Read hardware IDs, find drivers and debug PCI devices from the shell. 16.11.2025 | reading time: 3 min On Linux the `lspci` tool is the fastest way to list PCI and PCIe devices, reveal vendor and device IDs, and check which kernel driver is bound; this page shows commands to try and explains when to run them. Quick inspection example Try a simple discovery run and read the output as shown below to identify hardware and drivers: ```bash $ lspci -nnk 00:00.0 Host bridge [0600]: Intel Corporation 440FX - 82441FX PMC [Natoma] [8086:1237] 00:02.0 VGA compatible controller [0300]: Cirrus Logic GD 5446 [1013:00b8] 00:03.0 Ethernet controller [0200]: Virtio network device [1af4:1000] Kernel driver in use: virtio_net $ lspci -s 00:03.0 -vv 00:03.0 Ethernet controller: Virtio network device [1af4:1000] (rev 01) Subsystem: Virtio device Capabilities: [40] Power Management version 3 ``` Options that reveal details Use `-nn` to show numeric vendor:device IDs, `-k` to display kernel drivers and modules, `-v` or `-vv` for verbose capability lists, `-x` or `-xxx` to dump PCI config space, `-s` to focus a slot, and `-d` to filter by vendor:device; note that some dumps require root or CAP_SYS_RAWIO and that `update-pciids` refreshes the local pci.ids name database. When and why to dig deeper Check `lspci` when a device is missing, the driver is not loaded, or you need the exact vendor and device IDs for firmware or driver selection; combine `lspci -nnk` with `dmesg`, `lsmod`, and `udevadm info` to trace binding problems and to confirm why a particular kernel module handles a device. Complementary utilities For deeper inspection use `setpci` to read or write PCI config registers, `lshw` to get a unified hardware report including PCI nodes, and `udevadm` to inspect device properties and udev rules; together they help move from discovery to action when troubleshooting hardware. Next steps for the curious Mastering `lspci` turns an unknown PCI ID into actionable facts about device capabilities and drivers, which shortens debugging cycles and improves system maintenance; continue practicing on varied systems and consider formalizing skills with CompTIA Linux+ or LPIC-1 preparation at bitsandbytes.academy for intensive exam training. Join Bits & Bytes Academy First class LINUX exam preparation. utilities troubleshooting infrastructure virtualization
