Guide | How To How to Remove Old Device Drivers from Vista & Windows 7

[Ink]

UPDATE for Windows 8 Users: The "Devmgr_Show_NonPresent_Devices=1' environment variable has no effect, since Device Manager no longer shows Non-Plug and Play Drivers/hidden devices.

---

So how do you remove these old and un-used drivers? Let me show you.

Method #1: Adding a New System Variable (Easier & Safer)

Method #2: Modifying the Registry.

Visit Guide on How-to show Phantom drivers

Important Note: Before removing the old drivers for devices you still use, it's a good idea to find and download the driver updates to a folder on your drive - especially if they're for your networking devices.

Results (when Show hidden devices & Non-PnP drivers):

Enjoy removing those pesky drivers!!

 

[Plexx]

On method 2, instead of navigating from the registry, simply copy/paste the following commands into command prompt.

To launch command prompt, type run in the search after clicking on the start orb.

Commands to be pasted:

set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1

start devmgmt.ms

how to paste in command prompt:
1- Press ALT SPACE
2 - Press E
3 - Press P