The Qualcomm Atheros AR8161/8165 PCI-E Fast Ethernet Controller (NDIS 620) is a network interface controller (NIC) used in many computers, particularly laptops and desktops, to provide wired Ethernet connectivity. The NDIS 620 refers to the Network Driver Interface Specification version, which defines the driver interface for Ethernet controllers in Windows environments.

What is the Qualcomm Atheros AR8161/8165 Driver?

Windows network driver that ensures this Ethernet controller works correctly within the Windows environment, providing a stable wired connection.

Steps to Install Qualcomm Atheros AR8161/8165 PCI-E Fast Ethernet Controller (NDIS 620) Driver on Windows

1. Download the Driver

• Option 1:

  • Go to the Qualcomm website (or the website of the specific device manufacturer).
  • Search for the AR8161/8165 Ethernet Controller.
  • Select the appropriate driver version for your Windows OS (e.g., Windows 10, Windows 11, etc.).
  • Download the driver file (usually an .exe file or .zip archive).

• Option 2:

  • Atheros AR8161/8165 driver specific to your system model.

2. Install the Driver

Once the driver is downloaded, follow these steps to install it:

• For `.exe (Executable Installer) File:

  1. Run the Installer: Double-click on the .exe file to begin the installation process.
  2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the driver.
  3. Once the installation completes, you may be prompted to restart your computer. Do so to complete the installation.

• For .zip File (Manual Installation):

  1. Extract the Files: If the downloaded driver is in a ZIP file, right-click the ZIP file and select Extract All.
  2. Locate the Setup File: Open the extracted folder and look for an executable installer (typically named something like setup.exe).
  3. Run the Setup: Double-click to run the installation and follow the prompts.
  4. After the installation is complete, restart your computer.

• Manual Driver Installation via Device Manager (If the driver does not automatically install):

  1. Open Device Manager (you can search for "Device Manager" in the Start menu).
  2. Expand the Network adapters section, where you should see the Atheros AR8161/8165 listed (it may show as "Unknown device" if the driver is not installed).
  3. Right-click on the device and select Update Driver.
  4. Select Browse my computer for driver software and navigate to the folder where you extracted or downloaded the driver files.
  5. Click Next to install the driver manually.

3. Verify Installation

• Check Device Manager:
  After the restart, open Device Manager again and check the Network adapters section. The Atheros AR8161/8165 should now be listed without any warning signs (yellow triangle or exclamation mark).

• Test the Network Connection:

  • Plug in an Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on your computer and connect the other end to your router or network switch.
  • Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings to check if the adapter shows as connected.
  • Try accessing a website or pinging an IP address to verify that the network connection is active.

4. Troubleshooting

• Adapter Not Showing in Device Manager:
  If the adapter does not appear after installing the driver, try restarting your computer and ensure the Ethernet cable is securely connected. If the issue persists, you might want to try a different PCIe slot (if it's a desktop) or check for BIOS/firmware settings related to the Ethernet controller.

• No Network Connectivity:

  • Ensure the Ethernet cable and router are working properly.
  • Make sure there are no IP address conflicts or firewall settings blocking the connection.
  • Double-check that the driver version you installed matches your operating system (e.g., Windows 10, 32-bit vs. 64-bit).

• Driver Update:
  

Conclusion

To install the Qualcomm Atheros AR8161/8165 PCI-E Fast Ethernet Controller (NDIS 620)