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. Lean Alejandro  |  February 13th, 2015 at 10:43 pm

    I need driver for video controller

    PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_5874&SUBSYS_280B103C&REV_00
    PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_5874&SUBSYS_280B103C
    PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_5874&CC_038000
    PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_5874&CC_0380

  • 2. Goran  |  February 15th, 2015 at 12:39 pm

    PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_7814&SUBSYS_21F7103C&REV_01
    PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_7814&SUBSYS_21F7103C
    PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_7814&CC_0C0330
    PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_7814&CC_0C03

    universal serial bus (usb) controller need

  • 3. richard  |  February 19th, 2015 at 6:36 am

    PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_6760&SUBSYS_166C103C&REV_00
    PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_6760&SUBSYS_166C103C
    PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_6760&CC_030000
    PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_6760&CC_0300
    please help me find the right driver

  • 4. Theresa  |  February 20th, 2015 at 10:54 pm

    windows 8 pro
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_08B3SUBSYS_00708086&REV_83
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_08B3&SUBSYS_00708086
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_08B3&CC_028000
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_08B3&CC_0280

  • 5. Andy  |  February 23rd, 2015 at 6:25 pm

    @Theresa – The device you listed is a Intel(R) Dual Band Wireless-AC 3160 device.
    You need the latest Intel PROset wireless drivers for this device. You mention the OS, but not if it is 32-bit or 64-bit, so just download the right driver from the Intel driver download site.

    @Lean Alejandro @Goran @richard – Without the Windows version I can’t point you to the right drivers.

  • 6. reyad  |  March 5th, 2015 at 1:00 pm

    hi, i need a driver for this pci device….

    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5209&SUBSYS_061F1025&REV_01
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5209&SUBSYS_061F1025
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5209&CC_FF0000
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5209&CC_FF00

    OS: Windows 7 x86

  • 7. Kausar  |  March 6th, 2015 at 11:51 am

    please help me to find the right driver for windows7 ultimate,

    PCI\VEN-1969&DEV_2062&SUBSYS_2AE2103C&REV_C1

  • 8. Andy  |  March 6th, 2015 at 3:02 pm

    @reyad – Your device is a Realtek PCIE CardReader. You can download the cardreader driver from the Realtek website for that.

    @Kausar – The hardware ID you are listing is for a Atheros AR8152/8158 PCI-E Fast Ethernet Controller device. That’s your network controller.
    You can download this Asus driver for it.

  • 9. Brymore  |  March 10th, 2015 at 1:41 pm

    Hello,

    Please help with this driver for Windows 7 64 bit

    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E31&SUBSYS_18A5103C&REV_04
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E31&SUBSYS_18A5103C
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E31&CC_0C0330
    PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E31&CC_0C03

    Also, how do I get the touchpad driver for Envy M6 1200eia on Windows 7.

    Thanks so much

  • 10. Andy  |  March 10th, 2015 at 5:13 pm

    @Brymore – The driver you need for your Intel USB 3.0 device can be downloaded from here.
    For the Synaptics touchpad you should be able to simply use the Windows 8 driver that is available on the HP support site.
    Even though the driver file is intended for Windows 8, the actual driver will work with Windows 7 as well.

  • 11. dilip  |  March 13th, 2015 at 7:55 pm

    realtek website u have given isnot working
    any other waYS

  • 12. Andy  |  March 14th, 2015 at 5:44 pm

    @dilip – I checked the realtek website again and the driver download link, and they are working fine.
    So can you not download the driver or is the driver you downloaded not working?

  • 13. sam  |  March 17th, 2015 at 4:53 am

    i have hp DC 7800 model PC and i want simple communication driver can you help me

  • 14. MARS  |  March 31st, 2015 at 7:50 pm

    HELP ME with this problem. PLEASe! and THANK YOU..
    Processor: Intel(R)Pentium(R) Dual CPU E2200 @2.20GHz 2.20GHz
    system: 64bit OS
    OS: windows 7 professional
    Model : HP Pavilion a6540d HOME pc

    PCI\VEN_14F1&DEV_2F20&REV_00
    PCI\VEN_14F1&DEV_2F20
    PCI\VEN_14F1&CC_078000
    PCI\VEN_14F1&CC_0780
    PCI\VEN_14F1
    PCI\CC_078000
    PCI\CC_0780

  • 15. Andy  |  April 1st, 2015 at 6:20 pm

    @MARS – Your device is a PCI Soft Data Fax Modem with SmartCP. Not sure if there is a Windows 7 64-bit driver for it though. Modem drivers are not updated a lot anymore ffor older device unfortunately.
    The only thing you could try is to use the original 64-bit driver from Conexant (HSFp_WinXP64.zip), which was intended for XP, so Vista and Windows 7 compatibility are nor guaranteed.
    Alternately try a Vista 64-bit driver from HP for the device (sp26933.exe).
    Sorry, don’t have links for these.

  • 16. Tina  |  April 8th, 2015 at 12:40 pm

    Hi I need help in downloading a network device (network controller) after updating my windows to an Windows 7 Ultimate and my computer wifi function doesn’t work.

    My Hardware Ids are:
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8136&SUBSYS_166D103C&REV_05
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8136&SUBSYS_166D103C
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8136&CC_020000
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8136&CC_0200

    Model: HP Pavilion g4 Notebook PC
    Processor: Intel (R) Core(TM) i5-2430M CPU @2.40 GHz, 2401 Mhz, 2 Core(s), 4 logical Processor(s)
    OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate
    System type: X86-based PC

    Please help me!! Thanks.

  • 17. Andy  |  April 9th, 2015 at 2:29 pm

    @Tina – You can download the driver for your Relatek network controller from the HP support site.
    The file you need is named sp55031.exe.

  • 18. Turyalai Rahmani  |  April 15th, 2015 at 11:15 am

    Please help me finding the below PCI Driver for my PC
    Thanks in Advance:

    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229&SUBSYS_18FE103C&REV_01
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229&SUBSYS_18FE103C
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229&CC_FF0000
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229&CC_FF00

  • 19. Andy  |  April 16th, 2015 at 8:46 pm

    @ Turyalai Rahmani – That is a Realtek PCIE CardReader. The card reader driver from the Realtek support site should work fine for that device.

  • 20. Osim  |  April 19th, 2015 at 12:47 pm

    My device is a HP 655 Notebook Pc (windows8 64-bit).
    Please where can I find a wLan driver for it????

    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8168&SUBSYS_1885103C&REV_07
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8168&SUBSYS_1885103C
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8168&CC_020000
    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8168&CC_0200

  • 21. Andy  |  April 20th, 2015 at 7:24 pm

    @Osim – Actually the hardware ID you listed is for the cabled ethernet controller, not the Wifi controller. So you need the Realtek driver for that, not a wLan driver.

  • 22. ODION  |  April 28th, 2015 at 2:33 pm

    my Device is HP 655 PC (32-Bit)

    please where can i find the following drivers URL:

    (1) NETWORK CONTROLLER

    PCI\VEN_168C&DEV_0032&SUBSYS_1838103C&REV_01

    (2) PCI DEVICE PROPERTIES

    PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229&SUBSYS_1885103C&REV_01

    (3) SM BUS CONTROLLER PROPERTIES

    PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_780B&SUBSYS_1885103C&REV_14

    Please, i need your help as soon as possible.

    God Bless

  • 23. Andy  |  April 30th, 2015 at 2:12 pm

    @ODION – The first device is an Atheros AR9485 802.11b/g/n WiFi Adapter, you can download the driver from the HP site.
    The second is the Realtek PCIE CardReader, for which the driver is also available on the HP site.
    And for the third device you’ll need the AMD chipset driver.

  • 24. ODION  |  April 30th, 2015 at 7:56 pm

    @Andy- thanks alot for the quick response, it worked except
    (1) which network controller.

    i downloaded it as directed (i.e. Atheros Bluetooth 4.0 + HS Driver for Microsoft Windows).

    i’m unable to install it (its saying the content of this file cannot be unpacked……..).

    i don’t know why, but i think its because my PC is not Bluetooth supported. (HP 655 Notebook, 32bit, window 7 ultimate).

    kindly assist.

  • 25. ODION  |  April 30th, 2015 at 8:03 pm

    where can i get Atheros AR9485 802.11b/g/n WiFi Adapter?

  • 26. Andy  |  April 30th, 2015 at 9:49 pm

    @ODION – Glad it worked… partially.
    The error message you are describing means that the downloaded file is corrupt or incomplete. Try deleting it and downloading it again.
    Even if the Bluetooth option is not present in your system, the driver for the WiFi component should still install and work.

  • 27. ODION  |  April 30th, 2015 at 9:52 pm

    i only saw Ralink 802.11 b/g/n WiFi Adapter

  • 28. ODION  |  April 30th, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    @ANDY: OK, let me try and i will get back to you, i relly appreciate.

  • 29. ODION  |  May 1st, 2015 at 1:06 pm

    @Andy— i re-downloaded it as instructed, but its still saying that its content could not be unpacked, that its corrupt. what do i do pls?

  • 30. Andy  |  May 2nd, 2015 at 1:11 pm

    @ODION – That is weird, I just tried and the file downloads and runs without such issues with me.
    Can you check the file size of file SP56573.EXE after downloading, it should be 279 MB.
    If you still can’t run it, try opening the EXE using 7-Zip. You can try and extract the contents manually and then ruun the Setup.exe inside the folder.

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