USBDeview: USB Device Information Tool

USBDeview is a free and lightweight USB diagnostics utility developed by NirSoft. This portable USB analyzer lets you view and manage every USB device that has ever connected to your system, active or disconnected. It displays detailed USB device information such as serial numbers, device names, Vendor and Product IDs, device types, and the exact timestamps of connection or removal. Whether you're troubleshooting, auditing, or maintaining USB hygiene, it's a reliable tool for professionals and everyday users alike.

Explore USB Device History with USBDeview

USB Device Viewer Tool - USBDeview
USBDeview - Easily Get USB Info

Technical Specifications

  • Developer: NirSoft
  • Initial Release: 2006
  • License: Freeware
  • File Size: 201 KB
  • Platform: Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, XP
  • Price: Free
  • Category: USB Monitoring Tool
  • Editor's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
  • Official Site: Project Page

This device information viewer provides rich insights into USB activity on your PC. It's ideal for tech support, digital forensics, hardware diagnostics, or monitoring removable media access. Key features include:

  • Get USB Info: Includes serial number, connection status, Vendor ID, Product ID, power consumption, and timestamps.
  • USB History Tracker: Logs both current and previously connected USB drives and hubs.
  • Device Manager Functions: Uninstall drivers, disable/enable devices, or modify registry entries.
  • USB Speed Benchmark: Test the read/write performance of USB flash drives or external SSDs.
  • Export Options: Save device data in HTML, XML, or CSV format for documentation or reports.
  • CLI Support: Execute advanced tasks from the command line, useful for automation and scripting.

Why Choose This USB Monitoring Tool?

This utility is a favorite among IT administrators and field techs for good reason. Here are some compelling use cases:

  1. Inspect USB Properties: Review unique identifiers, product/vendor IDs, and full connection history.
  2. Remove Problematic Drivers: Resolve USB issues by uninstalling stuck or misbehaving devices.
  3. Audit USB Usage: Detect unauthorized USB usage by logging connection/disconnection timestamps.
  4. Speed Test USB Drives: Benchmark read/write speeds to compare flash drive performance.
  5. Run It Anywhere: Launch the tool directly from a USB stick, no installation needed.
  6. Enable or Disable Devices: Manage device states with a right-click from the interface.
  7. Export Logs: Create audit trails or device inventories using export-to-CSV or HTML.
  8. Remote Access Support: Connect to remote PCs (with admin rights) to inspect their USB history.

How to Use This Portable USB Analyzer

  1. Download USBDeview from NirSoft.
  2. Extract the ZIP file to a folder or USB flash drive.
  3. Launch the .exe to open the program.
  4. Review USB device details directly from the main interface.
  5. Use right-click options to manage, uninstall, or test devices.

Run a USB Speed Test

The utility includes a built-in benchmarking feature to measure flash drive performance. Here's how to test:

  1. Right-click any listed device.
  2. Select "Speed Test."
  3. Click "Start Test" to begin. Results will show read/write speeds.

USB Speed Testing Tool

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I uninstall USB devices with this tool?

Yes, the program allows easy driver or device removal directly from the main interface. Simply right-click the target device and choose “Uninstall Selected Devices.”

Is it safe to use?

Yes. It’s developed by NirSoft, a trusted source for Windows utilities used by IT professionals worldwide. Just make sure to download it from the official NirSoft website to avoid modified versions.

Does it work on all Windows versions?

Yes, USBDeview supports all modern Windows operating systems — from Windows XP through Windows 11, both 32-bit and 64-bit editions.

Can it benchmark USB speeds?

Yes. USBDeview includes a built-in speed test feature that measures read and write speeds of your connected USB drives. Simply right-click a device and select Speed Test to begin.

Is it really portable?

Absolutely. USBDeview is a fully portable application that doesn’t require installation. Just extract the ZIP file and run the USBDeview.exe file from any folder or USB drive.

Can I use it on a networked PC?

Yes. With administrative privileges, USBDeview allows you to connect to a remote computer on your network and view its USB device history or manage its connected devices.

USBDeview vs. USB Oblivion

Looking for something more privacy-focused? Here's a quick comparison between USBDeview and a popular alternative:

Feature USBDeview USB Oblivion
Main Purpose Monitor and manage USB devices Erase traces of USB activity from the registry
Device Info Displays full device and connection details Does not display USB information
Connection History Yes No
Device Management Yes No
Portability Yes Yes
Best For Diagnostics, inventory, performance testing Privacy, system cleanup

Final Verdict on this USB Device Information Tool

USBDeview remains one of the most capable free tools for monitoring and managing USB devices on Windows. With its no-install design, broad OS support, and rich feature set, it's perfect for IT professionals, system administrators, and even security teams needing insight into USB device usage.

While tools like USB Oblivion focus on erasing traces for privacy, this USB history viewer excels at delivering actionable data. Whether you're diagnosing device conflicts, logging unauthorized access, or running USB benchmarks, it's a must-have utility for your digital toolkit.