Quick Guide: Install Intel Network Drivers in Windows 11

If your PC has an Intel network adapter, you must install and regularly update the relevant drivers for seamless and error-free performance. Although Windows does a fine job of updating drivers, manually doing so helps eliminate a wide array of network and Internet-related issues.

How to Download, Install, and Update Intel® Network Adapter Drivers on Windows 11?​

1.1. Download Intel Network Drivers from Official Source​

• Open the Intel® Download Center:
  • Visit the Intel® Download Center website.
• Search for the Driver:
  • Use the search bar to type in your specific adapter model, such as "Intel® Ethernet Network Adapter I226-T1".
• Select the Correct Driver:
  • Find the driver compatible with Windows 11. For example, you might see "Intel® Network Adapter Driver for Microsoft Windows 11*".
• Download the Driver Package:
  • Click the download link for the latest version, such as Wired_driver_29.1_x64.zip.
• Extract the Driver Files:
  • Once downloaded, locate the ZIP file and extract its contents using software like WinRAR or 7-Zip to a temporary folder, e.g., C:\Temp\PROWinx64.

Downloading from the official source ensures you get the most stable and compatible version of the driver for your system.

1.2. Via Windows Update​

• Press Windows + I to open Settings, go to Windows Update from the left pane, and click on Advanced options.
  
• Click on Optional updates.
• Now, expand the Driver updates section, tick the checkbox for the Intel network adapter driver, if one is available, and click on Download & install.
  

2. Manually Install Intel Network Adapter Drivers​

• Open Device Manager:
  • Right-click the Start button on the taskbar and select Device Manager.
• Locate the Network Adapter:
  • Double-click on Network adapters to expand the list.
  • Right-click on the Intel® Ethernet Connection you wish to update and select Update driver.
• Browse for Driver Software:
  • Select Browse my computer for driver software.
  • Click the Browse button and navigate to the folder where you extracted the driver files. Make sure to check Include subfolders.
• Install the Driver:
  • Click Next. The system will scan the folder and install the driver software.
• Complete the Installation:
  • After installation, the network adapter should be visible without any warning icons.

Manually installing the driver ensures that you have the latest version directly applied to your network adapter, which can resolve performance issues.

3. Perform a Clean Driver Installation for Intel Ethernet Connections​

• Open Device Manager:
  • Right-click the Start button on the taskbar and select Device Manager.
• Uninstall the Existing Driver:
  • Double-click Network adapters.
  • Right-click the Intel® Ethernet Connection (model) and select Properties.
  • Click the Driver tab, then click Uninstall.
  • Check Delete the driver software for this device and click OK.
• Clear Temporary Files:
  • Press the Windows key + R, type %Temp%, and delete all files in the folder.
• Install the Latest Driver:
  • Download the latest driver from Intel’s Download Center as described in Solution 1.
  • Extract and install the driver following the steps in Solution 2.

Performing a clean installation can eliminate conflicts from previous driver versions and temporary files, leading to a more stable network connection.

4. Update Network Drivers Automatically via Device Manager​

• Open Device Manager:
  • Right-click the Start button on the taskbar and select Device Manager.
• Locate the Network Adapter:
  • Expand Network adapters.
  • Right-click on the Intel Ethernet driver you want to update and select Update driver.
• Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software:
  • Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

Using Device Manager to update drivers ensures that Windows searches for and installs the most current driver available automatically.

5. Troubleshoot Common Intel Network Driver Problems​

• Restart Your Computer:
  • Sometimes, a simple restart can fix driver issues.
• Update Network Drivers:
  • Follow the steps in Solution 4 to ensure your drivers are up-to-date.
• Reinstall Ethernet Drivers:
  • Follow Solution 3 to force Windows to reinstall Ethernet drivers.
• Reset Network Settings:
  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Type netsh winsock reset and press Enter.
  • Restart your computer.
• Troubleshoot Network Connection:
  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
  • Select Internet Connections and run the troubleshooter.
• Check Hardware:
  • Switch to another Ethernet port or use a different cable.
  • Power cycle your router or modem by unplugging it for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in.

These steps can resolve a variety of network issues, from no internet connection to slow speeds, ensuring your network adapter functions correctly.