VMXNET3 Network Adapter missing inside the Guest OS

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

• VMXNET3 Network adapters are unavailable within the guest operating system following the recent Windows update.
• But the Network Adapter will be visible under VM's "Edit Settings" 
• Removing and Readding the Network Adapter won't resolve the issue. 
• Verifying in the Device Manager shows a warning on the Ethernet Controller with the status: "The drivers for this device are not installed (Code 28)."

         

Environment

vSphere ESXi

Cause

Following Operating System modifications (such as installing Windows updates), the network drivers in the guest operating system are unavailable.

Resolution

1. To resolve the issue, install the missing drivers inside the Guest Operating System following the steps below 

• Go to VM's Edit Settings and add the network adapter(E1000e) to the virtual machine.
• Inside the Guest OS , configure the E1000e adapter's network settings to ensure outbound Internet connectivity (e.g., set up with DHCP or static IP).
• In Device Manager, locate the vmxnet3's Ethernet Controller, right-click, and select Update Driver.
• Allow the guest OS to automatically search for and install the required drivers from the Internet

• Post the driver installation, verify the network adapter is correctly displayed and functional within the guest OS.

 

2. As an alternative, you may also consider uninstalling and then reinstalling VMware Tools on the effected Virtual Machine.

3. If none of the above steps resolves the issue, raise a case with Broadcom Support.

Additional Information

Network Controller Code 28 - Microsoft Q&A