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What does "uninstall device" do in Device Manager?

Anonymous
2022-12-17T17:11:00+00:00

For a storage drive plugged into a USB port, what does uninstalling it do- it doesn't erase anything on the drive, does it? Then there is the "disable device" option too. Before trying these I want to make sure of what will happen after clicking on either of these options. I have been searching it on the forum and internet generally for a while now, can't seem to find exactly what happens when using one of these options.

Also if I disable the storage device, does it still show in device manager and can I easily enable it again?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers

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  1. Rodrigo Queiroz 71,665 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-12-17T17:59:07+00:00

    Hi MiLa09~,

    I'm Rodrigo and I will help you.

    None of these options affect the files inside of a USB drive. "Uninstall device" delete the driver for its drive, but it will try to reinstall the driver after restarting te computer or replugging the drive. (this can be used to fix driver problems)

    The "Disable device" option disables the device, making it inaccessible, after disabling it, in Device Manager, it will show a down arrow on the icon meaning that the device is disabled, you can right-click it and select "enable device" to re-enable the device and access it.

    Using these options will not delete the data on the drive.

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