Methods to Fix Missing PCI Device Driver in Windows
The "Missing PCI Device Driver" issue in Windows can cause hardware malfunctions. This article offers several solutions to help fix the problem.
1. Check for Driver Updates
Outdated or corrupted drivers are common causes of the "Missing PCI Device Driver" issue in Windows. Updating device drivers promptly can effectively resolve this issue. It is recommended to use Driver Sentry to automatically detect and update drivers, saving time and avoiding the risk of downloading or installing incorrect drivers.
Click the download button to get the latest version of Driver Sentry, install it, and open the software. Click "Scan".
After scanning, it will show which drivers are missing or need updating. Find the PCI device driver in the list and click the "Upgrade" button.
Once the update is complete, it is recommended to restart your computer to ensure the updated drivers take effect.
2. Check Device Status in Device Manager
Press Windows + X and select "Device Manager" from the menu.
In Device Manager, expand the "Other devices" or "PCI Controllers" category, and check if any devices have a yellow exclamation mark (indicating a problem).
If a device has an issue, right-click on it and select "Properties".
In the "Device Status" tab, review the device details. The system will display any error codes or information related to the device.
If the device status shows "Missing Driver", you can right-click the device, select "Update Driver", and choose to "Search automatically for drivers".
3. Manually Download PCI Device Drivers
Press Windows + R, type "devmgmt.msc" in the input box, and press Enter.
In the Device Manager window, click "View" in the top toolbar, then select "Show hidden devices" from the dropdown menu.
Expand the "Other devices" or "Unknown devices" category, right-click your PCI device, and select "Properties".
In the Properties window, switch to the "Details" tab. From the Property dropdown menu, select "Hardware Ids".
Right-click the first value and select "Copy".
Open your default browser, paste the copied hardware ID value into the search box, and press Enter.
For more precise results, add keywords like "driver" or your operating system name after the hardware ID.
From the search results, select the appropriate driver for your device. Go to the provider's official website or a trusted source to download and install the driver.
4. Check for System Updates
Click the "Start" menu, select "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Windows Update".
In the Windows Update page, click "Check for Updates". Windows will automatically scan and download available updates.
If updates are available, click "Install Updates" and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Once installation is complete, restart your computer to ensure all updates take effect.
After updating, return to Device Manager and check if the PCI device driver has been successfully installed or updated.
5. Check for Hardware Failures
If you are using an external PCI card, first check if the PCI card is correctly inserted into the motherboard slot and ensure the connection is secure.
For laptops, check if there are any external PCI devices or expansion cards causing the issue.
If the problem persists, try removing the device and connecting it to another computer or motherboard slot to see if the issue remains. If the device is still not recognized on another computer, it may indicate a hardware failure.
If you suspect hardware failure, it is recommended to contact professional repair services or the hardware manufacturer for diagnostics and repairs.
Following the steps above should resolve the "Missing PCI Device Driver" issue. If the problem persists, contact a professional for further help.
See also:
6 Ways to Fix Windows 11 Unidentified Network Issue
How to Fix Windows 10 'This Device Cannot Start (Code 10)' Error
