Hardware ID

A hardware ID is a structured identifier Windows builds from values reported by a device, such as its vendor, model, subsystem, and revision. You can copy the ranked list from Device Manager under Properties, Details, Hardware Ids. During installation, Windows compares those strings with the models declared in available INF files and selects the most specific trusted match. That process is why a package made for a similar-looking product may be rejected even when the brand name is right. When a component is unknown, save the first ID in the list and use it to verify the exact model with the PC or component maker. Avoid posting the entire device inventory publicly when one relevant identifier is enough.