Quick summary
USBDeview is a free, lightweight Windows utility from NirSoft that creates a consolidated inventory of USB devices that are either currently attached to your PC or have been used on it in the past. It surfaces detailed attributes for each device, gathers them into a single view for fast review, and offers several export and management options so you can examine or archive the information.
Device information available
- Serial numbers, device category, and short descriptions for each connected or previously connected USB device
- Timestamp for the last connection and a flag indicating whether a device is presently attached
- Whether a device can be removed safely and other status indicators that help with device management
- A compact report view that consolidates per-device details into one place for easy scanning
Management tools and actions
- Enable, disable, or disconnect individual devices directly from the program’s menus
- Mass-disconnect option to unplug multiple devices at once via the interface
- Customizable column layout so you only see the fields you care about on-screen
- Built-in search to quickly filter large lists and a simple speed-test feature for read/write diagnostics
Portability, privacy, and installation behavior
USBDeview runs without a formal installation step — you can run the program from any folder or removable storage by launching its executable. It does not add entries to the Start menu or write persistent settings into the Windows registry, and it does not transmit your activity elsewhere, helping preserve local privacy. An optional autoplay-like behavior is available and can be enabled if you want automatic actions when devices connect.
Exporting and reporting
- Save listings to common file formats (for example: CSV, tab-delimited text, or HTML) for archival or further analysis
- Exported files allow offline review or sharing with colleagues while keeping the original UI uncluttered
Practical uses
- Keep track of all flash drives and other USB peripherals that have been attached to a workstation
- Troubleshoot device conflicts or identify when a device was last used
- Maintain an inventory of removable media to avoid future confusion and improve device organization
Final notes
USBDeview is a compact, portable tool for inspecting and managing USB hardware history on Windows machines. Its focused feature set — device detail, quick actions, privacy-conscious design, and simple export options — makes it useful for both casual users and IT professionals who need a fast way to audit USB attachments.
Technical
- Windows
- Free