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Device Manager Keeps Refreshing? Here’s What to do
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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As we know, drivers are critical for the effective functioning of connected devices. And these are generally managed through the Device Manager, but sometimes it constantly keeps refreshing, which prevents users from making any changes.
The situation generally arises when a particular device keeps connecting/disconnecting, and the Device Manager refreshes after each to reflect the change. Mostly, USB devices have been found to cause the problem.
Though, conflicting third-party applications, corrupt system files, or the presence of malware on the system are also likely to lead to the issue.
Now that you have a basic understanding of the underlying causes, let’s walk you through the most effective fixes for the Device Manager keeps resetting issue.
What can I do if the Device Manager keeps refreshing constantly?
1. Remove non-critical USB devices
Since it’s generally the USB devices behind the problem, your primary approach should be to remove all the non-critical devices. Most likely, it’s a malfunctioning device or a damaged cable used for the connection.
So, remove every single piece of hardware except for the mouse, keyboard, and monitor in the case of a PC. While in the case of a laptop, you can remove every external peripheral.
Once done, check if the Device Manager constantly refreshing problem is fixed. If it persists, head to the next method.
2. Update the driver
Now, Windows will automatically find the best available driver and install it for the problematic device. In case it says that the best available driver is already installed, try the other ways tomanually install a driver in Windows 11.
If it’s the driver causing the issue, the Device Manager constantly refreshing problem should now be fixed. If the issue still persists, updating your drivers will the help of specialized software likeOutbyte Driver Updateris recommended, it will scan your PC for missing or outdated drivers and prompt you to update them.
3. Disable the problematic device
Another quick way of fixing the issue is to disable the problematic device. This method comes in handy when the device is built-in and can’t be removed. For instance, some users found the webcam to be causing the Device Manager constantly refreshing issue.
4. Scan for malware
Now, wait for the scan to complete and check if the Device Manager constantly refreshing problem is fixed. It will take some time depending on the data stored on the PC.
Also, you can use areliable antivirus to secure your PCand keep such errors at bay.
5. Run the SFC scan
Another way to solve the issue with Device Manager that keeps refreshing is by running an SFC scan. Here is how you can do this.
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PressWindows+Sto launch theSearchmenu, enterWindows Terminalin the text field at the top, right-click on the relevant search result, and selectRun as administratorfrom the context menu.
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ClickYesin theUAC (User Account Control)prompt that pops up.
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Now, click on the downward-facing arrow at the top, and selectCommand Promptfrom the menu. Alternatively, you can hitCtrl+Shift+2to launchCommand Promptin a new tab.
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Now, paste the following command and hitEnterto run theSFCscan:sfc /scannow
The SFC orSystem File Checkerscan looks for corrupt system files, and if any are found, replaces them with their cached copy stored on the PC. If the Device Manager was constantly refreshing due to corrupt system files, the problem should now be fixed.
6. Remove conflicting applications
If you started encountering the error after installing a particular application, simply removing it should help fix the problem. In case the Device Manager constantly refreshing issue persists, head to the last method.
7. Disable a few services
That’s it! The Device Manager constantly keeps refreshing issue should now be fixed, and you can make the desired changes.
Also, learn what to do ifBluetooth is missing in Device Manager, since a lot of users have reported encountering the problem after upgrading the latest iteration.
Tell us which fix worked, and the device/application that was causing the issue, in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Device Manager,Windows 11
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
