How to Find and Install Drivers for an Unknown Device

When an unknown device with a yellow exclamation mark appears in your Device Manager, it means that your computer lacks the necessary driver for that component. Sometimes, it’s challenging to determine which device needs a driver. Here are several methods to locate and install the correct driver for an unknown device.

Step 1: Identifying the Device ID

First, we need to find the device ID. Follow these steps:

  • Open Device Manager by pressing Win + X and selecting "Device Manager."
  • Look for the device with a yellow warning icon, labeled as "Unknown Device."
  • Right-click on the device and select "Properties."
  • Go to the "Details" tab, then select "Hardware Ids" from the dropdown menu.
  • Copy the values listed—this is the unique identifier of the device, often formatted as VEN_xxxx&DEV_xxxx.

Step 2: Searching for the Driver Online

With the device ID, you can start looking for the driver online:

  1. Visit sites like DriverIdentifier or Devid.info, or simply use a search engine like Google.
  2. Enter the device ID into the search field and review the available results.
  3. Select a driver that matches your operating system and its bit version.

Step 3: Manually Installing the Driver

Once you’ve found and downloaded the driver, install it manually:

  • If the driver file is in a compressed archive, unzip it.
  • Return to Device Manager and select the unknown device.
  • Right-click, choose "Update Driver," then select "Browse my computer for drivers."
  • Navigate to the unzipped driver folder and complete the installation process.

Alternative Methods for Finding Drivers

If you’re unable to find the driver manually, try the following methods:

  • Automatic Driver Software: Programs like DriverPack Solution or Driver Booster can automatically detect and install drivers for all components on your computer.
  • Windows Update: Sometimes, Windows updates include drivers for unknown devices. Try running an update through Windows Update.
  • Manufacturer’s Website: If the device is part of a laptop or a branded PC, you may find drivers on the official website of the device’s manufacturer.