How to Find Network-Interface-Card Drivers

Finding a driver is easier if the hardware is installed.

While most network-interface cards (NICs) include installation disks and Windows features a robust device-driver library, you may experience problems with incompatible drivers when installing older or newer hardware or when changing operating systems. Network-interface cards interface your computer with a network and other computers. Connect your broadband modem directly to your computer if the NIC provides your normal means of accessing the Internet.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Administrator access

Instructions

Updating Drivers for an Installed NIC

1. Click on "Start," then "Control Panel." Click on "Classic View" in the left column, if applicable.

2. Double click on "System." Click on "Device Manager" in the left column if using Windows 7 or Windows Vista. Click on the "Hardware" tab, then the "Device Manager" button if using Windows XP.

3. Double click "Network adapters" to expand it. Double click your network-interface card or network adapter.

4. Click on the "Driver" tab, then click on "Update Drivers." Select "Search automatically."

Search for Drivers Using the Hardware Compatibility List

1. Access the Windows Hardware Compatibility List for your operating system. (Please see Resources.)

2. Enter the name and model of your network-interface card, and select "Hardware." Allow Windows to detect your hardware instead if you have installed the card.

3. Click on the "Driver" link, if available, or on the manufacturer's "Support" link.

4. Enter the model number, and press the "Enter" key.

5. Download the latest driver for your operating system.

Find Drivers with Windows Update

1. Click on "Start," then "Control Panel." Click on "Classic View" in the left column, if applicable.

2. Double click "Windows Update."

3. Click on "Check for Updates."

4. Click on "View available updates" if Windows discovers any new files.

5. Locate and highlight your network-interface-card driver, if applicable, then click "Install."

Tips & Warnings

• If you own a mass-manufactured computer, you should contact your computer manufacturer or access its support site for drivers created specifically for your computer.

References

• Microsoft: Finding Drivers for Your Hardware

Resources

• Microsoft: Windows Hardware Compatibility List
• 3Com: Drivers
• Broadcom: Drivers