Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe message means the Intel installer cannot find a compatible Ethernet adapter exposed to Windows. It does not prove that every Intel driver is missing. The package may be wrong for the adapter or Windows version, the computer may require an OEM-customized LAN driver, the adapter may be disabled or hidden, or Windows may not be detecting the hardware at all.
Start in Device Manager. Whether an Ethernet Controller is listed, which warning code it shows, and whether the adapter appears under hidden devices determines whether you should apply an extracted driver, use the computer maker’s package, repair detection, or investigate hardware.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What the error actually means
An Intel Ethernet installer checks the hardware identifiers exposed by Windows before copying a driver. “No Intel(R) Adapters are present in this computer” appears when that check finds no matching device in the package’s supported list. The failure can therefore be caused by a mismatch rather than a missing driver.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →- The download may target a different Intel adapter, Windows edition, architecture, or driver branch.
- An onboard LAN controller may need a package customized and validated by the computer or motherboard manufacturer.
- The adapter may be disabled, hidden, or shown only as a generic Ethernet Controller.
- Windows may regard a removable adapter as disconnected.
- The controller may not be detected because of a connection, slot, firmware, or hardware problem.
Do not rerun the same installer repeatedly until you know which of these conditions applies. Device Manager provides the evidence for the next step.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Wi-Fi 6E】With Intel Wi-Fi 6E technology network adapter provides strong performance and good compatibility, while reducing power consumption and improving service life.
- 【AX210 NGW Wireless LAN Card】Provides tri-band (6GHz, 5GHz and 2.4GHz) signal. Maximum speed up to 5374Mbps(2400Mbps @6GHz + 2400Mbps @5GHz + 574Mbps @2.4GHz).
- 【Bluetooth 5.3】Based on Bluetooth 5.2, Bluetooth 5.3 adds LE enhanced connection/Host set Controller key length function/LE channel hierarchy function. Make Bluetooth 5.3 lower latency, stronger anti-interference, improve battery life.
- 【Installation Requirements】For motherboards with Intel CPU and M.2 network slot, NGFF M2 2230 A/E key.Not supported CNVIo2 protocol M.2 slot and mini PCIe slot laptops.
- 【Compatible System】Support Windows 11/10 64-bit, WiFi and Bluetooth drivers need to be installed on the running PC (search "AX210NGW" from Intel website to download and install wifi and Bluetooth drivers).
Identify the condition in Device Manager
Open the hardware list
- Sign in with an administrator account.
- Open Device Manager from the Start menu or Windows search.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Look for an Intel adapter name, an entry called Ethernet Controller, or a warning icon.
If Ethernet Controller appears with a yellow warning icon, Windows sees the hardware but does not have a usable driver. That is the situation in which a manually applied, extracted package can succeed even when the self-extracting installer refuses to run.
If no relevant entry appears, select View > Show hidden devices, then expand Network adapters again. Microsoft’s guidance is that an adapter absent from Device Manager is not being detected by Windows. A hidden entry can reveal a disabled or previously present device, but a completely absent controller requires detection and hardware checks rather than blind driver installation.
Record the details before changing anything
Write down the computer or motherboard model, Windows edition and build, the adapter name, and any Device Manager code. A model-specific package cannot be selected reliably without those details. If the adapter is listed, open its Properties and note the text on the General tab and the current driver information on the Driver tab.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The hardware ID is also useful when several Ethernet devices are present. In the device’s Properties window, open Details, choose Hardware Ids from the property list, and preserve the values for the computer or motherboard manufacturer’s support page. Do not substitute a generic Intel download until the model or hardware ID is known.
Rank #2
- AC1300 Dual Band Wi-Fi Adapter for PC, Desktop and Laptop. Archer T3U provides 2.4G/5G strong high speed connection throughout your house.
- Archer T3U also provides MU-MIMO, which delivers Beamforming connection for lag-free Wi-Fi experience.
- Usb 3.0 provides 10x faster speed than USB 2.0, along with mini and portable size that allows the user to carry the device everywhere.
- World's 1 provider of consumer Wi-Fi for 7 consecutive years - according to IDC Q2 2018 report
- Supports Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP/ Mac OS X 10.9-10.14
Use the Device Manager result to choose a fix
| What you see | What it indicates | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet Controller with a yellow warning icon | Windows detects hardware but lacks a usable driver | Apply the correct extracted package manually, preferably the OEM package for onboard LAN |
| Adapter listed but disabled | The device is present but Windows has disabled it | Right-click it and choose Enable device |
| Adapter appears only under hidden devices | Windows has a non-present or previously enumerated device record | Check whether it can be enabled; continue with detection checks if it remains unavailable |
| Code 28 | The driver is not installed | Install the matching driver package manually or through the OEM installer |
| Code 43 | A driver reported that the device had a problem | Confirm the package, perform a clean reinstall, and investigate hardware if the code returns |
| Code 45 | Windows considers the hardware not connected | Reconnect the adapter or inspect the slot, cable, and physical installation before reinstalling drivers |
| No adapter or controller anywhere | Windows is not detecting the Ethernet hardware | Investigate disablement, firmware or physical hardware; a driver installer cannot repair an absent device |
Install the computer maker’s LAN driver first
For Ethernet built into a third-party desktop, laptop, or motherboard, the manufacturer’s support page is normally the right owner of the driver package. Intel notes that Driver & Support Assistant may not identify components supported by the computer manufacturer. OEM packages can include system-specific validation or customization that a generic Intel package does not contain.
- Use another internet-connected device if the affected computer is offline.
- Search the computer or motherboard manufacturer’s support site for the exact model.
- Select the matching Windows edition and architecture shown in the system’s specifications.
- Download the Ethernet or LAN package, not a package for a different network device.
- Transfer the installer to the affected computer and run it with administrator rights.
If the manufacturer offers several revisions, match the board or system model and hardware ID you recorded. A package for a visually similar board can still produce the same “No Intel(R) Adapters” message.
Apply an extracted package manually
Use this method when Device Manager lists the controller but the Intel self-extracting installer says that no adapter is present. Intel’s manual procedure works from the files extracted by the package.
Recommended Free Tools
- Run the driver download or open it with an archive utility so its files are extracted to a known folder.
- In Device Manager, right-click the affected Ethernet Controller or adapter and select Update driver.
- Choose Browse my computer for driver software.
- Point the browser to the folder containing the extracted driver files.
- Check Include subfolders, then continue through the wizard.
- Restart Windows when the installation completes, even if the wizard does not insist on a restart.
This procedure does not bypass compatibility checks. If Windows rejects the files, return to the model, hardware ID, Windows version, and OEM-versus-Intel decision rather than forcing an unrelated driver.
Rank #3
- 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐅𝐈 𝟔 - Reach incredible speeds up to 2.4 Gbps (2402 Mbps in 5 GHz or 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz) with ultra-low latency and uninterrupted connectivity using Wi-Fi 6 technologies¹
- 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐂 - The networking card is equipped with OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology to reduce lag so you can enjoy ultra-responsive real-time gaming, or an immersive VR experience on even the busiest networks
- 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - 2 powerful signal-boost, high-gain antennas greatly inrease range for a smoother online gaming experience in further away distances
- 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝟓.𝟐 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - Equipped with the latest Bluetooth technology, Archer TX55E achieves 2x faster speeds and 4x broader coverage compared to Bluetooth 4.2 so you can connect your favorite devices such as game controllers, headphones, and keyboards for the ultimate setup.²
- 𝐂𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐖𝐏𝐀𝟑 - Protector your network with the latest WPA3 security protocol so your information transmitted via the wireless adapter is secure from hackers³
Enable or reveal a disabled adapter
A disabled device can make an installer behave as if no adapter exists. In Device Manager, select View > Show hidden devices and expand Network adapters. If the Intel or Ethernet entry is present but disabled, right-click it and select Enable device. Wait for the device to reappear normally, then run the appropriate OEM or Intel package.
If enabling fails or the entry disappears again, note the resulting Device Manager code. Code 45 has a specific meaning: Windows currently considers the hardware not connected. Microsoft says reconnecting the device clears that status. For a removable network card, power off the computer and reseat the card in its slot; for a USB Ethernet adapter, reconnect it directly to the computer; for onboard LAN, continue with firmware and hardware checks because there is no external adapter to reseat.
Understand Codes 28, 43, and 45
Code 28: no driver installed
Code 28 indicates that the driver is not installed. When the controller is visible, use the extracted-file procedure or the computer maker’s validated package. The code alone does not identify the exact package, so use the hardware ID and Windows version.
Code 43: the device reported a problem
Code 43 means a driver reported that the device had a problem. Confirm that the package matches the adapter, then perform the clean reinstall described below. If Code 43 returns with the correct package, treat it as a possible device or system problem instead of repeatedly downloading drivers.
Rank #4
- 𝐖𝐢𝐅𝐢 𝟔𝐄 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝 - Reach incredible speeds up to 2.4 Gbps (2402 Mbps in 6GHz, 2402 Mbps in 5 GHz or 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz) with ultra-low latency and uninterrupted connectivity using Wi-Fi 6E technologies. To utilize 6GHz Wi-Fi, the user needs to be using Windows 11.
- 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 — The latest Intel Wi-Fi 6E chipset’s reduced latency and improved reliability unlocks your Wi-Fi 6E router’s full potential
- 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 — Two powerful signal-boosting high-gain antennas greatly extend existing Wi-Fi coverage, offering a fast, smooth online experience from farther away
- 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝟓.𝟑 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - Equipped with the latest Bluetooth technology, this PCIe adapter achieves 2x faster speeds and 4x broader coverage compared to Bluetooth 4.2.
- 𝐂𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐖𝐏𝐀𝟑 - Protector your network with the latest WPA3 security protocol so your information transmitted via the wireless adapter is secure from hackers
Code 45: hardware considered disconnected
Code 45 means “Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer.” Reconnect the device and inspect its physical installation. A driver reinstall cannot make Windows detect a card that is not connected or has failed.
Perform a clean reinstall after detection is confirmed
Use a clean reinstall only after Device Manager confirms that the Ethernet controller exists. Removing driver software will clear stale files, but it cannot create a hardware entry that Windows does not detect.
- In Device Manager, right-click the Ethernet device and choose Uninstall device.
- Select Delete the driver software for this device when that option appears.
- Confirm the uninstall and restart Windows if prompted.
- Clear the temporary files in
%Temp%. - Install the latest package that matches the adapter, Windows version, and system ownership. Use the OEM package for onboard LAN unless the adapter is an Intel add-in card with a supported Intel package.
- Restart again, then inspect Device Manager for the adapter and its status.
Keep a copy of the correct package locally before uninstalling if the computer has no alternate network connection. If the device vanishes after removal, use the saved installer and the manual extracted-folder method.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Verify the installed driver correctly
Administrative rights are required for Intel’s installation procedures. After installation, open the adapter’s Properties in Device Manager and select the Driver tab. Check the installed driver version and date there. Intel warns that the version shown in the package filename is not necessarily the same as the version Windows reports as installed, so do not use the download filename as proof of success.
Best Value
- 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 – This compact USB Wi-Fi adapter provides long-range and lag-free connections wherever you are. Upgrade your PCs or laptops to 802.11ac standards which are three times faster than wireless N speeds.
- 𝐒𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐚𝐠 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 – Get Wi-Fi speeds up to 200 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and up to 433 Mbps on the 5 GHz band for upgraded web surfing, gaming, and streaming. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟐.𝟒 𝐆𝐇𝐳 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟓 𝐆𝐇𝐳 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 – Dual-bands provide flexible connectivity, giving your devices access to the latest routers for faster speeds and extended range. Wireless Security - WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
- 𝟓𝐝𝐁𝐢 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐆𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚 – The high gain antenna of the Archer T2U Plus greatly enhances the reception and transmission of WiFi signal strengths.
- 𝐀𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚: Rotate the multi-directional antenna to face your router to improve your experience and performance
Confirm all three outcomes: the adapter remains listed after a restart, the warning icon is gone, and the Driver tab shows the intended provider and version. If the installer reports success but the controller still has Code 28, Code 43, or Code 45, the underlying mismatch or detection problem remains.
Special case: Intel Gigabit CT Desktop Adapter EXPI9301CT
An Intel Community case with this exact wording involved the Intel Gigabit CT Desktop Adapter (EXPI9301CT). Intel support stated that this model has inbox-only support and that “These adapters can’t be updated using automated or manual methods.” In that case, searching for the model is useful when evaluating replacement hardware, but it is not a universal solution to the installer message.
Before buying or installing an EXPI9301CT, verify the available slot, the operating-system support for the specific system, and whether the computer actually needs a replacement network interface. Stock and compatibility can vary. A replacement card also does not solve an onboard controller that is merely disabled or hidden.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11When software troubleshooting is no longer enough
- The adapter is absent from Device Manager even with hidden devices shown.
- Code 45 remains after reconnecting or reseating a removable adapter.
- Code 43 returns after the correct OEM or Intel package and a clean reinstall.
- The system firmware or motherboard configuration disables onboard LAN.
- A known-good adapter works in the computer while the original device never appears.
At that point, compare the recorded model, hardware ID, Windows edition, and Device Manager code with the system or motherboard manufacturer’s support guidance. If the controller is physically failed, replacing the network interface may be more practical than further driver experiments. The EXPI9301CT is one model-specific search term from the documented case, not a recommendation for every computer.
Quick Recap
As an optional shortcut after you identify the adapter, Outbyte Driver Updater can scan more than 100 devices, look for outdated, corrupted, or missing drivers, install official drivers, show the current and recommended versions, and provide driver backup, restore, and scheduled scans. It runs on Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7; a 2-day free trial requires no credit card before a subscription. Results vary, and no tool repairs every detection or hardware failure.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
