How to Get USB Device Name in Windows 10

How to Get USB Device Name in Windows 10

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Brooks
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Sometimes, identifying a USB device connected to your Windows 10 computer can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Whether it’s a flash drive, external hard disk, or a peripheral like a printer, knowing the device name can help you troubleshoot, organize, or confirm that the device is functioning properly.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through various methods to get the name of a USB device in Windows 10. These steps are beginner-friendly and cover everything from built-in tools to advanced methods.

Why You Might Need the USB Device Name

Understanding the name of a USB device can be useful in many situations:

  1. Troubleshooting: Fix connection or recognition issues.

  2. Organization: Identify multiple devices connected at once.

  3. Driver Management: Ensure the correct drivers are installed for your device.

  4. Compatibility Checks: Confirm the device matches the intended use.

Now, let’s explore the methods to find the name of your USB device in Windows 10.

Method 1: Check the File Explorer

The simplest way to get the name of your USB device is through File Explorer.

Steps:

  1. Connect the Device:

    • Plug the USB device into your computer.

  2. Open File Explorer:

    • Press Windows + E or click the folder icon on the taskbar.

  3. Look Under "This PC":

    • Click This PC in the left-hand menu. You’ll see your connected USB devices listed under Devices and Drives.

  4. Find the Device Name:

    • The USB device will be labeled with its default name, such as "USB Drive" or the manufacturer’s name.

This method is perfect for identifying storage devices like flash drives and external hard drives.

Method 2: Use Device Manager

Device Manager is a powerful tool for identifying and managing hardware devices on your PC.

Steps:

  1. Open Device Manager:

    • Press Windows + X and select Device Manager from the menu.

  2. Locate the USB Device:

    • Expand the Universal Serial Bus Controllers or Disk Drives category to find your USB device.

  3. Get the Device Name:

    • Right-click the device and select Properties.

    • In the General tab, you’ll see the device name listed.

This method provides detailed information about the connected USB device, including its exact model.

Method 3: Use Disk Management

Disk Management is a Windows tool that shows all storage devices connected to your system, including USB devices.

Steps:

  1. Open Disk Management:

    • Press Windows + X and select Disk Management.

  2. Find Your USB Device:

    • Look for a removable drive in the list. It will usually be labeled with the device’s name or type.

  3. Check the Details:

    • Right-click the drive and select Properties to view its name and additional information.

Disk Management is particularly helpful if you’re troubleshooting a USB device that isn’t showing up in File Explorer.

Method 4: Check the Device Properties in Settings

You can also find the name of your USB device through the Windows 10 Settings app.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings:

    • Press Windows + I and click Devices.

  2. Go to Connected Devices:

    • In the left-hand menu, select Bluetooth & Other Devices.

  3. Find Your USB Device:

    • Look under the Other Devices section. The connected USB device will be listed by its name.

  4. View More Details:

    • Click on the device to see additional information or manage it.

This method works well for peripherals like printers, scanners, and external USB devices.

Method 5: Use the Command Prompt

For advanced users, the Command Prompt offers a fast and detailed way to get USB device names.

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt:

    • Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.

  2. List USB Devices:

    • Type the following command and press Enter:

        wmic diskdrive get caption

  3. View the Results:

    • The Command Prompt will display a list of connected devices, including their names.

This method is ideal for users comfortable with the command line and looking for quick results.

Method 6: Use PowerShell

PowerShell provides another way to view USB device details, similar to the Command Prompt.

Steps:

  1. Open PowerShell:

    • Press Windows + X and select Windows PowerShell.

  2. Enter the Command:

    • Type the following and press Enter:

        Get-PnpDevice -Class DiskDrive

  3. View Device Names:

    • PowerShell will display all connected disk drives, including USB devices, with their names and status.

PowerShell is especially useful for gathering detailed technical information.

Method 7: Use Third-Party Tools

If you’re looking for a user-friendly solution with additional features, third-party tools can help you identify USB device names easily.

  1. USBDeview:

    • A free tool that lists all USB devices connected to your computer.

    • Download and install USBDeview, then open it to see detailed information about each device, including names, IDs, and drivers.

  2. Speccy:

    • Provides an overview of your system hardware, including connected USB devices.

Third-party tools are great if you want more features or need help troubleshooting USB issues.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: USB Device Not Recognized

  • Solution: Unplug and reconnect the device. Use a different USB port to rule out port issues.

Problem: USB Device Name Missing or Generic

  • Solution: Update the USB driver in Device Manager:

    • Right-click the device and select Update Driver.

    • Choose Search Automatically for Drivers.

Problem: USB Device Not Showing Up

  • Solution:

    • Check Disk Management to see if the device needs to be assigned a drive letter.

    • Right-click the device in Disk Management and select Change Drive Letter and Paths.

Tips for Managing USB Devices

  1. Label Your Devices:

    • Rename USB devices in File Explorer for easier identification.

    • Right-click the device, select Rename, and enter a name.

  2. Update Drivers Regularly:

    • Keep USB drivers up to date to avoid compatibility issues.

  3. Eject Devices Safely:

    • Use the Safely Remove Hardware option to prevent data loss or corruption.

Conclusion

Getting the name of a USB device in Windows 10 is easier than it seems. Whether you use File Explorer for quick identification, Device Manager for detailed information, or advanced tools like PowerShell, you now have multiple ways to locate your USB device name.

If you encounter any issues, the troubleshooting steps in this guide will help you resolve them quickly. With these tips, you can stay organized, manage your USB devices efficiently, and ensure smooth operation on your Windows 10 system.

See you soon in the next Windows 10 guide.