PCI\VEN_168C&DEV_0024&SUBSYS_0032168C matches the AR5418 Wireless Network Adapter [AR5008E 802.11(a)bgn] (PCI-Express) device manufactured by QualComm. Over 82% of the updates for this device are sourced directly from the manufacturer website. This popular driver update category has been downloaded 15,897 times and is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars. We use the latest anti-virus and anti-malware technology to make downloading safe and worry-free.
To install or update your driver automatically, click the green button next to your selected driver. To see more information on a particular driver and to download it, click the Download Driver button.
Once you download your new driver, then you need to install it. To install a driver in Windows, you will need to use a built-in utility called Device Manager. It allows you to see all of the devices recognized by your system, and the drivers associated with them.
Visit our Driver Support Page for helpful step-by-step videos on how to install drivers for every file type.
If you are having trouble finding the right driver, stop searching and fix driver problems faster with the Automatic Driver Update Utility. Many computer problems are caused by missing or outdated device drivers, especially in Windows 11. If your system is running slow, or keeps crashing or hanging, there is a good chance that updating your drivers will fix the problem. Automatic updates could save you hours of time.
A device Hardware ID (HWID) is a set of numbers and letters that uniquely identifies any device. For example, different models of Motherboards, Graphics Cards, Printers and Network Interface Cards would have their own unique Hardware ID.
The general format for a Hardware ID is <Bus Type>\<Vendor ID>&<Device ID>&<Additional IDs>.
The Vendor ID takes the form "VEN_XXXX" where XXXX is a 4 digit code unique to the manufacturer.
The Device ID format is "DEV_YYYY" where YYYY is a 4 digit code unique to that manufacturer's device.
Hardware IDs are useful because they help identify the manufacturer and model of every hardware device inside, or attached to, your computer.
Each Hardware ID is assigned to a particular device by the device manufacturer. Windows operating systems such as Windows 11 use the Hardware ID to match to a specific INF file. INF files are used to install the correct device drivers - that's the software that lets your computer communicate with the device in the most efficient manner.
While a particular device driver is associated with specific Hardware ID, that driver may be compatible with other devices as well. In that case, the INF file would identify one or more Hardware IDs as an exact match, and provide a list of Compatible Hardware IDs for that driver. In many cases, the Compatible Hardware IDs will look similar, with the identifier having only minor variations, particularly in the Device ID portion.
When it comes to updating network, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi drivers, using a dedicated driver update tool can provide several advantages over automatic updates:
Precision in Updates
Automatic updates may not always deliver the right driver for your specific network adapter. A driver tool ensures you're using the most suitable version for optimal performance.
Access to the Latest Versions
Driver update tools often provide direct access to the latest network drivers from the manufacturer, including bug fixes, performance improvements, or new features that automatic updates might miss.
Quick Rollback Option
If an update causes connectivity issues, a driver tool lets you easily roll back to the previous driver, preventing disruptions to your internet connection.
No Extra Software
Automatic updates sometimes come bundled with unnecessary software. Driver update tools focus solely on your network drivers, keeping your system lean and efficient.
Time-Saving
Rather than manually searching for updates, driver tools automate the process, ensuring your network drivers stay current without the hassle of checking for updates yourself.
In short, using a driver update tool for network drivers ensures reliable, efficient connections, and eliminates the potential headaches caused by automatic updates.