Intel ICH10 Family USB Universal Host Controller 3A38 Driver

The Intel ICH10 Family USB Universal Host Controller 3A38 driver helps Windows recognize and manage a USB controller built into Intel ICH10-based systems. It is relevant when reinstalling Windows, troubleshooting an unrecognized USB controller, or restoring support for connected peripherals such as keyboards and mice. Despite sometimes appearing under an Audio category, this device is a USB host controller—not a dedicated sound device.

Key Features

• USB device communication: Supports the controller’s role in connecting compatible USB peripherals to Windows.
• Hardware identification: Helps Windows identify the Intel controller correctly, reducing confusion when checking unknown devices in Device Manager.
• Legacy peripheral support: The UHCI controller handles low- and full-speed USB traffic; high-speed USB operation uses a separate companion controller.
• Windows integration: Works with the operating system’s USB driver framework. Depending on your system, the necessary support may already be included in Windows rather than requiring a separate Intel driver.

How to Install Intel ICH10 Family USB Universal Host Controller 3A38 Driver

1. Confirm the device. Open Device Manager and locate the controller under Universal Serial Bus controllers or Other devices. Under Properties > Details > Hardware Ids, check for `PCIVEN_8086&DEV_3A38`.
2. Check operating system compatibility. Before choosing an Intel ICH10 Family USB Universal Host Controller 3A38 driver download for Windows, verify the package supports your Windows version and architecture. For Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7, availability depends on the computer manufacturer and the package—not simply the device name.
3. Find a trusted free download. Start with Windows Update or your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s support resources. Select the latest version explicitly compatible with your system; avoid packages that promise universal Windows 10/11 support without documentation.
4. Install the appropriate package. Run the manufacturer’s installer if provided. For an extracted driver package, use Device Manager > Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers and select its folder. Do not force an incompatible driver.
5. Restart and test. Restart if requested, then check Device Manager for warnings and test a USB peripheral. If problems began after an update, consider the Roll Back Driver option when available.

Keep the driver updated through trusted sources, but prioritize compatibility over version numbers. Older ICH10 hardware may rely on Windows-provided USB support, and a chipset identification update does not necessarily replace the functional USB driver or improve performance.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Driver install fails: Run the installer as administrator and install the Intel chipset INF package first. Confirm the driver matches your Windows version and architecture; ICH10 USB UHCI drivers are often OS-specific and may reject unsupported builds.
• Controller or USB device not detected: Check BIOS for enabled USB legacy support/UHCI controller settings, then use Device Manager > Scan for hardware changes. If the controller shows a warning, uninstall it and restart so Windows re-enumerates the 3A38 device.
• Version conflicts: Remove older Intel chipset/USB packages before installing a new driver, or roll back to the previous driver. If a forced INF causes Code 10/43, revert to the Windows inbox UHCI driver and avoid mixing INF files from other ICH10 SKUs.