To install the right Realtek GbE driver, first identify your PC model and Ethernet controller; “Realtek GbE Family Controller” does not point to one universal installer. For a branded desktop or laptop, start with the manufacturer’s support page for that exact model. If you use Realtek’s catalogue, match the controller family and package to your Windows version and system type before downloading.
Before downloading: identify Windows and the Ethernet adapter
- Check Windows: Open Settings > System > About and note your Windows edition and system type, including whether Windows is 64-bit.
- Check the adapter: Right-click Start, open Device Manager, and expand Network adapters. Record the Realtek adapter name if it appears.
- If it is missing: Look in Device Manager for an unknown Ethernet or controller device. For a branded PC, use the manufacturer’s support page and search by the exact model. A missing adapter name does not prove that a driver is the only problem.
Realtek’s catalogues separate PCIe Ethernet controllers from older PCI controllers. For example, the PCIe FE/GbE catalogue includes RTL8111 and RTL8168 families, while the PCI GBE catalogue includes RTL8110 and RTL8169 families. Choose based on the detected controller or your PC maker’s specifications—not just the generic “GbE Family Controller” wording.
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Try Windows Update first
For a working internet connection, Microsoft recommends Windows Update as the automatic way to get driver updates. Open Settings > Windows Update, select Check for updates, then check Advanced options > Optional updates for driver updates if that section is available. You can also use Device Manager: right-click the Realtek adapter, select Update driver, then Search automatically for drivers. See Microsoft’s Device Manager driver guidance.
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Download the appropriate driver manually
Prefer your PC manufacturer’s package
On a branded laptop or desktop, download the Ethernet driver from its manufacturer’s official support page using the exact model. The manufacturer may provide a package validated for that system. Match its supported Windows version and architecture to the details you checked above.
#1 Best Overall
- 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐒𝐁 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 - UE306 is a USB 3.0 Type-A to RJ45 Ethernet adapter that adds a reliable wired network port to your laptop, tablet, or Ultrabook. It delivers fast and stable 10/100/1000 Mbps wired connections to your computer or tablet via a router or network switch, making it ideal for file transfers, HD video streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing.
- 𝐔𝐒𝐁 𝟑.𝟎 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬- Powered via USB 3.0, this adapter provides high-speed Gigabit Ethernet without the need for external power(10/100/1000Mbps). Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1, it ensures reliable performance across a wide range of devices.
- 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡- Easily connect your Nintendo Switch to a wired network for faster downloads and a more stable online gaming experience compared to Wi-Fi.
- 𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲- No driver required for Nintendo Switch, Windows 11/10/8.1/8, and Linux. Simply connect and enjoy instant wired internet access without complicated setup.
- 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲- Supports Nintendo Switch, PCs, laptops, Ultrabooks, tablets, and other USB-powered web devices; works with network equipment including modems, routers, and switches.
Use Realtek’s catalogue if needed
If a suitable manufacturer package is unavailable, choose the Realtek catalogue for the detected controller family: PCIe FE/GbE or PCI GBE. Avoid downloads for USB network adapters or Wi-Fi; those are different device types.
Realtek’s PCIe catalogue currently lists Windows 10/11 NDIS Auto Installation Program version 10.80.50 and a 10.80.20 variant marked “Not Support Power Saving.” It also lists Windows 11 NetAdapterCx packages 11.031.50 and 11.031.20, with the latter carrying the same power-saving note. Those catalogue entries show an update date of 2026/08/28. They are not a universal recommendation: the listing alone does not establish which branch is right for a particular PC. Follow the PC maker’s guidance when available, and check the catalogue again because versions and dates can change.
Rank #2
- Connects a USB 3.0 device (computer/laptop) to a router, modem, or network switch to deliver Gigabit Ethernet to your network connection. Does not support Smart TV or gaming consoles (e.g.Nintendo Switch).
- Supported features include Wake-on-LAN function, Green Ethernet & IEEE 802.3az-2010 (Energy Efficient Ethernet)
- Supports IPv4/IPv6 pack Checksum Offload Engine (COE) to reduce Cental Processing Unit (CPU) loading
- Compatible with Windows 8.1 or higher, Mac OS
Install the downloaded package
If it includes an installer
Realtek labels some downloads “Auto Installation Program.” Extract the downloaded archive if necessary, open its included installer, and follow its prompts. Restart if the installer asks you to.
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- Extract the download to a folder you can find.
- Open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click the Realtek adapter, and select Update driver.
- Select Browse my computer for drivers, choose the extracted folder, and continue through the prompts.
- Restart Windows if prompted, then check whether the Ethernet connection works.
Microsoft’s instructions for this manual route are in its Device Manager driver guide.
Rank #3
- [Expansion Ports] The USB C to Ethernet Adapter expands the device to three USB 3.0 ports and one Gigabit Ethernet port. Provides you more peripheral ports while maintaining a stable network connection, plug and play, no driver required.
- [Gigabit Network Port] ALL-LUCKY USB Ethernet Adapter transmission rate up to 1000Mbps, also compatible with 10/100Mbps bandwidth. It allows you to enjoy a smooth and stable network connection and avoid too much lag. (Note: To reach 1Gbps, please use CAT6 or above Ethernet cable connection)
- [Convertible Connector]This usb hub with ethernet not only has USB-A connector, but also can be converted to USB-C connector, so that you can easily convert the connector according to the device port, improve the convenience of use.
- [High-Speed Data Transfer] The usb to ethernet adapter adopts USB 3.0 transmission technology, supports up to 5Gbps transmission rate, and is compatible with USB 2.0(480Gbps),USB 1.0(12Mbps), easily transfer video, files and other data for you in seconds. (Note: Maximum output current is 900mA, does not support charging devices.)
- [Widely Compatible]The usb c ethernet adapter for iMac, MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, XPS and many other devices. Compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8, Mac OS, iPad OS, Chrome OS.（Note: Driver is required on Win 7） It can be used in office, school, library and other occasions, compact and portable, easy to carry around.
If Ethernet is broken, save a driver before uninstalling
If this PC has no internet connection, use another connected computer to download the correct driver package from the PC maker or Realtek. Transfer it to the affected PC and keep it available before removing the installed driver.
- In Device Manager, right-click the Realtek adapter and choose Uninstall device.
- Restart the PC. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver.
- If Windows does not restore a working driver, install the saved package using the installer or Device Manager steps above.
Microsoft advises having a backup driver available before uninstalling, particularly when the PC may not have another internet connection. Its Ethernet troubleshooting guide also covers connection problems beyond drivers.
Rank #4
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 65 million+ powered by our leading technology.
- Instant Internet: Connect to the internet instantly from virtually any USB-C 3.0 device, and enjoy stable connection speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
- Lightweight and Compact: The space-saving and portable design measures just over half an inch thick and weighs about the same as a AA battery.
- Premium Build: Features a sleek aluminum exterior and braided-nylon cable to complement the design of high-end devices.
- What You Get: PowerExpand USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, welcome guide, 18-month worry-free warranty, and friendly customer service.
If the problem started after a driver update
In Device Manager, right-click the Realtek adapter and select Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver if the option is available. You need administrator permissions, and the button may be unavailable when Windows has no previous driver to restore.
When a driver is not the cause
A correct driver cannot fix a disconnected or damaged cable, a disabled LAN adapter in firmware, a router or switch fault, or a failed Ethernet controller. Check the cable and network equipment, and confirm the adapter is enabled before escalating to Windows network-reset options. Microsoft describes Network reset as a last step because it removes and reinstalls network adapters and resets their settings; VPNs or virtual switches may need to be configured again afterward.
Best Value
![BENFEI USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter, USB C to RJ45 Gigabit LAN (1000Mbps) Network Adapter, Compatible with MacBook/Pro/Air, Surface Pro, Windows 11/10/8/7, Mac OS [Aluminium Shell&Nylon Cable]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41fk9DHmdwL._SL160_.jpg)
- COMPACT DESIGN - The compact-designed portable BENFEI USB A/C to Ethernet adapter connects your computer or tablet to a router,modem or network switch for network connection. It adds a standard RJ45 port to your Ultrabook, notebook or Macbook Air for file transferring, video conferencing, gaming, and HD video streaming.
- SUPERIOR STABILITY - Built-in advanced IC chip works as the bridge between RJ45 Ethernet cable and your USB A/C devices. The driver-free installation with native driver support in Chrome, Mac, and Windows OS; The USB A/C Ethernet adapter dongle supports important performance features including Wake-on-Lan (WoL), Full-Duplex (FDX) and Half-Duplex (HDX) Ethernet, Crossover Detection, Backpressure Routing, Auto-Correction (Auto MDIX).
- INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE - Supports full 10/100/1000Mbps gigabit ethernet performance over USB A/C's 5Gbps bus, faster and more reliable than most wireless connections. Link and Activity LEDs. USB powered, no external power required. Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1.✅ To reach 1Gbps, make sure to use CAT6 & up Ethernet cables.
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY - The USB A/C-Ethernet adapter is compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Mac OSX 10.6/10.7/10.8/10.9/10.10/10.11/10.12, Linux kernel 3.x/2.6, Android and Chrome OS.Compatible with IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u and IEEE 802.3ab. Supports IEEE 802.3az (Energy Efficient Ethernet).❌Do Not Support Windows RT. (NOT compatible with Nintendo Switch.)
- 18 MONTH WARRANTY - Exclusive BENFEI Unconditional 18-month Warranty ensures long-time satisfaction of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely.
Windows 10 support status
Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. This is separate from Realtek’s catalogue labeling some driver packages for Windows 10/11; a listed driver does not extend Windows 10 support.
Quick Recap
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