Device Portal in Windows 10 and Windows 11: What It Is and How to Use It

Users of Windows 10 and Windows 11 might notice an icon labeled “Device Portal” in the settings menu. This tool is designed for developers and advanced users, allowing access to various system functions through a web interface. In this article, we’ll explain what the Device Portal is, how to enable it, and how it can be useful.

What Is the Device Portal?

The Device Portal is a built-in web server in Windows 10 and Windows 11 that enables remote management of your device through a web browser. Using the Device Portal, you can connect to your PC or laptop to monitor performance, diagnose issues, and test or install applications. It is commonly used by developers for debugging and analyzing applications during the development process.

How to Enable Device Portal in Windows

To use the Device Portal, you first need to enable it. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Settings menu by pressing Win + I.
  2. Go to “Update & Security” > “For Developers”.
  3. Enable the “Developer Mode” option.
  4. Find the “Device Portal” section and turn it on using the toggle switch.
  5. Once enabled, you’ll see an IP address and port, which can be used to connect to the Device Portal via your browser.

How to Connect to the Device Portal

After activating the Device Portal, you can connect to it by entering the device’s IP address and port in your browser’s address bar. An example URL might look like this:

http://192.168.1.2:50080

On the first connection, you will be prompted to enter a username and password for security purposes. These credentials can be set up in the Device Portal settings.

Key Features of the Device Portal

The Device Portal offers a variety of useful tools, including:

  • Performance Monitoring: Allows you to track CPU usage, RAM usage, and other system resources in real time.
  • App Management: Install, uninstall, and update apps, and view their activity logs.
  • System Diagnostics: Access various logs and reports to help identify and troubleshoot errors.
  • File Explorer: A convenient interface for managing files and directories on your device.

Who Should Use the Device Portal?

While the Device Portal is available to all Windows 10 and Windows 11 users, it is most beneficial for developers and IT professionals. It is especially useful for debugging UWP apps, as it provides an easy way to test and troubleshoot applications in real-world scenarios. Additionally, the Device Portal can be used for managing IoT devices and for debugging on different platforms, such as HoloLens or Xbox.