The Acer Broadcom NetLink TM Gigabit Ethernet driver allows Windows to communicate with the wired network adapter in compatible Acer computers. It helps the system recognize the Ethernet hardware and manage a cable-based connection to your router, switch, or local network.

Key Features

• Wired network connectivity: Enables the adapter to send and receive data over Ethernet for internet access, shared folders, and other local network resources.
• Gigabit Ethernet support: Supports connections up to 1 Gbps when the adapter, network equipment, and Ethernet cable all support that speed. Actual transfer rates depend on your network and connected devices.
• Windows integration: Makes the adapter available through Windows networking settings and Device Manager, where you can check its status and access supported configuration options.
• Connection management: Provides the software interface for supported functions such as link-speed negotiation and power management. Available settings vary by hardware revision and driver version.

How to Install

1. Confirm your hardware and Windows version. Open Device Manager and check the adapter under Network adapters. If it appears as an unknown Ethernet controller, use its hardware IDs to help identify it. Choose a package that matches your Acer model, hardware, and Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7 installation, including the correct system architecture. Not every driver release supports every listed OS.

1. Prepare before making changes. Save the installer locally and extract it if it comes in a compressed archive. If you are replacing an existing driver, consider creating a restore point first. Keep a backup connection or another device available in case Ethernet access is temporarily interrupted.

1. Run the installer. If the package includes a setup application, launch it with administrator permissions and follow the prompts. Avoid disconnecting power or interrupting the installation.

1. Use Device Manager if needed. For a package without an installer, right-click the Ethernet adapter, select Update driver, and choose the option to browse your computer. Point Windows to the extracted driver folder and include subfolders.

1. Restart and test the connection. Restart if prompted, connect your Ethernet cable, and check that the adapter appears without a warning icon in Device Manager. Try opening a webpage or accessing a local network resource. If the connection fails, verify the cable and router port before reinstalling or rolling back the driver.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Install fails or rolls back: Run the Acer driver package as administrator; if setup still fails, extract the INF and update the adapter manually via Device Manager. Avoid generic Broadcom NetLink packages that may not match Acer’s hardware ID.
• Device not detected: Confirm onboard LAN is enabled in BIOS/UEFI, check link LEDs and cable, and show hidden devices in Device Manager. Disable/enable the adapter or scan for hardware changes.
• Version conflicts: Windows Update may replace the Acer driver with a newer generic Broadcom version, causing Code 10/31 or no Gigabit link. Roll back/uninstall with “Delete the driver software,” install the Acer package, and reboot.