What are the “greyed out” devices in Device Manager?

[Oblivion1991]

Dear all

Device Manager > Show hidden devices.

From the start of using my laptop with Windows 11. It was was brand new fresh from the vendor. When expanding both Network adapters and Bluetooth, there are some devices that are “greyed out”.

Se below link for example.
https://filestore.community.support…1b59b-b5ff-4dfd-af82-803d077ea8cc?upload=true

What are the “greyed out” devices?
Generic Windows Devices?
Devices the manufacturer had plugged in and unplugged again?

Thank you

[Max3Aj]

@Oblivion1991, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
In Device Manager, when you check View > Show hidden devices, the greyed-out entries usually mean one of two things:

1. Disconnected Devices:
   These are devices that were once connected (or installed) but aren't currently present. For example:
   • You connected a Bluetooth headset once, and now it's not connected.
   • A network adapter was active during factory setup or Windows installation but is now gone (maybe because it's virtual, or a different driver replaced it).
   • Or the system had temporary devices during testing at the factory.
2. Ghosted Drivers:
   Windows sometimes installs "generic" drivers for devices that were detected at some point. Even if the device was unplugged, Windows leaves the driver installed just in case it connects again — but greyed out to show it's inactive.

In your case (new laptop, Windows 11, factory fresh):
Most likely, these are pre-installed virtual network/Bluetooth adapters (for example: factory testing, pre-configuration, Wi-Fi setup) or generic device profiles Windows automatically added.

You don't need to worry unless:

• The greyed-out devices are throwing error symbols (like ⚠️).
• Or you're experiencing connectivity issues.

You can clean them up if you want (right-click > Uninstall device), but Windows might re-detect and re-add some of them later if it thinks they're still relevant.
 

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[Oblivion1991]

Thank you for your reply

So I can conclude, that the "greyed out" devices in Network adapters and Bluetooth, in Device Manager, are from before I bought the laptop?

My laptop came with pre-installed Windows 11S - out of the box experience / first time I turned it on, I had to create profile, chose language etc.

Does this change your replies?

[Garp_senchau]

@Oblivion1991, Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you so much for posting your query! My colleague @Max3Aj is currently out, but don't worry – I’ll be taking over and making sure we get this sorted for you.

I’m here to help, and together, we’ll work through this!

Given that your laptop came with Windows 11 S pre-installed and you set it up yourself during the "out of box experience," it does not change the original explanation.

Even if it’s the first time you've used the laptop, the manufacturer often runs setup, testing, and imaging procedures before shipping. During this factory stage, the system might:

Connect to internal networks or test Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality.

Use diagnostic or virtual adapters (like remote management or provisioning tools).

Leave behind device entries that are no longer present by the time the laptop reaches you.

These devices are usually harmless remnants from the factory process. Windows leaves them "ghosted" (greyed out) so that if the same hardware is detected again, it can reuse the driver without needing to reinstall it.

So yes — you can safely conclude that these greyed-out entries most likely originated before you received the laptop, during the internal setup or testing phase at the factory. You're not seeing any personal or leftover devices from a previous owner — just part of the OEM provisioning process.

I truly hope these steps help get things back on track. If you have any questions or need any further clarification, just let me know – I’m happy to guide you through it and make sure everything works perfectly.

Take care, and I hope you have an amazing day ahead! 😊

Problem solved? 🎉 That’s fantastic! If you could mark this as the Accepted Solution, it would help others find their way here faster. And if you found this helpful, a simple ‘yes’ would mean a lot – it makes my day and gives this reply a little street cred! 🏅

Regards,

[Oblivion1991]

Dear Garp

Thank you so much for your great answer and explanation, I really appreciate it.

Is there any infomation or log in Windows, Device Manager etc., where the installation date / time of the greyed out devices / "ghost" devices can be seen?

Is there a way to find out, when the greyed out devices / "ghost" devices was installed?

Greyed out devices / "ghost" devices, when right clicking, only Properties is available.

[Garp_senchau]

Hey @Oblivion1991,

Thank you for your response

Yes, there is a way to find installation timestamps for greyed-out or "ghost" devices in Windows.

Open Device Manager.

Make sure View > Show hidden devices is enabled.

Expand the relevant section (e.g., Network adapters or Bluetooth).

Right-click the greyed-out device > Properties.

Go to the Driver tab.

Check the Driver Date and Driver Version.

This gives the driver’s date, which is often the same or close to the device's install date — especially for built-in or generic drivers.

While Device Manager doesn't directly show the exact install date for ghosted devices, you can use the Driver tab, Event Viewer, or PowerShell to find clues. Most of the greyed-out devices were likely installed at the factory during pre-shipment testing and setup — and the install timestamps (if retrievable) will typically show a date before you ever turned the laptop on.

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

[Oblivion1991]

This gives the driver’s date, which is often the same or close to the device's install date — especially for built-in or generic drivers.

-

I tried this on another laptop

Most of them says 2006, despite the laptop being brand new

Event Viewer, or PowerShell to find clues

-

Can you elaborate on this?

Most of the greyed-out devices were likely installed at the factory during pre-shipment testing and setup

-

Most? Why not all?
When was the rest of the greyed-out devices then installed?

Thank you

[Garp_senchau]

Hey @Oblivion1991, 

Thanks for reaching out! I suggest you reach out to the nearest HP Authorised service center for personalized assistance. They can provide one-on-one help to fix the problem.

Note: There might be a nominal charge for the service they provide.

HP® Service Center Locator - United States | HP® Support

Regards,