DeviceCleanup.exe /remove-all /force /verbose
| Switch | Effect | |--------|--------| | /nodisplay | No GUI – run silently | | /remove | Delete non-present devices | | /remove /deviceids "USB\VID_1234*" | Delete only devices matching a hardware ID pattern | | /remove /class "Display" | Delete only non-present display devices | | /log cleanuplog.txt | Write output to log file | DeviceCleanup.exe
#include <windows.h> #include <setupapi.h> #include <devguid.h> #include <cfgmgr32.h> #include <iostream> #include <string> #include <vector> #include <iomanip> DeviceCleanup
After cloning a laptop’s SSD to a new PC, the old laptop’s touchpad driver kept trying to load on the new machine (causing a Code 31 error). DeviceCleanup with the filter /deviceids "ACPI\VEN_SYN*" removed the ghost touchpad. The new PC then correctly loaded its own touchpad driver. For IT pros and advanced users, the command-line
For IT pros and advanced users, the command-line interface unlocks real efficiency. Run DeviceCleanup.exe /? for full syntax.