Windows Server 2022 Virtual Machine Loses Network Connectivity When Using E1000E Adapter.

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

• Windows Server 2022 virtual machines (VMs) experience intermittent or complete loss of network connectivity when configured with the E1000E network adapter. Symptoms include:

  • The VM becomes unreachable over the network (e.g., RDP, file shares, etc.).

  • Packet loss or dropped packets observed in network monitoring tools.

  • Network adapter shows limited or no connectivity in the VM.

  • Logs in the Event Viewer of the Windows Server 2022 VM may show network-related errors.

Environment

VMware vSphere ESXi 7.x
VMware vCenter Server 7.x
VMware vSphere ESXi 8.x
VMware vCenter Server 8.x

Cause

The E1000E virtual network adapter, while supported for various operating systems, is not optimized for Windows Server 2022. The loss of connectivity is due to compatibility issues between the E1000E driver and the Windows Server 2022 network stack, leading to instability.

Resolution

• The VMXNET3 adapter is the recommended network adapter for Windows Server 2022 due to its high performance and enhanced compatibility with VMware environments. Switch to this adapter type for all affected VMs to ensure stable network connectivity.

• VMXNET3 Benefits:

  • High performance.

  • Support for advanced features like TSO, LRO, and Jumbo Frames.

  • Optimized for VMware environments.

• E1000E Limitations:

  • Legacy adapter.

  • Limited support for modern OS network stacks.

Additional Information

Choosing a network adapter for a virtual machine

Reasons why E1000E is not recommended:

1. Legacy Adapter: E1000E is a legacy adapter designed for older guest operating systems and may lack optimizations for modern workloads.
2. Performance Limitations: It does not provide advanced features or the performance capabilities of VMXNET3.
3. Compatibility Issues: Newer operating systems, such as Windows Server 2022, may exhibit connectivity problems or suboptimal performance when using E1000E.

Recommended Action:

For Windows Server 2022, use the VMXNET3 adapter, as it offers:

• Higher throughput and lower CPU usage.
• Support for advanced features like jumbo frames, RSS (Receive Side Scaling), and IPv6 offloads.
• Full compatibility with VMware Tools.