Thunderbolt Ethernet not working on Windows 8.1

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Level 1

37 points

Thunderbolt Ethernet not working on Windows 8.1

As you all know, the Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter doesn't work on Bootcamp, as it requires additional drivers not included with Bootcamp. These additional drivers can be installed by:

1. Google "broadcom driver windows netxtreme".

2. Select the netxtreme I Desktop/Mobile driver.

3. go to Start > Control Panel > Hardware & Sound and open Device Manager

4. click the name of your computer at the top of the device tree

5. click Action at the top of the window and choose Add Legacy Hardware

6. Click Next

7. Select "Install hardware that I manually select..."

8. Choose Network Adaptors

9. Choose "Have Disk"

10. Browse to the location of the drivers you unzipped earlier.

11. Click the .inf file

12. Select Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet from the list of drivers available

13. OK and install

This method worked for me when I was using Windows 7. After upgrading to Windows 8.1, this method did not work. Therefore, I am here asking for any solutions. Another problem is that the adapter is not hot-pluggable (which means you need to connect the adapter before hitting the power button, if not it won't detect it)

Any help is appreicated.

MacBook Air, OS X Mavericks (10.9)

Posted on Mar 6, 2014 6:31 PM

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Answer 1

kthoamsl

Level 1

0 points

Mar 13, 2014 7:04 AM in response to Kidsnd274

Is there any traction on this subject, I'm having the same issue on my MBP running windows 8.1. The thunderbolt ethernet adapter does not work. I don't see the device in the device manager, it's simply non-existant.

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Answer 2

Kidsnd274 Author

Level 1

37 points

Mar 13, 2014 8:09 AM in response to kthoamsl

Yes! Someone actually replied. Good to know that I am not the only one facing this problem. Anyways I would like to update you guys whoever is having this problem on what I have researched and found out. This information might be incorrect although it seems correct.

So its not Apple's fault for not providing good thunderbolt drivers for windows. It seems that its Microsoft's fault. It seems that windows isnt really compatible with thunderbolt or something along those lines. However I have seen some windows computers coming with thunderbolt ports.

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Answer 3

Road Hog

Level 1

20 points

Aug 26, 2014 7:40 PM in response to Kidsnd274

The driver works for me in Windows 8.1 64-bit. I downloaded the drivers from the broadcom site. I noticed they mention windows 8.1 support and had a recent upload date. I manually added the drivers following your instructions. Windows complained there was a problem after the driver was added but I chose to reboot in to windows OS again. Windows said it was preparing an update for a while at this point...eventually the computer rebooted in to OS X since i was not around to hold down the option key...so i rebooted in to Windows 8.1. The thunderbolt ethernet was automatically recognized and used instead of my WIFI.

I have a Mac Book Pro Retina 15inch. Bought it in mid 2014.

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Answer 4

Nov 24, 2014 5:53 PM in response to Kidsnd274

Hi,

I'm using Windows 8.1 (run Windows update to the latest version).

First I login Windows and plug in adapter but it doesn't recognize.

I shut down computer. Plug in adapter first then turn computer on.

It automatically recognize adapter and I use it properly.

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Answer 5

Kidsnd274 Author

Level 1

37 points

Nov 24, 2014 6:28 PM in response to Kidsnd274

I have confirmed that the thunderbolt Ethernet adapter is working on my MacBook Air Mid 2012. You will need the latest Bootcamp 5.1 drivers (found here: Boot Camp Support Software 5.1.5621). Also you will need to update Windows like what doduykhuongsaid.

FAQ does state that Boot Camp 5.1 does support Thunderbolt

Boot Camp 5.1: Frequently asked questions - Apple Support

Thanks guys for the update. It finally worked after quite a few months.

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