USB (Universal Serial Bus) has become the backbone of modern computer connectivity. From keyboards and mice to external drives, smartphones, and even advanced peripherals like VR headsets, almost every piece of hardware you plug into a Windows computer communicates over USB. Because of this heavy reliance, when something goes wrong — such as a device not being recognized, running at the wrong speed, or consuming too much power — it can be difficult to figure out the root cause.
This is where USBView comes in.
USBView, also known as the USB System Viewer, is a diagnostic tool developed by Microsoft. It provides a tree-like view of all USB hubs and devices currently connected to your system. Beyond just showing what’s plugged in, it displays detailed descriptors such as:
- Vendor ID and Product ID (helpful for identifying unknown hardware).
- USB version (1.1, 2.0, 3.x, etc.).
- Device speed and connection type.
Also Read: What Is USBView? Complete Guide to Microsoft’s USB System Viewer
Power requirements and configurations.
What makes USBView especially valuable is that it’s not a third-party tool — it’s an official utility included in the Windows Driver Kit (WDK). That means it’s trustworthy, lightweight, and optimized for Windows environments.
For developers, USBView is indispensable when testing hardware prototypes or validating USB compliance. For IT professionals, it helps in diagnosing device issues quickly. Even regular users can benefit by using USBView to understand why a device isn’t functioning correctly or why a particular USB port seems unreliable.
The good news is that USBView is straightforward to obtain and run. It doesn’t require a heavy installation process, and in many cases, you can simply copy the executable to a folder and launch it directly.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about downloading, installing, and running USBView on Windows. We’ll also explore troubleshooting steps, answer common questions, and show you why this tool should be part of your Windows toolkit.
2. System Requirements
Before you download and run USBView, it’s important to make sure your computer is compatible and that you have the right supporting software. Although USBView is lightweight, it is a developer-oriented tool, and in some cases, it requires specific components to work correctly. Below are the essential requirements:
2.1 Operating System Compatibility
USBView is a Microsoft tool, and as such, it’s designed to run on modern versions of Windows:
- Windows 11 (all editions) – fully supported.
- Windows 10 (32-bit and 64-bit) – fully supported.
Earlier versions of Windows (such as Windows 8.1 or Windows 7) – it may still run, but Microsoft no longer officially supports these operating systems, so you may encounter compatibility or driver-related issues.
👉 For the best experience, it is recommended to use Windows 10 or Windows 11.
2.2 Administrator Privileges
While USBView can sometimes run under a normal user account, many features — especially those related to system-wide USB hub inspection — require administrator rights. If you encounter issues running the tool, right-click on usbview.exe and choose “Run as administrator.”
2.3 Hardware Requirements
One of the advantages of USBView is that it doesn’t demand much from your system. The hardware requirements are minimal:
- Processor: Any Intel or AMD processor supported by Windows 10/11.
- Memory: At least 1 GB of RAM (USBView itself uses only a few MB).
- Disk Space: Less than 10 MB for the executable file.
- USB Ports: At least one USB port (obviously), since the purpose of the tool is to monitor USB connectivity.
In other words, if your system can run Windows 10 or 11, it can run USBView without issues.
2.4 Software Requirements
Depending on how you plan to obtain USBView, you may need additional software components:
If you are using the precompiled executable:
- No additional software is needed. Just run usbview.exe.
If you are using the Windows Driver Kit (WDK):
- You will need to install the WDK package for your version of Windows.
The WDK requires the Windows Software Development Kit (SDK) as a prerequisite. The SDK is usually installed automatically during WDK installation.
If you plan to build USBView from source:
- Visual Studio 2019 or later (Community, Professional, or Enterprise).
- Windows SDK and WDK components enabled within Visual Studio.
- Git (if you’re cloning the repository from Microsoft’s GitHub).
2.5 Optional Tools
While not strictly necessary, the following can improve your USBView experience:
- PowerShell or Command Prompt: Useful if you prefer launching the tool via command line.
- Notepad or a text editor: To save and analyze logs if you copy device descriptors from USBView.
- Third-party USB analyzers: For users who want to pair USBView’s data with external debugging tools.
2.6 Summary of Requirements
To keep it simple, here’s a quick checklist before proceeding:
✅ Windows 10 or 11 installed.
✅ Administrator rights available.
✅ WDK installed (if not using a standalone binary).
✅ Visual Studio (only if building from source).
✅ At least one USB device to test the tool with.
Once these requirements are in place, you’ll be ready to download, install, and start using USBView.
3. Where to Download USBView
When it comes to downloading system-level utilities like USBView, it’s important to be cautious about where you get them. Because this tool provides detailed insights into your hardware and system configuration, downloading it from unverified or third-party sources could expose your computer to malware, outdated files, or tampered executables. The safest approach is to obtain USBView directly from Microsoft’s official distribution channels.
There are two main sources where you can get USBView legitimately:
3.1 Microsoft GitHub Repository
Microsoft maintains the Windows Driver Samples project on GitHub, and USBView is one of the tools included there.
What you get:
The GitHub repository provides the source code for USBView. This is ideal if you want to build the tool yourself or inspect how it works under the hood. Developers and advanced users who need the most up-to-date version usually choose this method.
Where to find it:
USBView is located in the Microsoft Windows driver samples GitHub repository.
Inside the repository, navigate to the usbview folder to access the source code.
What you’ll need:
If you choose this option, you’ll need Visual Studio and the Windows SDK/WDK installed to compile the program.
👉 This method is recommended for developers or power users who are comfortable working with source code and compiling software.
3.2 Windows Driver Kit (WDK)
For most users, the Windows Driver Kit (WDK) is the easiest and most reliable way to obtain USBView.
What you get:
A precompiled executable (usbview.exe) that is ready to run. The WDK installation includes USBView as part of its tools package, so you don’t have to worry about building anything yourself.
Where to find it:
Download the WDK from Microsoft’s official site:
- Windows Driver Kit for Windows 10
- Windows Driver Kit for Windows 11
How it works:
After installing the WDK, you’ll find USBView in a folder such as:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Tools\x64\usbview\
(The exact path may vary depending on your system and installation options.)
👉 This method is recommended for IT professionals and regular users who simply want to use USBView without dealing with source code.
3.3 Avoid Third-Party Websites
You may come across standalone downloads of usbview.exe on third-party websites, forums, or file-sharing platforms. While it may be tempting to grab these versions for convenience, they pose serious risks:
- The file could be outdated and missing important fixes.
- Malicious actors sometimes bundle malware with system utilities.
- There’s no guarantee the executable hasn’t been modified.
👉 To stay safe, always download USBView only from Microsoft’s GitHub or official WDK installers.
3.4 Which Option Should You Choose?
- If you’re a developer or want the latest updates, go with the GitHub source code.
- If you’re an IT professional or just want a quick, reliable version, use the WDK installer.
Both methods give you the same tool — the only difference is whether you want to compile it yourself or download the ready-to-use executable.
✅ By now, you know exactly where to get USBView safely and officially. Next, we’ll go into detail about the different methods to actually obtain and set up the tool.
4. Methods to Get USBView
Now that you know where USBView can be downloaded, let’s explore the three main ways to obtain it on your Windows machine. The right method for you depends on whether you prefer a ready-made executable, want the official Microsoft installation route, or need full control by compiling the tool yourself.
4.1 Method 1 – Download a Precompiled Binary
The simplest way to get USBView is to use a precompiled executable file (usbview.exe).
How it works:
Microsoft sometimes distributes compiled versions of USBView as part of the Windows Driver Kit (WDK) tools or through official GitHub releases. In such cases, you don’t have to build the program yourself — just download the ZIP package, extract it, and run the executable.
Steps:
Download the archive that contains usbview.exe from a trusted Microsoft source (such as the WDK installer or GitHub release section).
Extract the contents to a folder of your choice, e.g., C:\Tools\USBView\.
Double-click usbview.exe to launch it.
Pros:
- Fast and convenient.
- No need to install large software packages like WDK or Visual Studio.
- Portable (you can copy it to a USB stick and run it on any machine).
Cons:
- Precompiled binaries are not always available separately.
- You may not get the very latest version unless you build it yourself.
👉 Best for: Users who want a quick, no-hassle way to run USBView.
4.2 Method 2 – Install via Windows Driver Kit (WDK)
The official and most reliable method is through the Windows Driver Kit (WDK).
What is WDK?
The Windows Driver Kit is a development environment from Microsoft used for creating, testing, and deploying Windows drivers. Alongside development libraries and tools, it includes USBView as a utility for analyzing USB connections.
Steps:
- Go to Microsoft’s WDK download page:
- Download WDK for Windows 10
- Download WDK for Windows 11
- Download and run the installer.
- Complete the setup process (this may also install the Windows SDK if not already present).
After installation, navigate to the tools folder. The path is usually:
- C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Tools\x64\usbview\
(Adjust depending on your system architecture — there may also be an x86 folder.)
Double-click usbview.exe to launch it.
Pros:
- Guaranteed safe and official version.
- Kept up to date with Windows development tools.
- No need to compile from source.
Cons:
- Requires downloading and installing a large package (~several GB).
- May feel like overkill if you only need USBView.
👉 Best for: IT professionals, system administrators, and users who prefer an official, stable release.
4.3 Method 3 – Build from Source (Advanced Users)
If you want the latest version or prefer transparency by compiling the tool yourself, you can build USBView from source code available on Microsoft’s GitHub repository.
Steps:
- Install Git if you haven’t already.
- Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run:
- git clone https://github.com/microsoft/Windows-driver-samples.git
- Navigate to the usbview folder inside the cloned repository.
- Open the Visual Studio solution file (usbview.sln).
In Visual Studio:
- Select the configuration (Debug or Release).
- Select the platform (x64 or x86).
- Click Build Solution.
- After compilation, the usbview.exe file will appear in the project’s output directory.
- Copy the executable to a preferred folder and run it.
Pros:
- Always gives you the latest source code version.
- Transparency — you can audit or customize the code if needed.
- Ideal for developers working with USB devices.
Cons:
Requires Visual Studio and familiarity with building projects.
More time-consuming compared to downloading a binary.👉 Best for: Developers, engineers, and advanced users who want maximum control.
4.4 Choosing the Right Method
Here’s a quick comparison:
✅ At this point, you know the three ways to obtain USBView — whether you prefer quick access, official stability, or cutting-edge customization. Next, let’s go step by step through how to install and set up USBView on Windows once you’ve downloaded it.
| Method | Skill Level | Setup Time | Best For |
| Precompiled Binary | Beginner | Very fast | Anyone who wants quick access |
| WDK Installation | Intermediate | Moderate | Professionals needing stability |
| Build from Source | Advanced | Longer | Developers & power users |
5. How to Install USBView on Windows
One of the best things about USBView is that it doesn’t require a complicated installation process like traditional software. It’s a standalone executable — meaning you can simply download or build the program, then run it directly. However, the installation process can look slightly different depending on the method you used to obtain it.
Below, we’ll cover the steps for each scenario.
5.1 If You Downloaded a Precompiled Binary
If you already have a working usbview.exe file (from a ZIP archive or package), the “installation” is as simple as placing it in a convenient location:
Extract the File: If it came compressed (e.g., in a ZIP file), right-click and choose Extract All.
Choose a Location: Move usbview.exe to a folder where you keep system utilities, such as:
- C:\Tools\USBView\
- Or even your Desktop for quick access.
- Create a Shortcut (Optional):
- Right-click usbview.exe.
- Select Send to → Desktop (create shortcut).
- This makes it easier to open in the future.
- Run the Program: Double-click the file to launch USBView.
👉 That’s it — no registry changes, no service installations, and no extra steps.
5.2 If You Installed USBView via WDK
If you obtained USBView through the Windows Driver Kit (WDK), the process involves locating the tool inside the WDK’s installation directory.
- Install WDK: Follow the prompts when running the WDK installer (this may also install the Windows SDK if needed).
- Locate USBView: Once installed, navigate to the folder where WDK stores tools. Typical locations include:
- C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Tools\x64\usbview\
- C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Tools\x86\usbview\
The exact folder may vary based on your architecture and WDK version.
Copy to a Custom Folder (Optional): If you don’t want to navigate deep into the WDK directory each time, copy usbview.exe into a folder like C:\Tools\USBView\.
Run the Program: Double-click usbview.exe to launch it.
👉 With the WDK method, the tool is always the official Microsoft build, which makes it a reliable choice for IT teams.
5.3 If You Built USBView from Source
If you followed the build-from-source method, the executable is generated by Visual Studio after compilation.
Locate the Output Folder:
- Inside your project directory, check the bin or output folder created by Visual Studio.
- Depending on your build configuration, it might be inside:
- \usbview\x64\Release\
- \usbview\x86\Debug\
- Copy the File: Move the compiled usbview.exe to a more convenient folder (e.g., C:\Tools\USBView\).
- Create a Shortcut (Optional): Add a Desktop shortcut for quick launching.
Run the Program: Double-click the file, or launch it via Command Prompt.
👉 Building from source gives you the freshest version, but it requires more setup compared to other methods.
5.4 Portable Usage
One of USBView’s strengths is that it’s portable. This means you can:
- Copy the usbview.exe file to a USB flash drive.
- Use it on multiple PCs without installing anything.
- Keep it in your troubleshooting toolkit for quick deployment.
This is especially useful for IT support teams who manage multiple computers and need to diagnose USB-related issues on the go.
5.5 Tips for Smooth Installation
Run as Administrator: For full functionality, right-click usbview.exe and choose Run as administrator. This ensures the tool can access system-level USB hub details.
- Keep it Organized: Store USBView in a dedicated folder with other Microsoft utilities like Process Explorer or Autoruns for quick access.
- Avoid System Folders: Don’t place usbview.exe directly in C:\Windows\System32 or similar directories — this could cause confusion with other tools.
✅ Once installed, USBView is ready to use immediately. In the next section, we’ll walk through how to actually run the program and interpret its interface.
6. Running USBView
After you’ve obtained USBView, launching and using it is straightforward. Since it’s a standalone executable, you don’t have to deal with installation wizards, registry entries, or hidden services. You simply open the program and start exploring the USB devices connected to your computer.
Here’s how to run it effectively and understand what you’re looking at.
6.1 Launching USBView
You can start USBView in one of two ways:
- Double-Click Method
- Navigate to the folder where you stored usbview.exe.
- Double-click the file to launch the program.
- Command Line Method
- Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.
- Type the full path to the executable, for example:
- C:\Tools\USBView\usbview.exe
- Press Enter to start the program.
👉 In most cases, it’s best to run USBView with administrator privileges. Right-click the file and select “Run as administrator” to ensure it has full access to system-level USB details.
6.2 Understanding the Interface
When USBView opens, you’ll see a tree-view window that looks similar to Windows Device Manager but focused exclusively on USB devices.
Root Hubs:
At the top, you’ll see entries for each USB controller on your system (e.g., Intel(R) USB 3.1 eXtensible Host Controller). These represent the hardware controllers that manage USB ports.
Connected Hubs and Devices:
Expanding a controller reveals USB hubs (built-in to your computer or external) and all devices connected to those hubs.
Device Descriptors Panel:
When you click a specific device in the tree, the right-hand panel displays detailed descriptors, such as:
- Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID): Identifiers that tell you which manufacturer and device type you’re dealing with.
- Device Speed: Whether the device is running at Low-Speed, Full-Speed, High-Speed, or SuperSpeed (USB 1.1, 2.0, 3.x).
- Power Requirements: Shows how much power (in mA) the device draws from the port. Helpful for diagnosing underpowered devices.
- Configuration Descriptors: Lists possible configurations supported by the device.
- Device Class/Subclass/Protocol: Used to identify the type of device (e.g., storage, HID, audio).
6.3 Common Use Cases
Here are a few practical things you can do with USBView:
Identify Unknown Devices
If Windows shows a “Unknown USB Device” warning in Device Manager, open USBView.
Check the VID and PID to identify the manufacturer and model.
Check Device Speed
Plug in a USB 3.0 drive and verify that it’s connected at SuperSpeed.
If it only shows High-Speed, it may be connected to a slower port or using a bad cable.
Monitor Power Usage
Some devices, like external hard drives, draw too much power from USB ports.
USBView shows the power draw in milliamps (mA), helping you determine if a powered hub is needed.
Debug Device Failures
If a USB device isn’t working, descriptors in USBView can show whether the system is detecting it at all.
Missing or incomplete descriptors may indicate a faulty cable, port, or device.
6.4 Exporting or Saving Data
While USBView doesn’t have a built-in “Export to file” button, you can still:
- Select and copy text from the descriptors panel (Ctrl+C).
- Paste into Notepad, Word, or any text editor for documentation.
- Useful for sending logs to developers or support teams.
6.5 Tips for Using USBView Effectively
Compare Ports: Plug the same device into different ports and see how the speed or power values change.
- Watch for Power Limits: If a device draws close to the maximum 500mA (USB 2.0) or 900mA (USB 3.0), consider using an external power source.
- Check Cables: Sometimes a device runs at slower speeds simply because the cable doesn’t support higher throughput. USBView can help confirm this.
- Keep It Handy: Because it’s portable, keep USBView on a flash drive so you can quickly analyze USB issues on multiple machines.
7. Troubleshooting
Even though USBView is a lightweight and stable utility, you might encounter a few challenges when setting it up or running it. Most issues are easy to fix once you understand what’s happening. Below are the most common problems and their solutions.
7.1 USBView Won’t Launch
Problem: Double-clicking usbview.exe does nothing, or the program crashes immediately.
Possible Causes & Fixes:
Insufficient permissions:
- Fix: Right-click usbview.exe and select Run as administrator.
- Corrupted or incomplete download:
- Fix: Re-download the tool from Microsoft’s GitHub or reinstall the Windows Driver Kit (WDK).
Missing dependencies (rare):
- Fix: Ensure you have the latest Visual C++ Redistributable installed, especially if running a precompiled binary.
7.2 Can’t Find USBView After Installing WDK
Problem: You installed the Windows Driver Kit, but usbview.exe isn’t visible.
Possible Causes & Fixes:
Wrong installation path:
- Fix: Check the following folders:
- C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Tools\x64\usbview\
- C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Tools\x86\usbview\
WDK version mismatch:
- Fix: Make sure you installed the correct WDK version for your OS (Windows 10 or 11).
Partial installation:
- Fix: Re-run the WDK installer and ensure the Tools component is selected.
7.3 Compilation Errors When Building from Source
Problem: You cloned the GitHub repository but can’t compile USBView in Visual Studio.
Possible Causes & Fixes:
Missing Windows SDK/WDK components:
- Fix: Open the Visual Studio Installer and ensure that both Windows 10/11 SDK and Windows Driver Kit are selected.
Incorrect build configuration:
- Fix: Switch to the right platform (x64 vs x86) and set the configuration to Release instead of Debug.
Outdated Visual Studio version:
- Fix: Upgrade to Visual Studio 2019 or later, which supports Microsoft’s driver samples.
7.4 Device Not Showing Up in USBView
Problem: You plug in a USB device, but it doesn’t appear in the tree view.
Possible Causes & Fixes:
Faulty cable or port:
Fix: Try connecting the device using another USB port or cable.
Driver issue:
Fix: Open Device Manager and update or reinstall the USB driver.
Device malfunction:
Fix: Test the device on another computer to confirm whether it’s the hardware itself.
Insufficient power supply:
Fix: If the device requires more power than the port provides, use a powered USB hub.
7.5 Incorrect Speed or Power Display
Problem: A device shows as running at USB 2.0 speed instead of USB 3.0, or the power values seem wrong.
Possible Causes & Fixes:
Low-quality or incompatible cable:
Fix: Use a certified USB 3.0 or USB-C cable.
Port limitations:
Fix: Check if the port supports higher speeds. On some laptops, only certain ports are USB 3.0/3.1 capable.
System driver issue:
Fix: Update chipset and USB controller drivers from your PC manufacturer’s website.
7.6 Exporting Data Isn’t Obvious
Problem: You want to save USB device information, but there’s no “Save” button in USBView.
Fix:
Highlight the text in the descriptor panel, press Ctrl+C, and paste it into a text editor like Notepad.
This works for documenting device details or sharing logs with developers.
7.7 General Best Practices for Smooth Use
- Always run USBView as an administrator.
- Keep your Windows and USB drivers updated.
- Store usbview.exe in a dedicated utilities folder for quick access.
If using the WDK version, keep the WDK up to date to benefit from bug fixes and improvements.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Even though USBView is a fairly simple tool, many users have common questions about where to get it, how to use it, and what its results mean. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
8.1 Is USBView safe to use?
Yes — USBView is an official Microsoft utility, included with the Windows Driver Kit (WDK). Unlike third-party diagnostic tools, it doesn’t modify your system, install background services, or require constant updates. It simply reads and displays USB descriptors. Because it’s read-only, there’s no risk of corrupting drivers or altering system files. As long as you download it directly from Microsoft’s website or GitHub repository, it is 100% safe to use.
8.2 Do I need to install the full Windows Driver Kit (WDK) just to use USBView?
Not necessarily. While the official way to get USBView is by installing the WDK, many people prefer downloading precompiled binaries (standalone usbview.exe files) available from Microsoft’s GitHub samples. These versions work without requiring the full WDK installation. Alternatively, if you’re a developer, you can build USBView from source using Visual Studio. So, the WDK isn’t strictly required unless you want the guaranteed latest official version.
8.3 Can USBView fix USB problems automatically?
No. USBView is a diagnostic tool only — it does not repair or configure devices. Instead, it helps you identify problems by showing detailed information such as:
Whether a device is detected at all.
If it’s running at the correct USB speed.
Its power consumption.
Vendor and product IDs (helpful for tracking down missing drivers).
Once you see this information, you can take corrective action, such as updating drivers, replacing a faulty cable, or using a powered hub.
8.4 What’s the difference between USBView and Device Manager?
Windows Device Manager is a general-purpose utility that shows all system hardware and their drivers. USBView, on the other hand, is specialized for USB analysis. It provides much more detailed information about USB hubs, controllers, and devices, including descriptors that Device Manager doesn’t display. For example, Device Manager might just show “Unknown USB Device,” while USBView will reveal the Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID) — information you can use to identify the device online.
8.5 Can I run USBView on Windows 11?
Yes. USBView is fully compatible with Windows 11, as well as Windows 10. The latest WDK releases from Microsoft include updated builds of USBView that work seamlessly with current Windows versions. Just make sure to download the matching WDK for your Windows build, or use a precompiled binary from Microsoft’s GitHub repository. If you’re running older Windows versions like Windows 7 or 8, you may need to download an earlier WDK release to get a compatible copy.
Conclusion
USBView is a small but powerful tool for understanding how USB devices interact with your Windows system. It doesn’t repair issues automatically, but it gives you the details — speed, power, vendor IDs, and more — that help you quickly pinpoint problems.
Whether you’re an IT professional, developer, or everyday user, USBView is safe, portable, and easy to use. Keeping it in your troubleshooting toolkit ensures that when USB problems arise, you’ll have the insights you need to solve them efficiently.