How To Fix “PCI Device Driver Missing” on Windows PC - Tutorial

Introduction

Facing the 'PCI Device Driver Missing' error on your Windows PC can be frustrating. This guide will help you resolve this issue through simple steps, ensuring your hardware communicates effectively with your system. Follow these instructions to update, install, or troubleshoot the PCI driver.

Resolve 'PCI Device Driver Missing' Error

Updating PCI Driver Automatically

1. Open Device Manager:

   • Type 'Device Manager' in your Start Menu and press Enter.

2. Identify the Problematic Driver:

   • Look for the PCI driver with a yellow exclamation mark.

3. Update Driver:

   • Right-click on the PCI driver and select 'Update Driver'.

   • Choose 'Search Automatically for Drivers'. Windows will search for and install any available driver updates.

Device Manager > PCI Device > Update Driver

Manual Driver Update Approach

• Access Driver Properties:

  • Right-click the PCI device in Device Manager and select 'Properties'.

  • Go to the 'Details' tab.

• Find Hardware ID:

  • Select 'Hardware Ids' from the dropdown menu under 'Property'.

  • Copy the top ID.

• Search and Download Driver:

  • Search the copied hardware ID online for the appropriate driver, preferably from the manufacturer's website.

  • Download and install the driver manually following the setup instructions.

Copy PCI driver value

Check for Windows Updates

1. Open Settings:

   • Navigate to 'Settings' on your Windows PC.

2. Check for Updates:

   • Go to 'Windows Update' and click 'Check for Updates'.

   • Download and install any available updates.

3. Restart Your PC:

   • Restart your computer to complete the update process.

Windows Settings > Windows Update

Reinstalling the PCI Driver

1. Uninstall Driver:

   • In Device Manager, right-click the PCI device with the error.

   • Select 'Uninstall device'.

2. Restart Your Computer:

   • Restart your PC. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically upon reboot.

Device Manager > PCI Device > Uninstall Device

Utilize System Restore

1. Open System Restore:

   • Search for 'System Restore' in the Start Menu.

2. Select Restore Point:

   • Follow on-screen instructions to choose a restore point from before the error occurred.

3. Complete the Process:

   • Complete the System Restore process to roll back your system to a previous state.

System Settings > Recovery

These steps will help you address and fix the 'PCI Device Driver Missing' error on your Windows PC.

• What causes the 'PCI Device Driver Missing' error on Windows?

  This error often occurs when Windows fails to recognize hardware connected via PCI slots, typically due to missing, outdated, or corrupted drivers.

• Can updating Windows fix the PCI device driver error?

  Yes, sometimes the issue is related to pending Windows updates. Performing an update can resolve driver compatibility issues.

• How do I update my PCI device driver?

  Open 'Device Manager', locate the PCI device with an error, right-click, and select 'Update Driver'. Choose to search automatically for drivers.

• What if automatic driver updates don't fix the problem?

  If automatic updates don't work, manually download and install the driver using the hardware ID from the 'Properties' of the PCI device in Device Manager.

• Is it safe to uninstall the PCI device driver?

  Yes, uninstalling the driver from Device Manager is safe. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver upon reboot, potentially fixing the issue.