The Intel(R) USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller driver is a software component that allows your computer's operating system (in this case, Windows) to communicate with and properly manage USB 3.0 ports and devices connected to your system. This driver is essential for the functioning of USB 3.0 ports, which provide faster data transfer rates (up to 5 Gbps) compared to USB 2.0.

The "eXtensible Host Controller" is part of the USB 3.0 specification, and this driver enables the use of high-speed USB devices (e.g., external hard drives, flash drives, printers) on compatible hardware.

Steps to Install the Intel(R) USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller Driver

1. Check if the driver is already installed:

• Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
• Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
• Look for an entry like Intel(R) USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller. If it is present and doesn't have a warning symbol (yellow triangle), the driver is already installed.

2. Install the driver via Windows Update (Automatic method):

• Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
• Navigate to Update & Security ? Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates.
• Windows will automatically search for the latest drivers, including for USB controllers.
• If it finds an update for the Intel USB 3.0 driver, it will install it automatically.

3. Manually install the driver:

• Visit Intel's official website:

  • Go to Intel's Driver & Support Assistant page.
  • Download and run the Intel Driver & Support Assistant, which will automatically detect your system and recommend the correct drivers.

• Alternatively, download the driver directly:

  • Once you find the driver for your chipset and operating system, download the appropriate version.

• Install the driver manually:

  • After downloading the driver, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.
  • After installation, restart your computer to apply the changes.

4. Install the driver via Device Manager (if manual installation is needed):

If you've downloaded the driver package manually (from Intel or your computer manufacturer), you can install it through Device Manager:

• Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
• Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
• Right-click on Intel(R) USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller and choose Update driver.
• Select Browse my computer for driver software.
• Navigate to the folder where you downloaded the driver and select it.
• Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

After the driver installation, restart your computer to ensure everything is properly set up.

5. Verify Installation:

• After installing the driver, go back to Device Manager and verify that there are no warning symbols next to the Intel(R) USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller.
• If the device shows up correctly, the driver has been installed successfully.
• You can also check your USB 3.0 ports by connecting a USB 3.0-compatible device and confirming that it functions at high speed (e.g., checking transfer rates or using a USB 3.0 external hard drive).

Troubleshooting

• Driver conflicts or errors: If the driver is not installing properly or if you are encountering issues with the USB 3.0 ports, you can try:
  • Uninstalling the driver: In Device Manager, right-click the Intel USB 3.0 controller, choose Uninstall device, then restart your computer. Windows may automatically reinstall the driver.
  • Checking for chipset drivers: The USB 3.0 host controller is often part of the motherboard chipset drivers. Ensure you have the latest chipset drivers from Intel or your computer's manufacturer.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully install or update the Intel(R) USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller driver.