DeviceInBox

PCI Simple Communications Controller driver

Updated Sep 17, 2026

PCI Simple Communications Controller is the generic name Windows gives to a device of the “simple communication controller” class when no driver is installed. On nearly all modern laptops and desktops with an Intel processor this device is the Intel Management Engine Interface (Intel MEI, also called HECI).

What is Intel Management Engine Interface?

Intel chipsets contain a small independent microcontroller — the Management Engine (Intel ME / CSME). It handles firmware-level tasks such as platform security, firmware updates, Intel AMT remote management on business PCs and parts of power management. The MEI driver lets Windows and Intel software talk to it. Without the driver the computer still works, but firmware update tools, some power features and Intel software that relies on ME will not.

Step 1. Confirm it is Intel MEI

  1. In Device Manager right-click PCI Simple Communications Controller → Properties → Details → Hardware Ids.
  2. If the ID starts with PCI\VEN_8086, it is an Intel device. Compare the DEV_ code with the table below — MEI controllers typically have device IDs ending in 3A, BA or E0 (for example DEV_A13A, DEV_9D3A, DEV_A0E0).
  3. An Intel ID ending in 3D (for example DEV_1E3D) is the Intel AMT Serial-over-LAN port on business PCs; its driver ships in the same MEI/AMT package. A device from another vendor (for example a modem) needs its own driver — search for the exact ID.

Step 2. Install the Intel MEI driver

Choose the version that matches your Windows version. Newer MEI packages support recent platforms and Windows 10/11; for PCs from 2012–2015 an older package may be required.

  1. Download the package and run the setup file as administrator (for archives, extract first and run SetupME.exe or setup.exe if present).
  2. If there is no installer, use Device Manager → right-click the device → Update driver → Browse my computer for drivers → select the extracted folder with subfolders.
  3. Restart. The device moves to System devices as Intel(R) Management Engine Interface.

For brand laptops, the MEI driver from the laptop maker’s support page (category “Chipset” or “Security”) is the safest choice, because it matches the ME firmware version installed on your machine.

Intel MEI controllers in our catalog

Hardware IDDeviceDrivers
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_7AE8Management Engine Interface (ME16.0 - ADL-S)6
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_51E0Management Engine Interface (ME16.0 - ADL-P)6
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_43E0Management Engine Interface (ME15.0 - TGL-H)6
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_A0E0Management Engine Interface (ME15.0 - TGL-LP)6
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_06E0Management Engine Interface7
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_02E0Management Engine Interface7
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_A3BAManagement Engine Interface7
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_A360Management Engine Interface10
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_9DE0Management Engine Interface8
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_A2BAManagement Engine Interface9
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_A13ASunrise Point-H CSME HECI #113
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_9D3ASunrise Point-LP CSME HECI #111
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_9CBAWildcat Point-LP MEI Controller #114
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_8C3A8 Series/C220 Series Chipset Family MEI Controller #111
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_9C3A8 Series HECI #06
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E3A7 Series/C210 Series Chipset Family MEI Controller #19
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1C3A6 Series/C200 Series Chipset Family MEI Controller #19
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_3B645 Series/3400 Series Chipset HECI Controller2
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_8D3AC610/X99 series chipset MEI Controller #17
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_3DE0Management Engine Interface7

Troubleshooting

  • “This platform is not supported” during setup — the package is too new or too old for your chipset. Pick a version whose supported IDs include yours.
  • Code 10 after installation — the ME firmware may be disabled in BIOS or outdated. Check BIOS settings and the manufacturer’s firmware updates, or see Code 10 fixes.
  • Other unknown chipset devices usually need Intel Chipset Device Software as well.

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