The Devices and Printers window has been a part of Windows for many years, allowing users to manage connected hardware such as printers, scanners, Bluetooth devices, keyboards, mice, webcams, and other peripherals from a single location. Although Windows 11 has moved many device management options to the modern Settings app, the classic Devices and Printers interface is still available and remains useful for troubleshooting hardware, changing printer preferences, viewing connected devices, and accessing advanced device settings.
Since Microsoft no longer places a direct shortcut to Devices and Printers in the Settings app, many users assume the feature has been removed. Fortunately, that’s not the case. You can still open it using several built-in Windows tools, including the Control Panel, Run dialog, Command Prompt, PowerShell, File Explorer, and desktop shortcuts.
In this guide, you’ll learn the best ways to open Devices and Printers in Windows 11.
What Is Devices and Printers?
Devices and Printers is a classic Control Panel applet that displays all the hardware devices connected to your computer. It allows you to manage printers, scanners, Bluetooth devices, USB devices, multimedia devices, and certain network devices from one location.
Although newer Windows settings are available through the Settings app, Devices and Printers still provides several advanced management options that aren’t easily accessible elsewhere.
Some common tasks include:
- Viewing installed printers
- Managing print jobs
- Setting a default printer
- Accessing printer properties
- Troubleshooting hardware
- Viewing connected USB and Bluetooth devices
- Opening advanced device settings
Method 1: Open Devices and Printers from Control Panel
The easiest way is through Control Panel.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + S.
- Type Control Panel.
- Open the app.
- Set View by to Large icons or Small icons.
- Click Devices and Printers.
The classic Devices and Printers window will open.
Method 2: Use the Run Command
The Run dialog provides one of the fastest methods.
- Press Windows + R.
- Type:
control printers- Press Enter.
Windows immediately opens the Devices and Printers window.
Method 3: Open Using File Explorer
You can also access it directly from File Explorer.
- Open File Explorer.
- Click the address bar.
- Type:
Control Panel\Hardware and Sound\Devices and Printers- Press Enter.
The Devices and Printers window opens.
Method 4: Open Using Windows Search
Windows Search can quickly locate the classic Control Panel applet.
- Press Windows + S.
- Search for:
Devices and Printers- Click the matching result.
If the shortcut appears, it will open immediately.
Method 5: Open Using Command Prompt
Command Prompt can launch Devices and Printers using a simple command.
- Open Command Prompt.
- Run:
control printersPress Enter.
The Devices and Printers window will appear.
Method 6: Open Using PowerShell
PowerShell also supports launching classic Control Panel applets.
- Open Windows PowerShell.
- Run:
control printersPress Enter.
Windows opens the Devices and Printers window.
Method 7: Create a Desktop Shortcut
If you frequently use Devices and Printers, creating a shortcut saves time.
- Right-click the desktop.
- Select New > Shortcut.
- Enter:
control printers- Click Next.
- Name the shortcut:
Devices and Printers- Click Finish.
Double-click the shortcut whenever you want to access Devices and Printers.
Method 8: Pin Devices and Printers to Start
You can create easier access by pinning Control Panel.
- Open Control Panel.
- Search for Devices and Printers.
- Right-click Control Panel from the Start menu.
- Choose Pin to Start.
Once pinned, you can quickly access Devices and Printers through Control Panel.
Method 9: Access It from Printer Settings
Although Windows 11 primarily uses the Settings app, you can still reach classic printer settings.
- Open Settings.
- Select Bluetooth & devices.
- Click Printers & scanners.
- Select your printer.
- Click Printer properties or related advanced settings.
Depending on the device and installed drivers, Windows may open portions of the classic Devices and Printers interface.
Method 10: Create a Taskbar Shortcut
For even quicker access:
- Create the desktop shortcut using Method 7.
- Right-click the shortcut.
- Select Show more options.
- Click Pin to taskbar.
You can now open Devices and Printers with a single click from the taskbar.
Why Use Devices and Printers Instead of Settings?
Although the Settings app handles most basic device management tasks, Devices and Printers still offers several advanced features that many users and IT professionals rely on.
Some advantages include:
- Easier printer management
- Advanced printer properties
- Access to print queues
- Device troubleshooting tools
- Legacy hardware compatibility
- Better support for older printers and scanners
For these reasons, Microsoft continues to include the classic interface in Windows 11.
Conclusion
Even though Windows 11 encourages users to manage hardware through the Settings app, the classic Devices and Printers window is still available and remains useful for managing printers, scanners, Bluetooth devices, and other connected hardware. Whether you access it through the Control Panel, Run dialog, Command Prompt, PowerShell, or a desktop shortcut, the feature continues to provide advanced options that aren’t always available in the modern Settings interface.
If you regularly work with printers or troubleshoot connected devices, creating a desktop or taskbar shortcut can make accessing Devices and Printers much quicker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Devices and Printers been removed from Windows 11?
No. Microsoft has not removed Devices and Printers. It’s still included in Windows 11 but is less prominently featured than in previous versions.
What is the fastest way to open Devices and Printers?
The quickest method is to press Windows + R, type:
control printersand press Enter.
Can I pin Devices and Printers to the taskbar?
Yes. Create a desktop shortcut using the control printers command and then pin that shortcut to the taskbar for one-click access.
Why does Windows 11 use Settings instead of Devices and Printers?
Microsoft is gradually moving hardware management to the modern Settings app. However, the classic Devices and Printers interface is still available because it provides advanced management options and supports many legacy devices.
