However, this tool sometimes fails to load and won’t respond. While using the Device Manager, the tool might pop up an error message that reads, “This app has been blocked for your protection.” Let’s dive in and check out how you can easily fix an unresponsive Device Manager.
1. Run the Device Manager With Administrative Privileges
The best way to tackle this issue is to run the Device Manager with administrative privileges. So, here are some simple steps to follow:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Click the File tab in the top-left corner and then select Run new task. Type devmgmt. msc in the search box and then check the Create this task with administrative privileges box. Finally, press OK to open the Device Manager.
2. Open the Device Manager Using the Command Prompt or PowerShell
The Device Manager might be failing simply because you’re not opening it the right way. So, let’s explore how you can properly run this tool:
To get started, we’ll check how you can run the Device Manager using the Command Prompt:
Type Command Prompt in the Start Menu search bar. Right-click on the Best match option and select Run as administrator. Type the following command and press Enter to open the Device Manager:
Alternatively, you can access the Device Manager using PowerShell. Here’s how you can do this:
Type Windows Powershell in the Start Menu search bar. Right-click on the Best match option and select Run as administrator. Type the following command and press Enter to open the Device Manager:
3. Access the Device Manager Using the Computer Management Tool
The Computer Management tool also makes it easy for you to access Device Manager.
To get started, press Win + X to open the Quick Access Menu. Select Computer Management from the options and then click the System Tools drop-down menu. Finally, open the Device Manager by selecting it on the menu items.
4. Run the Device Manager Using the System Settings
The Windows settings are always helpful when it comes to troubleshooting system issues. Interestingly, the settings can also help you launch various software programs.
So, let’s take a look at how you can run the Device Manager using the system settings:
Type Settings in the Start Menu search bar and select the Best match. Next, type Device Manager in the Settings search bar and then select the relevant option.
5. Scan and Repair the Hard Drive
We’ve currently explored a few tricks on how you can open the Device Manager. If you still can’t access the tool, then you’re likely dealing with system bugs. In this case, we’ll get rid of those bugs by scanning and repairing the hard drive.
For this method, we’ll use the Check Disk (CHKDSK) tool. This feature scans your hard drive and tries to repair all the issues it might have.
So, here are the steps for running the Check Disk scan:
Type Command Prompt in the Start Menu search bar. Right-click on the Best match option and select Run as administrator. Type the following command and press Enter:
If your Windows OS is installed on a different drive, then replace the C: command with the letter of the correct drive. From there, run the scan and then restart your device to save the changes.
6. Run Windows’ Troubleshooters
The built-in troubleshooters could also help you resolve this issue. Since this is likely a system maintenance problem, we’ll start by running the System Maintenance troubleshooter.
Now, here are the steps for running the System Maintenance troubleshooter:
Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box. Type msdt. exe -id MaintenanceDiagnostic and press Enter to run the System Maintenance troubleshooter. Next, click the Advanced option, check the Apply repairs automatically box, and then click Next. Follow the on-screen steps to finalize the troubleshooting process.
If the issue persists, then you’re likely dealing with a hardware-related problem. So, let’s try running the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter to resolve the issue:
Press the Windows Start button and select PC Settings. Click Update & Security and then select Troubleshoot on the left-hand side. Next, click the View additional troubleshooters option on the right-hand side. Select the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter and then press Run the troubleshooter. Finalize the process by following the on-screen instructions.
7. Fix Corrupted Microsoft Visual C++ Programs
The Microsoft Visual C++ programs are some of Windows’ critical features. In fact, your Windows device depends on these programs to function properly.
Now, your Windows device might currently be bumping into issues simply because these programs are corrupted. So, repairing the Microsoft Visual C++ programs could fix the Device Manager and other system issues.
So, here are the steps for repairing corrupted Microsoft Visual C++ programs:
Type Control Panel in the Start Menu search bar and select the Best match. Click the View by drop-down menu and select Small icons. Select the Programs and Features option. Next, right-click on each Microsoft Visual C++ program—one at a time—and select Change.
Click Repair in the pop-up window. Finally, follow the on-screen steps and then restart your device.
If this doesn’t resolve the problem, reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ programs through these steps:
Open the Programs and Features window by following the previous steps. Right-click on each Microsoft Visual C++ program—one at a time—and click Uninstall. From there, reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ programs. Follow the on-screen steps and restart your device to save the changes.
8. Reset Your Windows Device
As a last resort, you might consider resetting your Windows device. But first, try installing the latest Windows updates and see if that helps.
Otherwise, back up your data and then reset your device through these steps:
Press the Windows Start icon on the taskbar and select PC Settings. Select Update & Security and then click the Recovery option on the left-hand side. Finally, click the Get started button on the right and then follow the on-screen steps.
Device Manager: A Reliable Tool for Handling Windows Tasks
The Device Manager makes it easy for you to handle various tasks on your PC. This tool also helps you troubleshoot various system issues with ease.
If you’re having trouble accessing the Device Manager, simply apply any of the solutions we’ve covered.
