In Windows 10, there are many reasons to disable a device. For example, if your built-in Bluetooth adapter isn't working as expected and you've replaced it with an external adapter. Or you might be having problems with a specific piece of hardware and disabling and re-enabling it might fix the problem. Or you're not using the hardware or peripheral and can't physically disconnect it from your computer.
Whatever the cause, you can use Device Manager to quickly disable or enable any device (such as Bluetooth and network adapters, keyboard, printers, and cameras) installed or connected to your computer.
In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through how to disable (and enable) devices on your desktop or laptop.
How to disable devices using Device Manager
To disable a device using Device Manager in Windows 10, follow these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for Device Manager and click on the top result.
- Find the device you want to turn off.
- Right-click on the device and select the Disable device.
Quick Tip: Alternatively, you can click Properties, then the Wizard, you will also find an option to disable the selected hardware.
Click the Yes to confirm.
Once you complete the steps, the device you disabled will no longer be available for use. However, if you have other hardware that may be causing the problem, then it is recommended that you disable (or disconnect) the other device before enabling the new hardware.
While this guide focuses primarily on Windows 10, the ability to use Device Manager to disable hardware connected to your computer has been around for quite some time, which means you can use these steps in Windows 8.1, Windows 7, and earlier versions.
