How to - Download Thunderbolt Control Center from Intel (Experts Only)

Last Update: March 8th, 2024
Article ID: 1551347

Why install Thunderbolt Control Center?

Our TBT-TRAN Thunderbolt Transfer Cable uses Easy Computer Sync software to transfer files between computers, but, a baseline Thunderbolt connection must be made as well. We're going to use the Thunderbolt Control Center software to make the connection between our computers.

There are a few different ways to download and install Thunderbolt software, and in this guide, we are going to get the software from Intel. Click the link below to start the download, which should go into your Downloads folder:

Download Thunderbolt Control Center from Intel

NOTE - The computer manufacturer / OEM is Plugable's recommended source for Thunderbolt software and drivers. Thunderbolt software and drivers can also be installed from other sources including:


Installation Steps

After downloading, follow the steps below to install:

  1. Go into your Downloads folder, and right-click the Thunderbolt-Win10_Win11-1.41.1193.0 zip archive. This will open up some options for the file. Click Extract All
    Thunderbolt Control Center Installation from Intel

  2. A screen will pop up you can click Browse, to look for a different location if you'd like. Click Extract, when you're ready to move on
    Thunderbolt Control Center Installation from Intel

  3. Double-click the extracted folder to open it up
    Thunderbolt Control Center Installation from Intel

  4. Double-click on the Thunderbolt Software Installer package to start the setup
    Thunderbolt Control Center Installation from Intel

  5. A screen will pop up with license agreement information. Feel free to take your time reading through the agreement. Once you're ready to move on, click the box to agree, and then click Install to begin the installation
    Thunderbolt Control Center Installation from Intel

  6. Great! The installation finished successfully. Click Restart to finalize the installation
    Thunderbolt Control Center Installation from Intel


After installation

  1. After restarting, plug the cable in between both computers. Then, let's search for the Thunderbolt Control Center by pressing the Windows Key and the letter S at the same time. Type in Thunderbolt, and the application will show up. There are a variety of helpful options here that you may want to review later, but for now, let's click Open to start the software and check our connection
    Thunderbolt Control Center Installation from Intel

  2. This is the main screen for the Thunderbolt Control Center. We see that we're connected to the second computer on Port 1. If you click the three vertical lines in the top-left corner of the software you can view additional options which you'll see in the next step
    Thunderbolt Control Center Installation from Intel

  3. Here, we have the option to:
    • Approve devices
    • View Attached devices
    • Manage approved devices

    We can also click About, to see additional information about our Thunderbolt connection and software
    Thunderbolt Control Center Installation from Intel

  4. Great! Everything is set up and ready to go. Click the arrow in the top-left to go back to the connection screen, or click the X in the top-right to close the software. The connection will continue to run in the background
    Thunderbolt Control Center Installation from Intel

Now, you're ready to download and install Easy Computer Sync onto your computers! You can follow along with this step-by-step guide:
How to Install Easy Computer Sync


We hope this was helpful! Feel free to reach out to us directly at: support@plugable.com with any questions or concerns