Or is Windows not recognizing a new gadget?

In either case, you should scan for hardware changes on your box.

This will help Windows properly recognize the new driver or rig and configure it.

Computer running Windows 11

Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek

Here are two quick ways to scan for hardware changes on Windows 11.

When Should You Scan for Hardware Changes?

When you plug in a new equipment, Windows detects and installs its driver on your machine automatically.

Selecting ‘Scan for hardware changes’ in Device Manager

This can also happen when youupdate the driversfor an existing machine.

In addition to detecting new devices, scanning for hardware changes can help you resolve various Windows issues.

Scanning for hardware changes can also be helpful in other situations, such as fixing someBSOD errors.

Scan for Hardware Changes command in Command Prompt

you’re free to use it to update drivers, manage devices, and scan for hardware changes.

Then,right-clickyour computer name and select “Scan for hardware changes”.

This method is especially helpful when Windows fails to recognize a new rig plugged into your rig.

Scan complete message in Command Prompt

This can cause problems with a similar gear that you connect to your setup.

In this case, it’s possible for you to scan for hardware changes to remove the old mouse.

The command is the same for both Command Prompt and Windows PowerShell.

Then, you will see that Windows has detected the hardware changes made to your setup.

And that’s how you ensure that your Windows PC recognizes all the driver updates and new devices.