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

[Oblivion1991]

Thank you for your long and great reply

Then why not say:
"All of the greyed-out devices were likely installed at the factory during pre-shipment testing and setup"?

I just confused me...

[Hawks_Eye]

@Oblivion1991 

You're very welcome! I see what you're getting at—the wording might have felt a bit roundabout. 

The reason it didn't say "All the greyed-out devices were installed at the factory" outright is likely because, in rare cases, greyed-out entries can come from other sources (like a device briefly connected by the user or Windows preloading some generic drivers). 

The wording aimed to acknowledge that possibility while still emphasizing the factory setup as the most probable explanation.

If you ever need more clarity on technical topics, I’m happy to help untangle things! 😊

Regards,

Hawks_Eye

[Oblivion1991]

Thank you for your great clarification.

My questions was regarding:

First timed I turned on the laptop and completed OBEE, and then afterwards looked in Device Manager - there were several "greyed out" devices.

My questions was regarding those "greyed out" devices.

I just wanted to make sure, that the "greyed out" devices was intented to be there, and not something shady / harmful.

"Windows preloading some generic drivers" - this could have been a valid reason.

But everytime I have used the laptop, I have kept track if anything changed in Device Manager.

Nothing has changed in Device Manager through time.

Therefor I can conclude and trust the following?

They are from the factory and manufacturer proces:

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.

1. Disconnected Devices:
   
   • 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.

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.

• These devices are not from a previous owner—they originate from OEM provisioning (the manufacturer’s internal setup before shipping).
• They were installed during pre-shipment testing, meaning the manufacturer might have connected the system to internal networks, tested components, or preloaded drivers.
• Windows leaves them ghosted in Device Manager so that if the same hardware is detected again, it can reuse the drivers without reinstalling them.

So yes, the greyed-out entries you’re seeing were most likely created before you ever powered on your laptop, during the manufacturer’s factory setup.

Thank you