Windows 8: "Uninstall the USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller Driver" alert when upgrading from Windows 7

When upgrading from Microsoft Windows 7 to Windows 8, an alert may appear offering to uninstall the USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller Driver and stating it is not compatible with Windows 8.

Important: You should not click Uninstall. If this driver is uninstalled, all external keyboards, mice, and trackpads connected to a USB 3 port become inoperative in Windows 8.

For OS X Mountain Lion v10.8.3 or later

  1. Click the Back button.
  2. Cancel the upgrade.
  3. Open Boot Camp Assistant in the Utilities folder (in the Finder, choose Go > Utilities).
  4. Use Boot Camp Assistant to download the latest Windows Support Software from Apple.
  5. Restart your Mac and start up in Windows 7.
  6. Install the support software in Windows 7, then try the Windows 8 upgrade again.

For OS X Lion or earlier

  1. Click the Back button.
  2. Cancel the upgrade.
  3. Download and install the Windows Support Software here.

 

Learn more

Uninstalling this driver will not disable the keyboard and trackpad on a MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro. However, external USB devices cannot be used if the driver is Uninstalled.

If you already clicked Uninstall and your external keyboard, mouse, or trackpad is inoperative in Windows 8, you'll have to delete your Windows partition using the Boot Camp Assistant, and start over. If you are doing an upgrade install, you will have to install Windows 7, install the Boot Camp Support Software, then upgrade to Windows 8.  For more information on Windows 8 installation, see the Boot Camp Installation & Setup Guide.

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