How to fix yellow exclamation mark for Device Manager on Windows 10

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Do you see a yellow mark on Device Manager? This is a common problem, and in this guide, I'll show you how to fix it on Windows 10.

Windows 10 fix yellow error
Windows 10 fix yellow error (Image credit: Future)

If you're using Windows 10, you may come across a device in Device Manager that has a yellow exclamation mark. This means that the system has encountered an issue with that specific hardware component.

The yellow warning sign indicates that Device Manager has generated an error code. You can verify the code to determine the reason for the issue. Usually, it's due to a hardware conflict or a missing or corrupted driver.

In this how-to guide, we'll walk you through the steps to resolve the yellow exclamation mark on a component in Device Manager.

How to fix yellow exclamation mark on Device Manager

If you're dealing with a yellow warning sign on a piece of hardware connected to your computer, you must first determine the reason for the error and then troubleshoot the problem.

Confirm the problem

To determine the cause of the yellow exclamation mark, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.
  3. Double-click the device with the yellow exclamation mark.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Click the General tab.
  2. Under the "Device" status, confirm the problem. For example, "The drivers for this device are not installed (Code 28)."

(Image credit: Future)

Once you complete the steps, you'll understand the problem with the hardware.

Uninstall device driver

If the problem is related to a driver not working correctly, you can remove it before installing an updated version and let Windows 10 detect it again to see if that fixes the error.

To remove a device driver, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the console.
  3. Right-click the device with the yellow exclamation mark and select the Uninstall device option.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Click the Uninstall button.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Restart the computer.

After you complete the steps, Windows 10 will reinstall the driver automatically, solving conflicts and other errors.

If you continue to see the error in Device Manager, you want to update the driver to the latest version to resolve the issue with the instructions below.

Update driver from Settings

If the device shows a yellow mark, reads "Unknown device," and it's listed under the "Other devices" list, installing the latest device driver through Windows Update may resolve the issue.

Previously, you could download drivers using Windows Update directly from the Device Manager app, but this feature is no longer available. You now need to use the Windows Update settings from the Settings app.

To update a device driver to resolve the yellow exclamation mark on Windows 10, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Click on Windows Update.
  4. Click the "View optional updates" option (if available).

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Click on Driver updates.
  2. Select the driver for the device with the yellow mark.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Click the "Download and install" button.

Once you complete the steps, the latest version of the driver available through Windows Update will install, and the yellow exclamation mark problem should no longer appear in Device Manager.

Update driver using Device Manager

Windows Update has no updates for your hardware configuration if the optional updates option is missing. In this case, you must download the latest drivers from your manufacturer support website and follow their instructions to complete the installation.

However, you can use these general steps if the manufacturer doesn't provide any guidance:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the console.
  3. Right-click the device with the yellow exclamation mark and select the Update driver option.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Click the "Browse my computer for drivers" option.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Click the Browse button.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Select the extracted folder containing the driver update.
  2. Check the Include subfolders option.
  3. Click the Next button.
  4. Click the Close button.

After you complete the steps, the driver will install, and the exclamation mark should disappear from Device Manager.

If it's unclear whether you need to install the driver, use your computer model information to find it on the manufacturer support website. Sometimes, companies like Dell provide a tool that can automatically scan, detect, and install the necessary drivers. If the tool isn't available and the device shows up an unknown, inside the device properties, in the "Details" tab, you can grab the hardware id to search online and determine the driver you have to install.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.