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. Andy  |  February 18th, 2014 at 3:41 am

    @Axel – Are you running Windows 8 in 64-bit on the notebook? It should actually support the USB controller by default.
    What is the error you are getting and van you list the hardware ID?

  • 2. jitendra M  |  February 21st, 2014 at 12:20 am

    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E31&SUBSYS_1840103C&REV_04
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E31&SUBSYS_1840103C
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E31&CC_0C0330
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E31&CC_0C03

    plz tell me how to solve this problems…

  • 3. Pieet  |  February 21st, 2014 at 6:17 am

    Hi andy,
    can you help me with this one:

    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5289&SUBSYS_14571043&REV_01
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5289&SUBSYS_14571043
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5289&CC_FF0000
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5289&CC_FF00

    It’s a Asus R500VD windows 7
    thx

  • 4. Andy  |  February 21st, 2014 at 8:06 pm

    @jitendra M – Solve what problem? You are not specifying a problem, nor mentioning a Windows version, but just listing a set of hardware IDs.

    @Pieet – That is a Realtek PCIE cardreader device.
    I assume you have tried the Card Reader driver from the Asus website for your model?
    If that did not work, try the driver from the Realtek website directly.

  • 5. Hanna  |  March 3rd, 2014 at 5:07 pm

    Hi!

    I have a problem with a missing device driver after I upgraded from Vista x32 to 7 x46 on my Dell Inspiron 6400. (I Also upgraded my CPU and HDD at the same time.) Everything else work just fine!

    The hardware ID is:

    PCI\VEN_1180&DEV_0592&SUBSYS_01BD1028&REV_0A
    PCI\VEN_1180&DEV_0592&SUBSYS_01BD1028
    PCI\VEN_1180&DEV_0592&CC_088000
    PCI\VEN_1180&DEV_0592&CC_0880

    What do I do?
    Thx

  • 6. Hanna  |  March 3rd, 2014 at 7:05 pm

    I actually managed to solve that one by myself, but maybe I could get some help with this one instead!

    Hardware ID:

    USB\Vid_1597&Pid_1001&Rev_0000

  • 7. Andy  |  March 3rd, 2014 at 8:11 pm

    @Hanna – The first device is a Ricoh card reader. Even though you solved it, let me list the driver.
    I could not find the driver on an English site, but I think this driver package should work on the Dell support site.

    The second device, with hardware ID USB\Vid_1597&Pid_1001 is a device from KCodes, which is a component in many routers to allow USB devices to be directly accessed over TCP/IP.
    I know of D-Link and Zyxel having such devices using this solution.
    My advice is to reinstall the software that came with your router.

  • 8. Dana  |  March 5th, 2014 at 10:16 pm

    Hi i wonder if you can help me with mine

    PCI Device
    PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_1419&SUBSYS_14191022&REV_00
    PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_1419&SUBSYS_14191022
    PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_1419&CC_080600
    PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_1419&CC_0806

    Ethernet Controller
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8168&SUBSYS_77211462&REV_06
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8168&SUBSYS_77211462
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8168&CC_020000
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8168&CC_0200

    SM Bus Controller
    PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_780B&SUBSYS_77211462&REV_14
    PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_780B&SUBSYS_77211462
    PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_780B&CC_0C0500
    PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_780B&CC_0C05

    Many many thanks in advance

  • 9. Andy  |  March 6th, 2014 at 10:49 pm

    @Dana – The first device you list, PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_1419&SUBSYS_14191022, is an AMD device. More detailed, it is a IOMMU Device, which is short for I/O Memory Management Unit. Depending on your Windows version, the later versions should support the device directly. But you can try downloading and installing the AMD chipset drivers for your system or motherboard from the respective websites.

    The second device, PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8168&SUBSYS_77211462, is a Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller.
    Again, use the driver for the network from your PC or motherboard manufacturer, or use the driver from the Realtek website directly.

    The 3rd device is again an AMD device, so should be solved by installing the AMD chipset drivers for your computer.

    If you can provide the Windows version and computer brand+model, I can try and provide you the required download links for the drivers.

  • 10. Sidharth  |  March 7th, 2014 at 10:11 am

    I need PCI BUS Driver for my hp sleekbook
    harware id’s are listed
    PCI\VEN_1814&DEV_3298&SUBSYS_18EC103C&REV_00
    PCI\VEN_1814&DEV_3298&SUBSYS_18EC103C
    PCI\VEN_1814&DEV_3298&CC_0D1100
    PCI\VEN_1814&DEV_3298&CC_0D11

  • 11. Andy  |  March 7th, 2014 at 5:39 pm

    @Sidharth – Your device is a Ralink Bluetooth PCIe Adapter. Assuming your Windows version is Windows 8, try the HP driver for it.

  • 12. Uga  |  March 8th, 2014 at 3:42 pm

    I can’t access the net :'(
    i have PCI/VEN_10EC&DEV_8168&SUBSYS_77211462
    pleaee help me someone

  • 13. Uga  |  March 8th, 2014 at 3:45 pm

    it’s Windows 7 64 bit

  • 14. Andy  |  March 8th, 2014 at 4:12 pm

    @Uga – You need the Realtek network driver for your ethernet controller.
    Try this HP driver file, it’s for Windows 7 32 and 64-bit.

  • 15. Ronnie  |  March 8th, 2014 at 6:06 pm

    Help Me :'( i beg you…
    i have windows 7 64-bit..
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_9C31&SUBSYS_2166103C&REV_04
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_9C31&SUBSYS_2166103C
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_9C31&CC_0C0330
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_9C31&CC_0C03

  • 16. Andy  |  March 9th, 2014 at 7:04 pm

    @Ronnie – Your device is an Intel USB 3.0 controller. Try this HP driver for it.

  • 17. Hafsa  |  March 17th, 2014 at 7:48 pm

    Hey..please help me out with my compaq presario CQ 56 windows 7 64bit. The hardware id is. PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8136&SUBSYS_1605103C&REV_02 PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8136&SUBSYS_1605103C PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8136&CC_020000 PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8136&CC_0200

  • 18. Andy  |  March 18th, 2014 at 5:33 pm

    @Hafsa – That’s a Realtek PCIe FE Family Controller, for which you can download the latest drivers from the compaq support site.

  • 19. Hafsa  |  March 21st, 2014 at 11:35 pm

    @andy..but how do I download latest drivers when my PC ain’t able to access the internet.

  • 20. Andy  |  March 22nd, 2014 at 4:40 am

    @Hafsa – You can’t obviously. Only options are to use a wifi connection (maybe use a USB wifi dongle), or download on a different computer that does have Internet connectivity and then transfer using a USB stick.

  • 21. james kibaara  |  March 22nd, 2014 at 6:17 pm

    Pllease help get my USB controller drivers for my HP notebook.
    Id is: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0F35&SUBSYS_2190103C&REV_0A
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0F35&SUBSYS_2190103C
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0F35&CC_0C0330
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0F35&CC_0C03

  • 22. Yassine  |  April 18th, 2014 at 8:13 am

    HP Pavilion g6-2304ek
    —————————-
    contrôleur réseau
    —————————-

    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

  • 23. Andy  |  April 21st, 2014 at 6:58 pm

    @Yassine – That is the Ralink wireless network card in the laptop. HP has a Windows 8 64-bit driver for it on the site.

  • 24. Lewis tapan  |  April 26th, 2014 at 11:25 am

    Pllease help get my USB controller drivers for my HP pavillion dv6

    PCI\VEN_1033&DEV_0194&SUBSYS_1657103C&REV_04
    PCI\VEN_1033&DEV_0194&SUBSYS_1657103C
    PCI\VEN_1033&DEV_0194&CC_0C0330
    PCI\VEN_1033&DEV_0194&CC_0C03

    thanks

  • 25. Andy  |  April 29th, 2014 at 2:15 am

    @Lewis tapan – Your device is indeed a USB 3.0 controller. Actually it is a NEC or Renesas, which is the same in this case, USB 3.0 device.
    You can use a driver for the PCI\VEN_1033&DEV_0194 part of the hardware ID.
    I can’t provide a link to the driver as you did not include your Windows version.

  • 26. Abhi  |  May 13th, 2014 at 11:43 pm

    Please help… wifi driver needed

    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8168&SUBSYS_1858103C&REV_07
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8168&SUBSYS_1858103C
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8168&CC_020000
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8168&CC_0200

  • 27. Abhi  |  May 13th, 2014 at 11:46 pm

    Please help… Windows 7 32bit

    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8168&SUBSYS_1858103C&REV_07
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8168&SUBSYS_1858103C
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8168&CC_020000
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8168&CC_0200

    wifi driver & PCI Simple Communications Controller needed…..

  • 28. Andy  |  May 14th, 2014 at 4:04 pm

    @Abhi – That’s a Realtek wifi device. You can use the wifi driver download from the Realtek website for that.

  • 29. ali  |  May 25th, 2014 at 3:42 pm

    sir iam not able to find link for following devices plz help me finding links
    windows 7 ultimate 64 bit OS
    Compaq Presario CQ45
    PCI Device
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229&SUBSYS_1854103C&REV_01
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229&SUBSYS_1854103C
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229&CC_FF0000
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229&CC_FF00

    pci simple comm

    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E3A&SUBSYS_1854103C&REV_04
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E3A&SUBSYS_1854103C
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E3A&CC_078000
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E3A&CC_0780

    network controller

    PCI\VEN_168C&DEV_0032&SUBSYS_1785103C&REV_01
    PCI\VEN_168C&DEV_0032&SUBSYS_1785103C
    PCI\VEN_168C&DEV_0032&CC_028000
    PCI\VEN_168C&DEV_0032&CC_0280

  • 30. Andy  |  May 28th, 2014 at 3:38 pm

    @ali – The first device is the Realtek PCIE card reader and the second is the Atheros AR9485 802.11b/g/n WiFi Adapter.
    Both should be available on the compaq support site.

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