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Applies to Windows 7

Device management

Keep track of your devices in Windows 7—watch this video to see how. (0:53)

In Windows 7, working with printers, cameras, phones, music players, and other devices has never been easier thanks to two new features: Device Stage and the Devices and Printers folder.

Device Stage

Think of Device Stage as a home page for your hardware: When you plug something into your PC, you’ll see a menu of popular tasks for that type of device. A multifunction printer, for example, will show options for printing and scanning. In previous versions of Windows, these were often located in separate menus.

It gets better. Manufacturers can customize Device Stage, so for many devices you'll see status information and menu options tailored to your specific model—right down to a slick photorealistic mug shot.

Devices and Printers

The new Devices and Printers folder shows you the installed devices that are connected to your PC, making it a handy way to check on a printer, music player, camera, mouse, or digital picture frame (just to name a few).

It's also the place to add a new networked or wireless device and troubleshoot problems with a device or printer.

To find out which devices are compatible with Windows 7, go to the Windows 7 Compatibility Center website.

Learn how