Managing hardware devices is an important part of using any Windows computer. Whether you need to troubleshoot a printer, adjust device settings, remove unused hardware, or check connected peripherals, the ‘Device and Printers’ section in Windows 11 can help. Although Microsoft has moved many settings to the modern Settings app, the classic ‘Device and Printers’ window is still available and remains useful for managing printers, scanners, Bluetooth devices, and other connected hardware.
This guide explains how to open and change ‘Device and Printers’ settings in Windows 11 using multiple methods.
Use of ‘Device and Printers’ in Windows 11
The ‘Device and Printers’ window provides a centralized location for managing hardware connected to your computer. It allows you to view installed printers, Bluetooth devices, external hardware, and multimedia devices.
You can use this area to:
- Manage printers and scanners
- Set a default printer
- Remove unused devices
- Troubleshoot hardware problems
- View connected Bluetooth devices
- Access printer preferences
- Check device properties
- Configure printing settings
Even though Windows 11 includes modern hardware settings, many advanced options are still easier to access through the classic ‘Device and Printers’ interface
Let’s learn the methods to open the ‘Device and Printers’ settings window, where you can view connected devices, manage printers, change hardware settings, remove devices, and troubleshoot printer-related issues.
Method 1: Open ‘Device and Printers’ Using the Run Command
This is one of the fastest methods available.
Step 1: Open the Run Dialog Box
Press Windows + R on your keyboard. This keyboard shortcut opens the Run dialog box.
The Run tool allows you to launch Windows utilities directly without navigating through menus.
Step 2: Enter the ‘Device and Printers’ Command
In the Run box, type:
control printers
Make sure you enter the command exactly as shown.
This command directly opens the classic ‘Device and Printers’ window.
Step 3: Press Enter
Press Enter or click OK.
Windows 11 will immediately launch the ‘Device and Printers’ interface.
You can now view connected hardware, printers, scanners, and other devices associated with your PC.
Method 2: Open ‘Device and Printers’ through the Control Panel
The Control Panel remains available in Windows 11 and still contains the ‘Device and Printers’ section.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
Click the Start Menu and type Control Panel.
Select the Control Panel app from the search results.
The Control Panel window will appear.
Inside Control Panel, locate and select Hardware and Sound.
This category contains settings related to hardware devices, printers, audio equipment, and power options.
Step 3: Open ‘Device and Printers’
Under the Devices and Printers section, click Devices and Printers.
The classic management window will open, displaying all connected and installed devices.
This method is useful if you frequently use other Control Panel tools alongside hardware settings.
Method 3: Open ‘Device and Printers’ from Windows Search
Windows Search offers another quick way to access the feature.
Step 1: Open Search
Click the Search icon on the taskbar or press Windows + S.
The Windows Search panel will open.
Step 2: Search for Devices and Printers
Type Devices and Printers into the search field.
Windows will begin displaying matching results.
Step 3: Launch the Window
Select Devices and Printers from the results list.
The classic interface will open instantly.
This method is especially convenient for beginners who prefer using Windows Search instead of keyboard commands.
Method 4: Open ‘Device and Printers’ Through Windows Settings
Although Microsoft emphasizes the Settings app, ‘Device and Printers’ can still be reached from there.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
You can also open Settings from the Start Menu.
Step 2: Go to Bluetooth & Devices
Select Bluetooth & devices from the left navigation pane.
This section contains all device-related settings.
Step 3: Access More Device Options
Scroll down and select Devices or related hardware settings, depending on your Windows 11 version.
Look for links that redirect to classic Control Panel device management pages.
From there, open Devices and Printers.
Microsoft occasionally changes the Settings interface, but access to the classic device management window remains available.
Method 5: Open ‘Device and Printers’ Using Command Prompt
Advanced users often prefer command-line tools.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt
Press Windows + S and search for Command Prompt.
Open the application.
Step 2: Enter the Command
Type:
control printers
The command works the same way it does in the Run dialog box.
Step 3: Launch the Window
Press Enter.
The ‘Device and Printers’ window will appear immediately.
This method is useful for administrators and power users who work frequently with command-line tools.
How to Change Device and Printer Settings on Windows 11
Once you have opened the ‘Device and Printers’ window, you can modify various settings.
Step 1: Select the Device You Want to Manage
Locate the printer, scanner, Bluetooth device, or hardware device you wish to configure.
The window displays icons representing all recognized devices connected to your system.
Right-click the desired device to access management options.
This is where most configuration tasks begin.
Step 2: Open Device Properties
Right-click the device and select Properties or Printer Properties.
The Properties window provides detailed information about the selected device.
You may find settings related to:
- Device status
- Driver information
- Hardware configuration
- Ports
- Security settings
- Printing preferences
Reviewing these settings helps you understand how the device is configured.
Step 3: Change Printer Preferences
If you are managing a printer, right-click it and select Printing Preferences.
This area allows you to customize printing behavior.
You can modify settings such as:
- Paper size
- Print quality
- Color options
- Page orientation
- Duplex printing
- Draft mode
After making changes, click Apply and then OK.
These settings often become the default configuration for future print jobs.
Step 4: Set a Default Printer
If multiple printers are installed, you can choose one as the default.
Right-click the printer you use most frequently.
Select Set as default printer.
Windows will place a green check mark on the selected printer.
Future print jobs will automatically be sent to this printer unless you choose a different one manually.
Step 5: Remove Unused Devices
Over time, Windows may accumulate old or disconnected devices.
To remove one, right-click the device and choose Remove device.
Confirm the removal when prompted.
Cleaning up unused devices can make troubleshooting easier and keep the interface organized.
Step 6: Troubleshoot Hardware Problems
If a device is not functioning correctly, right-click it and select Troubleshoot.
Windows will launch built-in diagnostic tools.
The troubleshooting wizard scans for common issues such as:
- Driver problems
- Connectivity issues
- Print queue errors
- Configuration conflicts
In many cases, Windows can automatically apply fixes.
Step 7: Update Device Drivers
Driver issues are a common cause of hardware problems.
Open the device’s properties and review driver information.
You can also open Device Manager to update drivers associated with the hardware.
Keeping drivers updated improves performance, compatibility, and security.
Step 8: Manage Printer Queues
If print jobs become stuck, open the printer queue.
Double-click the printer icon.
The queue window displays active and pending print jobs.
You can pause, resume, restart, or cancel jobs as needed.
Managing the queue is often the quickest solution when documents fail to print properly.
Common Problems When Accessing Devices and Printers
‘Device and Printers’ Does Not Open
Try restarting Windows Explorer or rebooting your computer.
You can also run the command:
control printers
through the Run dialog box again.
Missing Printer
Verify that the printer is powered on and connected.
Check USB cables or wireless connections.
You may also need to reinstall the printer.
Device Appears Offline
Open printer properties and verify the device is connected correctly.
Restarting both the printer and the computer often resolves temporary communication issues.
Changes Are Not Saving
Make sure you have administrative permissions.
Some settings require administrator access before modifications can be applied.
FAQs
Is ‘’Device and Printers’’ still available in Windows 11?
Yes. Microsoft still includes the classic ‘‘Device and Printers’’ interface in Windows 11, even though many settings have moved to the modern Settings app.
What is the fastest way to open ‘Device and Printers’?
Press Windows + R, type control printers, and press Enter.
Can I set a default printer from ‘Device and Printers’?
Yes. Right-click the desired printer and select Set as default printer.
Why can’t I find ‘Device and Printers’ in Settings?
Windows 11 focuses on the modern Settings app, so the classic interface is less visible. Using control printers is usually the easiest solution.
Can I remove Bluetooth devices from ‘Device and Printers’?
Yes. You can right-click supported devices and select Remove device if they are no longer needed.
Does ‘’Device and Printers’’ help fix printer issues?
Yes. The window provides access to troubleshooting tools, printer properties, print queues, and configuration settings that can help resolve common printing problems.