Name: VMWare Vmxnet3 Ethernet Adapter Driver
Author: VMware

Question 1

Install fails or Device Manager shows a warning?

Accepted Answer

Install VMware Tools from the same ESXi/Workstation release as the host, not a generic NIC driver. Remove any older VMXNET3 driver, reboot the guest, then reinstall Tools. Confirm the VM hardware version and guest OS support VMXNET3.

Question 2

Adapter not detected?

Accepted Answer

Confirm the VM’s network adapter is set to VMXNET3 and connected. In Windows, use Device Manager > Scan for hardware changes and ensure VMware Tools is running. If still missing, power-cycle the VM and verify the vmxnet3 driver is present.

Question 3

Version conflicts or unstable connectivity?

Accepted Answer

Match the VMXNET3 driver/Tools version to the hypervisor, remove stale VMware network adapters, and reboot. Avoid mixing drivers from different ESXi/Workstation versions; update VM hardware compatibility if the adapter fails after host upgrades.