How to Manually Start the Add Hardware Wizard

By BeckW

Windows 7 removed the Control Panel link to the Add Hardware Wizard because end-user hardware is installed by vendors and the Windows Plug and Play detection system. The Hardware Add Wizard is used to manually install drivers for a device that does not have a driver installation package and is no longer recommended for use by Microsoft for end users. The Wizard is still included in Windows 7 and is intended for driver developers. You can start the Hardware Wizard Add from any Windows 7 system using the Command Prompt.

Click "Start," and type "Command Prompt."

Right-click the "Command Prompt" option, and click "Run as administrator."

Click "Yes" or enter your administrator password if prompted by Windows.

Type "hdwwiz.exe" without quotes, and press "Enter." The Add Hardware Wizard application will appear on your screen.

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