    hi Andy, you are doing fabulous job!
    I have HP Pavilion dv6700t CTO Special Edition Entertainment Notebook PC, after updating Windows 7 Professional I’ve been searching for this driver but no luck, will appreciate it if you can help me to find it.
    its under the universal serial bus controllers(somewhat USB port) Hardware id: USB\UNKNOWN.

  • 5. Andy  |  June 6th, 2014 at 10:42 pm

    @Someone – Your laptop has driver support for Vista, so in most cases all those drivers will work for Windows 7.
    Regarding the USB\UNKNOWN device, that’s a bit of a problem. Without a proper hardware ID, it is almost impossible to identify the exact device.
    I’d try to unplug all USB devices and see if any of those causes the unknown USB device.
    If not, check and compare the hardware that IS working. You can limit yourself to the USB hardware of course. Typically the internal usb devices are the webcam, card reader, infrared receivers and alike.
    Anything not properly recognized might be the unknown device. And from there finding the driver should be possible.

  • 6. Polyphile  |  June 12th, 2014 at 4:50 pm

    i need a help to get drivers for

    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5209&SUBSYS_1693103C&REV_01
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5209&SUBSYS_1693103C
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5209&CC_FF0000
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5209&CC_FF00

  • 7. Andy  |  June 14th, 2014 at 5:51 pm

    @Polyphile – That’s a Realtek PCIE card reader device. The drivers from the Realtek website should work. If you can let me know your Windows version, I can specify the driver file.

  • 8. hassan  |  June 17th, 2014 at 11:02 am

    plz sends me link of network controller drivers for this id

    PCI\VEN_168C&DEV_0036&SUBSYS_217F103C&REV_01
    PCI\VEN_168C&DEV_0036&SUBSYS_217F103C
    PCI\VEN_168C&DEV_0036&CC_028000
    PCI\VEN_168C&DEV_0036&CC_0280

  • 9. Andy  |  June 19th, 2014 at 4:01 pm

    @hassan – That’s a Qualcomm Atheros QCA9565 802.11b/g/n WiFi Adapter. But since you did not list the Windows version, I can’t include a driver link.

  • 10. Dharm  |  June 20th, 2014 at 10:06 am

    please which driver can i use for hp pavilion dv4-2101tu entertainment note book id

    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5288&SUBSYS_140A103C&REV_01
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5288&SUBSYS_140A103C
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5288&CC_FF0000
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5288&CC_FF00

    please mail or give me link i cannot find the driver please asap.

  • 11. Andy  |  June 20th, 2014 at 10:26 pm

    @Dharm – That is a Realtek PCIE CardReader. Have you tried the card reader driver form the HP website? For W7-64-bit for example.

  • 12. Evans  |  June 25th, 2014 at 6:20 pm

    Hi Andy, Am looking for my Universal Serial bus Controller Drivers and I can seem to find any that is helpful. Kindly help if you can. My Hardware ID is:

    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0F35&SUBSYS_2213103C&REV_0C
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0F35&SUBSYS_2213103C
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0F35&CC_0C0330
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0F35&CC_0C03

    Thanks

  • 13. Andy  |  June 26th, 2014 at 5:37 am

    @Evans – I can’t find a match for the full hardware ID, but the device is definitely an Intel(R) USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller. The first part (PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0F35) indicates this.
    You did not list your Windows version, but for example a Windows 7 64-bit driver is available from HP.

  • 14. Evans  |  June 26th, 2014 at 10:54 am

    Thanks a zillion Andy, It worked like charm! I really appreciate it!

  • 15. Sarat  |  July 1st, 2014 at 12:50 am

    Hi PLs Hlp Me
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5209&SUBSYS_3674103C&REV_01
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5209&SUBSYS_3674103C
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5209&CC_FF0000
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5209&CC_FF00

  • 16. ronnie  |  July 4th, 2014 at 6:17 pm

    hello I want to know how to fix my USB controller its not working I dont know how to fix it. thanks

  • 17. Andy  |  July 5th, 2014 at 6:02 pm

    @ronnie – First check the device Manager to see if the USB controller has the right drivers installed. If it shows up as an unknow device, you need to (re)install the drivers for the USB controller.
    You can also try simply uninstalling the USB controller, reboot, and then use the ‘scan for hardware changes’ option in the menu of the Device Manager.
    Some more tips on fixing USB issues can be found here.

  • 18. Andy  |  July 5th, 2014 at 6:06 pm

    @Sarat – That is a Realtek PCIE card reader. Try the card reader drivers for your system from the manufacturer support site.

  • 19. supray  |  July 13th, 2014 at 1:39 pm

    hi help me please 🙂
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229&SUBSYS_18FC103C&REV_01
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229&SUBSYS_18FC103C
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229&CC_FF0000
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229&CC_FF00

  • 20. Martin  |  July 18th, 2014 at 9:16 am

    Compaq CQ58-d02SL
    PLS help

    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229&SUBSYS_188B103C&REV_01
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229&SUBSYS_188B103C
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229&CC_FF0000
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229&CC_FF00

  • 21. Andy  |  July 19th, 2014 at 5:40 pm

    @supray – That is a Realtek PCIE card reader. Try the card reader driver from the realtek website.

  • 22. David  |  July 27th, 2014 at 12:20 am

    help me please

    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_29B7&SUBSYS_10FC1734&REV_02
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_29B7&SUBSYS_10FC1734
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_29B7&CC_070002
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_29B7&CC_0700

  • 23. Andy  |  August 11th, 2014 at 7:14 pm

    @David – That’s an Intel device. Try the Lenovo driver for it.

  • 24. hassan  |  August 13th, 2014 at 7:08 am

    merci beaucoup pour ce tutoriel, cette façon de faire permet de trouver spécifiquement ce que l’on cherche sans beaucoup de tournir,
    ce tutoriel à carrément révolutionner ma façon de rechercher les pilotes

  • 25. fiza  |  August 16th, 2014 at 3:29 am

    nneed ethernet controller for ths
    PCI\VEN_14E4&DEV_4727&SUBSYS_1795103C&REV_01
    PCI\VEN_14E4&DEV_4727&SUBSYS_1795103C
    PCI\VEN_14E4&DEV_4727&CC_028000
    PCI\VEN_14E4&DEV_4727&CC_0280

  • 26. Andy  |  August 18th, 2014 at 4:19 pm

    @fiza – Your device is a Broadcom 4313GN 802.11b/g/n 1×1 Wi-Fi Adapter. For the driver, you will need to let me know what Windows version you are using.

  • 27. Josh  |  September 9th, 2014 at 8:38 pm

    Ethernet driver for Windows 7 64 bit please

    PCI\VEN_181&DEV_539B&SUBSYS_18ED103C&REV_00
    PCI\VEN_181&DEV_539B&SUBSYS_18ED103C
    PCI\VEN_181&DEV_539B&CC_028000
    PCI\VEN_181&DEV_539B&CC_0280

  • 28. Andy  |  September 11th, 2014 at 3:03 am

    @Josh – I am assuming you copied the vendor ID wrong (it should be 1814, not 181). In that case this is a Ralink RT5390R 802.11bgn Wi-Fi Adapter.
    The file you need is the Mediatek driver file: IS_RT2860_W7-5.0.46.0_W8-5.0.46.0_W8Blue-5.0.46.0_04152014_5.0.46.0_Free.zip

  • 29. Elias  |  September 12th, 2014 at 5:27 pm

    My HP Pavilion will not see the wireless device. I get this under Properties:

    PCI\VEN_14E4&DEV_4357&SUBSYS_145E103C&REV_01

    Please, HELP!

  • 30. anums  |  September 15th, 2014 at 11:18 am

    please sir,where can i download a driver that has this hardware ID

    PCI\VEN_168C&DEV_0036&SUBSYS_217F103C&REV_01
    PCI\VEN_168C&DEV_0036&SUBSYS_217F103C
    PCI\VEN_168C&DEV_0036&CC_028000
    PCI\VEN_168C&DEV_0036&CC_0280

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