Intel has long been known for producing top-tier network adapters. It was Intel that played a key role in pushing Wi-Fi adoption with their Centrino laptops, and they were among the first to develop high-quality, affordable 1 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, and later 10 Gbps Ethernet adapters. These adapters were known for their reliability and superior performance compared to cheaper alternatives like Realtek.
However, in recent years, Intel’s network adapters have become more of a headache. Many of them are now integrated into motherboards or use daughterboards, making replacements challenging. Worse, some Intel adapters have been plagued by persistent driver issues, particularly Wi-Fi adapters from the AC series (e.g., AC-60) and Ethernet controllers like the I219-V, which often report a Code 10 error in Windows (“Device cannot start”).
If you’re dealing with an Intel Ethernet adapter issue, don’t worry—there are several fixes available. Below, we’ll explore common troubleshooting steps and the ultimate solution: resetting the adapter’s NVM (Non-Volatile Memory).
Common Fixes for Intel Ethernet Issues
Before resorting to a full NVM reset, you might want to try some of these commonly suggested fixes:
1. Disable Certain Ethernet Features
Open Device Manager > Network Adapters > Intel Ethernet Adapter Properties.
Navigate to the Advanced tab and disable features like:
Energy Efficient Ethernet
Wake-on-LAN settings
2. Disable Above 4G Decoding in BIOS
This is particularly relevant for AMD motherboards with BIOS versions from around 2020.
If disabling 4G decoding fixes the issue but you need it for Resizable BAR support, update your motherboard BIOS.
3. Perform a Power Cycle
Completely unplug your PC from power.
Disconnect the Ethernet cable.
Wait for 5 minutes before plugging everything back in.
If this temporarily resolves the issue, consider disabling Fast Startup in Windows under Power Options.
4. Check for Hardware Damage
If your Ethernet port was exposed to lightning or power surges, there’s a small chance it could be fried. However, most Intel adapters can handle up to 15kV surges, so this is unlikely.
Check if the Ethernet port LED lights are still on—if they are, your hardware is likely fine.
The Ultimate Fix: Resetting Intel Adapter’s NVM
Intel Ethernet adapters store parameters in their NVM memory, which can sometimes become corrupted. Resetting the NVM usually restores functionality.
How to Reset the NVM of an Intel Ethernet Adapter
Step 1: Download Intel’s Ethernet Preboot Utility
Visit Intel’s official website and download the Ethernet Preboot Utility for Windows (a ZIP archive).
Extract the files into a folder on your PC.
Step 2: Open Command Prompt with Administrator Privileges
Search for Command Prompt in Windows.
Right-click and select Run as administrator.
Navigate to the folder where you extracted the Intel utilities.
Step 3: Install Necessary Drivers
Run the following command:
install.bat
This will install the required drivers for the utility to work.
Step 4: Reset the NVM Memory
Disconnect the Ethernet cable from your Intel adapter.
Run one of the following commands based on your setup:
For a single adapter:
eeupdate /NIC=1 /DEFCONFIG
For all Intel adapters on your system:
eeupdate /ALL /DEFCONFIG
Step 5: Reboot and Reconnect
Restart your computer.
Reconnect the Ethernet cable.
Your Intel adapter should now work properly.
If You Get an Error…
If you see an error like “Unable to locate the driver component,” it means you skipped Step 3. Run install.bat first and then retry the reset command.
Why This Works
Unlike Realtek adapters, which rely on software processing via the CPU, Intel Ethernet controllers handle most processing on the chip itself. That means reinstalling Windows or switching to Linux won’t resolve the issue—only clearing the corrupted NVM settings will.
If you’re using Linux, Intel provides a similar utility for resetting the adapter’s NVM. The process is nearly identical to the Windows method outlined above.
Conclusion
Intel network adapters have long been known for their quality, but recent models have suffered from driver and firmware issues. Fortunately, the NVM reset method can fix most problems and restore full functionality. By following these steps, you can get your Intel Ethernet adapter working again without unnecessary troubleshooting or replacing hardware.