How to Uninstall a Device in Windows 7 and Windows 8
InformationAfter a device is installed, it might be necessary to uninstall a device or a driver package. For example, you might decide to replace or update the device.
This tutorial will show you different ways for how to uninstall hardware devices in Windows 7 and Windows 8.
You must be signed in to Windows as an administrator to be able to uninstall devices.
This tutorial will show you different ways for how to uninstall hardware devices in Windows 7 and Windows 8.
You must be signed in to Windows as an administrator to be able to uninstall devices.
OPTION ONE
To Disconnect or Unplug the Device to Uninstall it
NoteTypically, you do not need to uninstall a Plug and Play device.
This option will not uninstall the driver for the device.
This option will not uninstall the driver for the device.
1. Disconnect or unplug the device so that Windows does not load or use the driver. Some devices might require that you turn off the computer first. However, you might also have to restart your computer depending on the type of device. For more information, see the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your device.
OPTION TWO
To Use Device Manager to Uninstall a Device
Note
1. Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click/tap on the Device Manager icon.
2. Do step 3 or 4 below for what you would like to do.
3. Expand the node that represents the type of device (ex: Imaging devices) that you want to uninstall, right click on the device entry (ex: Microsoft LifeCam Cinema), click/tap on Uninstall, and go to step 5 below.
4. Expand the node that represents the type of device (ex: Imaging devices) that you want to uninstall, and double click/tap on the device entry (ex: Microsoft LifeCam Cinema). Click/tap on the Driver tab, click/tap on Uninstall, and go to step 5 below. (see screenshots above and below)
5. In the Confirm Device Removal dialog box, click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
NoteIf you like, you could also check the Delete the driver software for this device box to uninstall the driver for this device as well.
Note
If you do not have the Delete the driver software for this device check box, then it means that the driver for this device has already been uninstalled.
6. When the uninstall process is complete, remove the device.
7. When finished, you can close Device Manager if you like.
NoteWith some devices, you might have to restart the computer to complete the uninstall process. The device may continue to function until the computer has been restarted.
Note
OPTION THREE
To Use Devices and Printers to Uninstall a Device
Note
1. Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click/tap on the Devices and Printers icon.
2. Do step 3 or 4 below.
3. Select the device (ex: Lifecam Cinema) that you want to uninstall, click/tap on Remove device in the toolbar, and go to step 5 below. (see screenshot below step 4)
4. Right click or press and hold on the device (ex: Lifecam Cinema) that you want to uninstall, click/tap on Remove device, and go to step 5 below. (see screenshot below)
5. Click/tap on Yes to confirm. (see screenshot below)
6. When finished, you can close Devices and Printers if you like.
NoteWith some devices, you might have to restart the computer to complete the uninstall process. The device may continue to function until the computer has been restarted.
Note
OPTION FOUR
To Use PC Settings to Uninstall a Device
NoteThis option is only available in Windows 8 and 8.1.
This will not uninstall the driver for the device.
This will not uninstall the driver for the device.
1. Open PC settings, and click/tap on PC and devices on the left side. (see screenshot below)
2. If this is for a Bluetooth device, then click/tap on Bluetooth on the left side, click/tap on the device (ex: Windows Phone) that you want to uninstall on the right side, click/tap on Remove device, and go to step 4 below. (see screenshot below)
3. If this is for a wired or network device, then click/tap on Devices on the left side, click/tap on the device (ex: Lifecam Cinema) that you want to uninstall on the right side, click/tap on Remove device, and go to step 4 below. (see screenshot below)
4. Click/tap on Yes to confirm. (see screenshot below)
5. When finished, you can close PC settings if you like.
NoteWith some devices, you might have to restart the computer to complete the uninstall process. The device may continue to function until the computer has been restarted.
Note
That's it,
Shawn
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