How can I uninstall hidden devices on a computer?

[Michael Phillips]

I feel some hidden devices are installed in my computer. Can anyone tell how to uninstall them?

 

[laravinson]

Hidden devices usually remain after hardware changes like swapping USB devices or upgrading components. Removing them can reduce driver confusion, especially when troubleshooting errors. It’s best to uninstall only entries you clearly recognize as old or unused to avoid system instability.

 

[sebastianwells]

Hidden devices aren’t always problems. Some are virtual or software-based components created by Windows or installed programs. Before uninstalling anything, check the device type and provider to confirm it’s not part of a virtualization, VPN, or backup application.

 

[Rolf]

A clean system benefits from fewer unused drivers. Old network adapters or printers can cause conflicts when installing new hardware. Removing hidden devices ensures Windows doesn’t reuse outdated configurations that could interfere with newer drivers or peripherals.

 

[Olive]

Hidden devices are especially useful during troubleshooting. If a device keeps failing to reinstall, removing its hidden entry forces Windows to rebuild it from scratch. This can resolve recurring driver errors without needing a full system reset.

 

[Elias]

Creating a restore point before uninstalling hidden devices is a smart move. If something breaks afterward, you can quickly roll back. This approach lets you clean unused devices confidently without risking permanent system issues.

 

[Winter]

Hidden devices can accumulate over years of use, especially on laptops. While they don’t always slow performance, they clutter driver lists and logs. Cleaning them occasionally helps keep device management organized and easier to diagnose when hardware problems appear.