How to Fix SM Bus Controller Driver Issues on Windows PC

Updating the SM Bus Controller driver is crucial for proper system functioning and stability. Without a working driver, you may encounter various issues like system crashes, freezes, or performance problems.

How to Update the SM Bus Controller Driver

There are a few different ways to update the SM Bus Controller driver on your Windows PC. Let’s go through each method step-by-step:
Method 1: Use Driver Easy (Recommended)
Driver Easy is a powerful tool that automatically detects your system and finds the correct driver updates. It’s the easiest and most reliable way to fix SM Bus Controller driver issues.
To use Driver Easy:
Download and install Driver Easy.
Run Driver Easy and click the “Scan Now” button. It will scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.
Click the “Update” button next to the “SM Bus Controller” device to automatically download the correct driver version.
Once downloaded, you can manually install the driver.
The Pro version of Driver Easy allows you to update all drivers with just 2 clicks, and includes full support and a 30-day money back guarantee.
Method 2: Update Manually from Intel’s Website
If you prefer to update the driver manually, you can download it directly from Intel’s website:
Go to the Intel Download Center and browse to the driver download page for your specific Windows version and system details.
Find the latest SM Bus Controller driver and download it.
Double-click the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.
This method requires more time and effort, but allows you to get the driver directly from the manufacturer.
Method 3: Uninstall and Reinstall the Driver
Sometimes uninstalling and reinstalling the SM Bus Controller driver can resolve issues:
Open Device Manager and expand “Other devices”.
Right-click the “SM Bus Controller” and select “Uninstall device”.
Restart your computer and Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.
If Windows doesn’t install the driver successfully, you can manually update it using one of the other methods.
Method 4: Roll Back to a Previous Driver Version
If you’re experiencing problems after updating the SM Bus Controller driver, you can try rolling back to a previous version:
Open Device Manager and expand “Other devices”.
Right-click the “SM Bus Controller” and select “Properties”.
Click the “Driver” tab and select “Roll Back Driver”.
This will revert the driver to the last known good configuration. If the “Roll Back” option is greyed out, you may need to manually update the driver.
Method 5: Perform a Clean Boot
If none of the above methods work, a third-party software conflict could be causing the issue. Performing a clean boot can help isolate the problem:
Press Windows R to open the Run dialog.
Type “msconfig” and press Enter.
Click the “General” tab and select “Selective Startup”.
Uncheck “Load startup items” and check “Load system services” and “Use original boot configuration”.
Click the “Services” tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services”, and click “Disable all”.
Click “Apply” and restart your computer.
If the SM Bus Controller works properly in clean boot mode, a third-party program is likely causing the conflict. You can use the System Configuration utility to selectively enable startup items and services until you identify the culprit.