PCI Simple Communications Controller Driver Download Guide (Windows 7, 10, 11)
Jun. 30, 2025 / Updated by Violet to Windows Driver Solutions
If you’ve encountered the “PCI Simple Communications Controller” showing up with a yellow exclamation mark in your Device Manager, your system is missing a critical driver—typically the Intel Management Engine Interface (IMEI). This driver is essential for your system’s chipset communication and efficient power management. Whether you're using Windows 7, Windows 10 (64-bit), or Windows 11, this guide provides detailed, platform-specific instructions for downloading and installing the correct PCI Simple Communications Controller driver.
What Is the PCI Simple Communications Controller Driver?
The PCI Simple Communications Controller is a placeholder name that appears in Device Manager when Windows cannot identify the hardware or locate its driver. In most systems, it corresponds to the Intel Management Engine Interface, which enables communication between the operating system and the motherboard chipset.
Installing the correct PCI Simple Communications Controller driver ensures proper motherboard communication, hardware stability, and enhanced power-saving features.
How to Identify the Missing PCI Simple Communications Controller Driver
To verify that your system needs the driver:
1. Press Win + R, type devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter to open Device Manager.
2. Look for PCI Simple Communications Controller under Other Devices with a yellow warning icon.
3. Right-click it and choose Properties.
4. Go to the Details tab, and from the Property dropdown, select Hardware Ids.
5. Note the VEN_ (vendor ID) and DEV_ (device ID).
Typically, you'll see IDs like:
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1C3A
This identifier corresponds to an Intel Management Engine Interface device.
PCI Simple Communications Controller Driver Download for Windows 10 64-bit
Method 1: Use Windows Update (Basic Driver Support)
1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Windows may automatically find and install a compatible driver.
Note: This method may not install the most up-to-date or OEM-specific driver.
Method 2: Download from Intel Official Website
1. Visit the Intel Download Center.
2. Search for Intel Management Engine Interface driver.
3. Select your chipset family and Windows version (Windows 10 64-bit).
4. Download and install the package.
Recommended Download:
Intel Management Engine Interface (MEI) Version: 2040.100.0.1029
Supports Intel 6th to 10th Gen platforms.
Method 3: Use a Driver Utility like Driver Talent
To avoid manual mismatches or outdated versions:
1. Download and install Driver Talent.
2. Launch the program and click Scan.
3. It will detect missing drivers including the PCI Simple Communications Controller driver.
4. Click Install or Update to fix the issue.
PCI Simple Communications Controller Driver Windows 11
Windows 11 usually handles drivers better than older versions, but issues may still arise—especially on systems upgraded from Windows 10 or custom-built PCs.
Step-by-Step Installation for Windows 11
1. Open Device Manager.
2. Find the PCI Simple Communications Controller device.
3. Note the hardware ID.
4. Go to the Intel Download Center and search for the latest MEI driver compatible with Windows 11.
5. Download and install the Intel Management Engine Interface driver.
For 11th Gen or newer chipsets, download:
- Intel ME Driver Version: 2204.1.42.0 or newer
- Supports Windows 11 64-bit officially
Using Driver Talent on Windows 11
If you’re unsure of the chipset model or prefer automated updates:
- Install Driver Talent
- Perform a scan
- Automatically install the correct PCI Simple Communications Controller driver for Windows 11
PCI Simple Communications Controller Driver for Windows 7
Despite being an older OS, Windows 7 is still used in some enterprise environments. Installing this driver on Windows 7 often requires manual searching.
Manual Method
1. Visit your motherboard or laptop manufacturer’s official support page.
2. Input your model number.
3. Navigate to Drivers & Downloads > Chipset.
4. Download the Intel Management Engine Interface driver for Windows 7.
Typical file name:
MEI_Win7_8.1_10_11.0.6.1194.exe
Important Note: Windows 7 may require Microsoft .NET Framework or Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables to run the installer.
Alternative Method with Driver Talent
1. Install Driver Talent.
2. Run a scan.
3. Automatically detect and install the correct driver.
This method is especially useful when Windows 7 cannot connect to the internet due to other missing drivers.
PCI Simple Communications Controller Driver Windows 10 (Generic)
If you’re using Windows 10 32-bit or 64-bit, and unsure of the version:
1. Use the same Intel MEI driver available on the Intel website.
2. Match the driver version with your chipset generation (e.g., 100 Series, 200 Series).
3. You can also use Device Manager > Update Driver > Search Automatically if you have an internet connection.
However, this may not always deliver optimal drivers. We recommend using Driver Talent for a safer, faster install.
Troubleshooting PCI Simple Communications Controller Driver Issues
1. Driver Installation Failed
- Try uninstalling the existing unknown device via Device Manager first.
- Reboot your system before reinstalling the correct driver.
- Ensure you're installing the correct version (32-bit vs 64-bit, OS version).
2. Still Showing Yellow Exclamation
- Make sure the driver is compatible with your motherboard chipset.
- Install the latest chipset drivers first before installing MEI.
- If the device persists, run Windows Troubleshooter or use Driver Talent to re-analyze the issue.
Why Use Driver Talent for PCI Simple Communications Controller Driver Installation
Driver Talent is a robust and user-friendly tool that offers:
- Automatic hardware recognition
- One-click download and install
- Stable and WHQL-certified drivers
- Backup and restore driver versions
It eliminates the risk of downloading incorrect or outdated drivers and saves significant time, especially across multiple systems.
Conclusion: Download and Install PCI Simple Communications Controller Driver Easily
The PCI Simple Communications Controller driver is vital for the optimal performance of your chipset and power management features. Whether you're running Windows 10 64-bit, Windows 11, or Windows 7, ensuring the correct Intel Management Engine Interface driver is installed is essential.
For hassle-free installation and guaranteed compatibility, we highly recommend using Driver Talent. It simplifies the entire process, automates detection, and keeps your system stable and up to date.
Download Driver Talent now and fix your PCI Simple Communications Controller issue in minutes.
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