Devcon Syntax

Article
10/08/2009

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Devcon Syntax

Devcon uses the following syntax:

Art Image devcon [/m:\\computer] [/r] operation [arguments] | devcon {/? [operation] | help [operation]}

Important

The parameters in a Devcon command must appear in the order shown in the syntax line. Otherwise, they are ignored without warning.

Parameters

/m:\\ computer
Runs the command on the specified remote computer. The backslashes are required.

/r
Conditional restart. This parameter restarts the system after completing an operation only when a restart is required to make a change effective. This parameter differs from the reboot operation, which forces the system to restart. Instead, the /r parameter determines whether a restart is required based on the return code from the accompanying operation.

[ operation] /?
Displays help. If you specify an operation, Devcon displays detailed help for the operation. The parameters must appear in the specified order. For example, to display help for the status operation, type devcon /? status (or devcon help status), not devcon status /?.

Operations

There are three types of Devcon operations, those that display information, those that search for data, and those that manipulate the device or change its configuration.

The following operations list and display information about devices on the computer.

hwids

classes

listclass

driverfiles

drivernodes

resources

stack

status

find

findall

classfilter

enable

disable

update

install

remove

rescan

restart

reboot

hwids

Displays the hardware IDs, compatible IDs, and instance IDs of devices on the system. Valid on local and remote computers.

Syntax

Art Image devcon [/m:\\computer] hwids {* | ID [ID ...] | **=**class [ID [ID ...]]}

Parameters

/m:\\ computer
Runs the command on the specified remote computer. The backslashes are required.

*
Represents all devices on the computer.

ID
Specifies all or part of a hardware ID, compatible ID, or instance ID of a device. When specifying multiple IDs, separate each ID with a space. IDs that include an ampersand character (&) must be enclosed in quotation marks.

The following special characters modify the ID parameter.

*	Matches any character or characters. Use the wildcard character () to create an ID pattern. For example, disk*.
@	Indicates an instance ID. For example, @ROOT\FTDISK\0000.
'	Matches the string literally (exactly as it appears). Use it to indicate that an asterisk is part of the ID name, and is not a wildcard character. For example, 'PNP0600, where PNP0600 (including the asterisk) is the hardware ID.

= class
Specifies the device setup class of the devices. To find the setup class of a device, use the classes operation. You can also specify hardware IDs, compatible IDs, or instance IDs or ID patterns following the class name. Separate each ID or pattern with a space. Devcon finds devices in the class that match the specified IDs.

Remarks

The /m parameter must precede the operation name (hwids). Otherwise, Devcon ignores the /m parameter and displays the hardware IDs of devices on the local computer without returning a syntax error.
Because many Devcon operations require a hardware ID of a device, run a devcon hwids * command first to get the list of hardware IDs for subsequent operations.

Sample Usage

devcon hwids *

devcon /m:\\server01 hwids acpi*

devcon hwids acpi* *port*

devcon hwids =usb

classes

Lists all device setup classes, including classes that are not used by devices on the system. Valid on local and remote computers.

Syntax

Art Image devcon [**/m:\\**computer]classes

Parameters

/m:\\ computer
Runs the command on the specified remote computer. The backslashes are required.

Remarks

The /m parameter must precede the operation name (classes). Otherwise, Devcon ignores the /m parameter and displays the classes on the local computer without returning a syntax error.
To find the devices in a setup class, use the listclass operation. To find the setup class of a particular device, use the stack operation.

Sample Usage

devcon classes

devcon classes > setupclasses.txt

devcon /m:\\Server01 classes

listclass

Lists all of the devices in the specified device setup classes. Valid on local and remote computers.

Syntax

Art Image devcon[**/m:\\**computer]listclassclass [class...]

Parameters

/m:\\ computer
Runs the command on the specified remote computer. The backslashes are required.

class
Specifies a device setup class. To find the device setup classes on the system, use the classes operation.

Remarks

The /m parameter must precede the operation name (listclass). Otherwise, Devcon ignores the /m parameter and displays the devices on the local computer without returning a syntax error.
The class name is not preceded by an equal sign (=) in the listclass operation syntax.
Each entry in a setup class list represents one device. The entry consists of the unique instance name and a description of the device in instance : description format.
To find the setup class of a particular device, use the stack operation.

Sample Usage

devcon listclass printers ports

devcon /m:\\Server01 listclass SmartCardReader

driverfiles

Displays the full path and file name of installed INF files and device drivers files for the specified devices. Valid only on the local computer.

Syntax

Art Image devcon driverfiles {* | ID [ID ...] | **=**class [ID [ID ...]]}

Parameters

*
Represents all devices on the computer.

The following special characters modify the ID parameter.

*	Matches any character or characters. Use the wildcard character () to create an ID pattern. For example, disk*.
@	Indicates an instance ID. For example, @ROOT\FTDISK\0000.
'	Matches the string literally (exactly as it appears). Use it to indicate that an asterisk is part of the ID name, and is not a wildcard character. For example, 'PNP0600, where PNP0600 (including the asterisk) is the hardware ID.

= class
Specifies the device setup class of the devices. To find the setup class of a device, use the classes operation. You can also specify hardware IDs, compatible IDs, or instance IDs or ID patterns following the class name. Separate each ID or pattern with a space. Devcon finds devices in the class that match the specified IDs.

Remarks

The driverfiles operation runs only on the local computer.

Sample Usage

devcon driverfiles *

devcon driverfiles FDC\GENERIC_FLOPPY_DRIVE pci*

devcon driverfiles =media

devcon driverfiles =media isapnp*

drivernodes

The drivernodes operation lists all driver packages that are compatible with the device, along with their version and ranking. Valid only on the local computer.

Syntax

Art Image devcon drivernodes {* | ID [ID ...] | **=**class [ID [ID ...]]}

Parameters

*
Represents all devices on the computer.

The following special characters modify the ID parameter.

*	Matches any character or characters. Use the wildcard character () to create an ID pattern. For example, disk*.
@	Indicates an instance ID. For example, @ROOT\FTDISK\0000.
'	Matches the string literally (exactly as it appears). Use it to indicate that an asterisk is part of the ID name, and is not a wildcard character. For example, 'PNP0600, where PNP0600 (including the asterisk) is the hardware ID.

= class
Specifies the device setup class of the devices. To find the setup class of a device, use the classes operation. You can also specify hardware IDs, compatible IDs, or instance IDs or ID patterns following the class name. Separate each ID or pattern with a space. Devcon finds devices in the class that match the specified IDs.

Remarks

The drivernodes operation runs only on the local computer.

Sample Usage

devcon drivernodes *

devcon drivernodes *miniport*

devcon drivernodes =netclient

devcon drivernodes =usb pci* usb*

resources

Lists the resources allocated to the specified devices. Resources are assignable, addressable bus paths, such as DMA channels, I/O ports, IRQ, and memory addresses. Valid on local and remote computers.

Syntax

Art Image devcon [/m:\\computer]resources {* | ID [ID ...] | **=**class [*ID * [ID...]]}

Parameters

/m:\\ computer
Runs the command on the specified remote computer. The backslashes are required.

*
Represents all devices on the computer.

The following special characters modify the ID parameter.

*	Matches any character or characters. Use the wildcard character () to create an ID pattern. For example, disk*.
@	Indicates an instance ID. For example, @ROOT\FTDISK\0000.
'	Matches the string literally (exactly as it appears). Use it to indicate that an asterisk is part of the ID name, and is not a wildcard character. For example, 'PNP0600, where PNP0600 (including the asterisk) is the hardware ID.

= class
Specifies the device setup class of the devices. To find the setup class of a device, use the classes operation. You can also specify hardware IDs, compatible IDs, or instance IDs or ID patterns following the class name. Separate each ID or pattern with a space. Devcon finds devices in the class that match the specified IDs.

Remarks

The /m parameter must precede the operation name (resources). Otherwise, Devcon ignores the /m parameter and displays the resources allocated to devices on the local computer without returning a syntax error.

Sample Usage

devcon resources *

devcon /m:\\server01 resources =media

devcon resources acpi* *port*

devcon resources =class port* (by class and hardware ID)

devcon resources =class @port*(by class and instance ID)

stack

Displays the expected driver stack for the specified devices. The stack operation also returns the GUID and the name of the device setup class of a device. Valid on local and remote computers.

A driver stack consists of the layered chain of drivers that support a device, such as upper and lower filters and controlling services. The display also includes the setup class of the device.

Syntax

Art Image devcon[/m:\\computer]stack {* | ID [ID ...] | **=**class [ID [ID...]]}

Parameters

/m:\\ computer
Runs the command on the specified remote computer. The backslashes are required.

*
Represents all devices on the computer.

The following special characters modify the ID parameter.

*	Matches any character or characters. Use the wildcard character () to create an ID pattern. For example, disk*.
@	Indicates an instance ID. For example, @ROOT\FTDISK\0000.
'	Matches the string literally (exactly as it appears). Use it to indicate that an asterisk is part of the ID name, and is not a wildcard character. For example, 'PNP0600, where PNP0600 (including the asterisk) is the hardware ID.

= class
Specifies the device setup class of the devices. To find the setup class of a device, use the classes operation. You can also specify hardware IDs, compatible IDs, or instance IDs or ID patterns following the class name. Separate each ID or pattern with a space. Devcon finds devices in the class that match the specified IDs.

Remarks

The /m parameter must precede the operation name (stack). Otherwise, Devcon ignores the /m parameter and displays the stack of device drivers on the local computer without returning a syntax error.
To investigate a device problem, compare the expected driver stack from the stack operation with the drivers installed for the device as displayed by the driverfiles operation, and the actual drivers used by the device available through the kernel debugger.

Sample Usage

devcon /m:\\Server01 stack * > Server01Stack.txt

devcon stack ISAPNP\ReadDataPort

devcon /m:\\Server01 stack pci*

devcon stack =multifunction

status

Displays the status (running, stopped, disabled) of the driver for devices on the computer. Valid on local and remote computers.

Syntax

Art Image devcon[/m:\\computer]status {* | ID [ID ...] | **=**class [ID [ID ...]]}

Parameters

/m:\\ computer
Runs the command on the specified remote computer. The backslashes are required.

*
Represents all devices on the computer.

The following special characters modify the ID parameter.

*	Matches any character or characters. Use the wildcard character () to create an ID pattern. For example, disk*.
@	Indicates an instance ID. For example, @ROOT\FTDISK\0000.
'	Matches the string literally (exactly as it appears). Use it to indicate that an asterisk is part of the ID name, and is not a wildcard character. For example, 'PNP0600, where PNP0600 (including the asterisk) is the hardware ID.

= class
Specifies the device setup class of the devices. To find the setup class of a device, use the classes operation. You can also specify hardware IDs, compatible IDs, or instance IDs or ID patterns following the class name. Separate each ID or pattern with a space. Devcon finds devices in the class that match the specified IDs.

Remarks

The /m parameter must precede the operation name (status). Otherwise, Devcon ignores the /m parameter and displays the status of device drivers on the local computer without returning a syntax error.

Sample Usage

devcon /m:\\Server01 status *

devcon status pci*

devcon status "PCI\VEN_115D&DEV_0003&SUBSYS_0181115D"

devcon status =printer

The following operations search for information about devices on the computer.

find

Finds all devices that are currently attached to the computer. Displays the instance ID and device description. Valid on local and remote computers.

Syntax

Art Image devcon[/m:\\computer]find {* | ID [ID ...] | **=**class [ID [ID ...]]}

Parameters

/m:\\ computer
Runs the command on the specified remote computer. The backslashes are required.

*
Represents all devices on the computer.

The following special characters modify the ID parameter.

*	Matches any character or characters. Use the wildcard character () to create an ID pattern. For example, disk*.
@	Indicates an instance ID. For example, @ROOT\FTDISK\0000.
'	Matches the string literally (exactly as it appears). Use it to indicate that an asterisk is part of the ID name, and is not a wildcard character. For example, 'PNP0600, where PNP0600 (including the asterisk) is the hardware ID.

= class
Specifies the device setup class of the devices. To find the setup class of a device, use the classes operation. You can also specify hardware IDs, compatible IDs, or instance IDs or ID patterns following the class name. Separate each ID or pattern with a space. Devcon finds devices in the class that match the specified IDs.

Remarks

The /m parameter must precede the operation name (find). Otherwise, Devcon ignores the /m parameter and searches the local computer without returning a syntax error.
The find operation with a single class argument is the same as a listclass operation.

Sample Usage

devcon find *

devcon find =media *pnp*

devcon /m:\\Server01 find *mou*

devcon find @*hub*

findall

Finds all devices on the computer, including devices that were once attached to the computer, but have been detached or moved (known as nonpresent or phantom devices). Findall also find devices that are enumerated differently as a result of a BIOS change. Valid on local and remote computers.

Syntax

Art Image devcon [/m:\\computer]findall {* | ID [ID ...] | **=**class [ID [ID ...]]}

Parameters

/m:\\ computer
Runs the command on the specified remote computer. The backslashes are required.

*
Represents all devices on the computer.

The following special characters modify the ID parameter.

*	Matches any character or characters. Use the wildcard character () to create an ID pattern. For example, disk*.
@	Indicates an instance ID. For example, @ROOT\FTDISK\0000.
'	Matches the string literally (exactly as it appears). Use it to indicate that an asterisk is part of the ID name, and is not a wildcard character. For example, 'PNP0600, where PNP0600 (including the asterisk) is the hardware ID.

= class
Specifies the device setup class of the devices. To find the setup class of a device, use the classes operation. You can also specify hardware IDs, compatible IDs, or instance IDs or ID patterns following the class name. Separate each ID or pattern with a space. Devcon finds devices in the class that match the specified IDs.

Remarks

The /m parameter must precede the operation name (findall). Otherwise, Devcon ignores the /m parameter and searches the local computer without returning a syntax error.
To find devices that could be installed, but are not installed compare the output of find and findall operations.

Sample Usage

devcon resources STORAGE\Volume

devcon resources =ports lpt*

devcon resources @pci*

The following operations manipulate the device or change its configuration.

classfilter

Adds, deletes, displays, and changes the order of filter drivers for a device setup class. Valid only on the local computer.

Syntax

Art Image devcon classfilterclass{upper | lower}[{= | @ | - | + | !}driver[{= | @ | - | + | !}driver ...]]

Notes

A classfilter command includes one or more subcommands consisting of an operator (=, @, -, +, !) and a filter driver name. Devcon executes the subcommands in the order that they appear in the command.
The classfilter operation uses a virtual cursor to move through the list of drivers in the filter. The cursor starts at the beginning of the list, before the first driver in the list. Unless returned to the starting position, the cursor always moves forward through the driver list as Devcon executes the subcommands.
Without operators, "Devcon classfilter class {upper | lower}" displays the upper or lower filter drivers in the specified class.

Parameters

class
Specifies the device setup class.

upper| lower
Determines whether upper or lower filter drivers are displayed.

Operators

=
Moves the cursor to the beginning of the filter list (before the first driver).

@ driver
Positions the cursor on the next instance of the specified driver.

- driver
Add before. Inserts the specified driver before the driver on which the cursor is positioned. If the cursor is not positioned on a driver, Devcon inserts the specified driver at the beginning of the list. When the subcommand completes, the cursor is positioned on the newly added driver.

+ driver
Add after. Inserts the specified driver after the driver on which the cursor is positioned. If the cursor is not positioned on a driver, Devcon inserts the specified driver at the end of the list. When the subcommand completes, the cursor is positioned on the newly added driver.

! driver
Deletes the next occurrence of specified driver from the filter. When the subcommand completes, the cursor occupies the position of the deleted driver. Subsequent + or - subcommands will insert a new driver at the cursor position.

Remarks

Because filter driver changes require that the devices be restarted, include the /r parameter in the classfilter command.
To list the device setup classes on the computer, use the classes operation. To list the devices in a device setup class, use the listclass operation. To list the class filters for a device, use the stack operation.

Sample Usage

devcon classfilter mouse upper

devcon /r classfilter mouse upper !mouclass +newmou

devcon /r classfilter net lower @netfltr -testfltr

devcon /r classfilter volume upper !volsnap =!volsnap2

enable

Enables devices on the computer. Valid only on the local computer.

When you enable a device, its driver is loaded into memory and the device is ready for use. Devcon reports a failure when it cannot find or cannot enable a device. It reports a success even when the device is already enabled. Before and after enabling a device, use the devcon status operation to verify the device specification and status.

Syntax

Art Image devcon enable {* | ID [ID ...] | **=**class [ID [ID ...]]}

Parameters

*
Represents all devices on the computer.

The following special characters modify the ID parameter.

*	Matches any character or characters. Use the wildcard character () to create an ID pattern. For example, disk*.
@	Indicates an instance ID. For example, @ROOT\FTDISK\0000.
'	Matches the string literally (exactly as it appears). Use it to indicate that an asterisk is part of the ID name, and is not a wildcard character. For example, 'PNP0600, where PNP0600 (including the asterisk) is the hardware ID.

= class
Specifies the device setup class of the devices. To find the setup class of a device, use the classes operation. You can also specify hardware IDs, compatible IDs, or instance IDs or ID patterns following the class name. Separate each ID or pattern with a space. Devcon finds devices in the class that match the specified IDs.

Remarks

You might need to restart the device or the system to make the command effective. If so, add the restart parameter /r to the command.
An enable command does not fail when the device is already enabled.
Before and after enabling a device, use the status operation to verify the device status.

Sample Usage

devcon enable * (not recommended)

devcon /r enable *DVD-ROM*

devcon /r enable =printer

disable

Disables devices on the computer. Valid only on the local computer.

When you disable a device, the device remains physically connected to the computer, but its driver is unloaded from memory and its resources are freed, so the device cannot be used. Devcon reports a failure when it cannot find or cannot disable a device. It reports a success even when the device is already disabled. Before and after disabling a device, use the devcon status operation to verify the device specification and status.

Syntax

Art Image devcon disable {* | ID [ID ...] | **=**class [ID [ID ...]]}

Parameters

*
Represents all devices on the computer.

The following special characters modify the ID parameter.

*	Matches any character or characters. Use the wildcard character () to create an ID pattern. For example, disk*.
@	Indicates an instance ID. For example, @ROOT\FTDISK\0000.
'	Matches the string literally (exactly as it appears). Use it to indicate that an asterisk is part of the ID name, and is not a wildcard character. For example, 'PNP0600, where PNP0600 (including the asterisk) is the hardware ID.

= class
Specifies the device setup class of the devices. To find the setup class of a device, use the classes operation. You can also specify hardware IDs, compatible IDs, or instance IDs or ID patterns following the class name. Separate each ID or pattern with a space. Devcon finds devices in the class that match the specified IDs.

Remarks

You might need to restart the system to make the command effective. If so, add the restart parameter /r to the command.
A disable command does not fail when the device is already disabled.
Before and after disabling a device, use the status operation to verify the device status.

Sample Usage

devcon disable * (not recommended)

devcon /r disable *DVD-ROM*

devcon /r disable =printer

update

Replaces the current device driver with the driver specified in the INF file. Valid only on the local computer. If Devcon cannot find the device, or if it cannot update it, it reports a failure. To isolate the problem, use a Devcon find command.

Syntax

Art Image devcon updateINFfileHardwareID

Parameters

INFfile
Specifies the full path and file name of the INF (information) file for the device.

HardwareID
Specifies a hardware identifier for the device.

Remarks

The hardware ID specified must exactly match the hardware ID of the device. Patterns are not valid. Do not type a single quote character (') before hardware IDs that include an asterisk.
Because you might need to restart the system to make the command effective, add the restart parameter /r to the command.

Sample Usage

devcon update c:\windows\inf\newdvc.inf ISAPNP\CSC4324\0

devcon /r update c:\windows\inf\newdvc.inf *PNP030b

install

Installs the supporting software for a device. Valid only on the local computer. Is/ can only be used to install devices that have no hardware (eg MS Loopback adapter) or non-PnP devices (eg non PnP ISA sound card).

Syntax

Art Image devcon installINFfileHardwareID

Parameters

INFfile
Specifies the full path and file name of the INF (information) file for the device. INF files contain the information that the system needs to install the software for a device.

HardwareID
Specifies a hardware identifier for the device. For the syntax rules for hardward IDs, see "Hardware ID" in the Windows DDK Glossary.

Remarks

You might need to restart the device or the system to make the command effective.
The success message for the install operation says that Devcon has updated the drivers for the device.

Sample Usage

devcon install c:\windows\inf\newdvc.inf ISAPNP\CSC4324\0

devcon /r install c:\windows\inf\newdvc.inf ISAPNP\CSC4324\0

remove

Uninstalls the specified devices. Valid only on the local computer.

Syntax

Art Image devcon remove {* | ID [ID ...] | **=**class [ID [ID ...]]}

Parameters

*
Represents all devices on the computer.

The following special characters modify the ID parameter.

*	Matches any character or characters. Use the wildcard character () to create an ID pattern. For example, disk*.
@	Indicates an instance ID. For example, @ROOT\FTDISK\0000.
'	Matches the string literally (exactly as it appears). Use it to indicate that an asterisk is part of the ID name, and is not a wildcard character. For example, 'PNP0600, where PNP0600 (including the asterisk) is the hardware ID.

= class
Specifies the device setup class of the devices. To find the setup class of a device, use the classes operation. You can also specify hardware IDs, compatible IDs, or instance IDs or ID patterns following the class name. Separate each ID or pattern with a space. Devcon finds devices in the class that match the specified IDs.

Remarks

Because you might need to restart the system to make the command effective, add the restart parameter /r to the command.
The rescan operation can also be used to reinstall a device that was removed.

Sample Usage

devcon /r remove "PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_7110"

devcon /r remove =printer

devcon /r remove =printer *deskj*

rescan

Directs Windows Plug and Play to search the computer for newly installed Plug and Play devices. Valid on local and remote computers.

Syntax

Art Image devcon [**/m:\\**computer]rescan

Parameters

/m:\\ computer
Runs the command on the specified remote computer. The backslashes are required.

Remarks

The /m parameter must precede the operation name (rescan). Otherwise, Devcon ignores the /m parameter and scans the local computer without returning a syntax error.

Sample Usage

devcon rescan

devcon /m:\\Server01 rescan

restart

Stops and restarts the specified devices. Valid only on the local computer. If Devcon cannot find a device, or if it cannot restart it, it reports a failure. To isolate the problem, use a Devcon find command.

Syntax

Art Image devcon restart {* | ID [ID ...] | **=**class [ID [ID ...]]}

Parameters

*
Represents all devices on the computer.

The following special characters modify the ID parameter.

*	Matches any character or characters. Use the wildcard character () to create an ID pattern. For example, disk*.
@	Indicates an instance ID. For example, @ROOT\FTDISK\0000.
'	Matches the string literally (exactly as it appears). Use it to indicate that an asterisk is part of the ID name, and is not a wildcard character. For example, 'PNP0600, where PNP0600 (including the asterisk) is the hardware ID.

= class
Specifies the device setup class of the devices. To find the setup class of a device, use the classes operation. You can also specify hardware IDs, compatible IDs, or instance IDs or ID patterns following the class name. Separate each ID or pattern with a space. Devcon finds devices in the class that match the specified IDs.

Remarks

Because you might need to restart the system to make the command effective, add the restart parameter /r to the command.

Sample Usage

devcon restart *

devcon restart pci*

devcon restart "PCI\VEN_115D&DEV_0003&SUBSYS_0181115D"

devcon restart =printer

devcon restart =printer *desk*

reboot

Stops and then starts the operating system. Valid only on the local computer.

Syntax

Art Image devcon reboot

Remarks

Unlike the /r parameter, which restarts the system only when required to make a change effective, the reboot operation restarts the system without determining whether a restart is required.
The reboot operation does not force a restart. If the system cannot close a program or if a user file is not saved, the restart cannot complete.

Sample Usage

devcon reboot