The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →For a routine Realtek Ethernet driver update, start with Windows Update. If it offers no suitable driver, try Device Manager, then check the support page for your exact PC model. A Realtek-branded download is not automatically compatible with every Realtek adapter.
Choose the right update route
Microsoft recommends Windows Update for driver updates. Device Manager can also search for a driver, but it may not find a newer one. If neither route provides a suitable driver, use the PC manufacturer’s support page and match the package to your computer and Windows installation. Microsoft’s driver guidance explains these options.
- Routine update: Check Windows Update first.
- Windows Update has no driver: Search with Device Manager, then check the PC maker’s exact-model support page.
- Manual Realtek download: Use Realtek’s catalog only when you can identify the adapter or controller family and confirm the package fits your system.
- Connection is already broken: Save a compatible driver package before uninstalling the existing driver.
Check Windows Update for a Realtek driver
Optional driver updates are not installed automatically, and a Realtek update may not be offered for every PC. The available updates depend on the device and Windows Update’s inventory. Microsoft provides separate instructions for Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11
- Open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
- Expand the driver updates, select a relevant Ethernet or Realtek driver if one is listed, and choose Download and install.
- Restart after installation finishes, even if Windows does not prompt you to restart.
Windows 10
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options.
- Make sure Receive updates for other Microsoft products when you update Windows is on, then check for updates.
- If View optional updates appears, open it, select a relevant driver update, and install it.
- Restart Windows after installation finishes.
Search for a driver in Device Manager
- Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters and identify the Ethernet adapter. Confirm it is the Realtek device before changing it; a PC may list several network adapters.
- Right-click the Realtek Ethernet adapter and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers (or the similar wording shown in your Windows version) and follow the prompts. If Windows finds a driver, it will install it.
If Windows says the best driver is already installed or finds nothing, that does not prove no compatible package exists elsewhere. Try Windows Update’s optional driver updates or look up the exact PC model on its manufacturer’s support site.
#1 Best Overall
- 2.5 Gbps PCIe Network Card: With the 2.5G Base-T Technology, TX201 delivers high-speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps, which is 2.5x faster than typical Gigabit adapters. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls
- Versatile Compatibility – The Ethernet Network Adapter is backwards compatible with multiple data rates(2.5 Gbps, 1 Gbps, 100 Mbps Base-T connectivity). The 2.5G Ethernet port automatically negotiates between higher and lower speed connection.
- QoS: Quality of Service technology delivers prioritized performance for gamers and ensures to avoid network congestion for PC gaming
- Wake on LAN – Remotely power on or off your computer with WOL, helps to manage your devices more easily
- Low-Profile and Full-Height Brackets: In addition to the standard bracket, a low-profile bracket is provided for mini tower computer cases
Install a downloaded driver package
Prefer the computer manufacturer’s package for your exact model when available. Microsoft advises choosing a driver from the device manufacturer that matches your Windows version and system architecture. If you use a Realtek download, first identify the controller family: the Realtek Ethernet download catalog separates product families, including Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and PCIe FE/GbE/2.5GbE/5G/10G. A package for one family should not be assumed to work with another.
- Download the package for your exact PC model or confirmed adapter family, Windows version, and architecture. If the download is compressed, extract it to a folder.
- In Device Manager, right-click the Realtek adapter and select Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers.
- Browse to the folder containing the extracted driver files and continue through the prompts.
- Restart if the installer or Windows requests it. Windows may decline the package if it determines that the best driver is already installed.
Realtek’s catalog entries and versions can change. For example, its PCIe FE listing showed Windows packages dated August 28, 2026, including NDIS 10.80.50 and Windows 11 NetAdapterCx 11.031.50. Those catalog details do not establish that either package fits a particular PC; check the current listing and hardware match before installing.
Rank #2
![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.
Restore Ethernet after a driver problem
Do not uninstall the network driver as a first step unless you have a recovery path. Microsoft recommends trying other connection troubleshooting first and having a backup driver available before removing the current one. See Microsoft’s Ethernet connection troubleshooting guidance.
- On a working connection, download a compatible driver for the affected PC and keep the installer or extracted files somewhere accessible.
- In Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click the affected Ethernet adapter, and choose the uninstall option.
- Restart the PC. Windows will attempt to install a driver for the adapter.
- If Ethernet still does not work, install the saved backup package using the manual-install steps above.
If the affected PC is offline and has no usable driver, download the appropriate package on another computer, save it to a USB flash drive, and transfer it to the affected PC. Identify the PC manufacturer and model first so you can obtain a package intended for that machine.
Rank #3
- 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.
Windows 10 support status
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft says ordinary support no longer provides free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes after that date. The driver steps above may still apply to Windows 10, but updating an Ethernet driver does not change the operating system’s support status. Check Microsoft’s Windows 10 end-of-support information for details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【USB 3.0 Fast Transmission】uni Ethernet Adapter supports 10/100/1000 Mbps at fast USB 3.0 speeds and is also backward compatible with both USB 2.0 and USB 1.1. Note: To reach 1Gbps, make sure to use CAT6 & up Ethernet cables. The speed of USB 2.0 will be limited to 10/100M.
- 【Plug & Play】USB to Ethernet adapter serves as the bridge between RJ45 Ethernet cable and your laptop with USB 3.0 and does not require any driver or software installed. Choose uni and enjoy your hassle-free network speed boosting experience. (Note: driver is required on Win 11. You can find the User Guide in the "Product guides and documents" section of the listing.)
- 【Secure & Stable】Wired network is known as being securer and more stable than wireless connections, and uni's USB to RJ45 adapter is the perfect solution to maintain a safe and smooth network during online classes, video conferences, downloading large files, video streaming and gaming on your USB 3.0 laptops. But Not Recommended for TV.
- 【uni's unique design】The built-in intelligent chip RTL8153 offers high-speed transmission. The USB connector fits snugly into the port ensuring stable signal transport. Nylon braided cable adds up the durability without compromising on its flexibility for easy storage. LED indicator informs you of the working status and premium aluminum case for better heat dissipation.
- 【Compatibility & Features】NOT compatible with Nintendo Switch. Compatible with ChromeOS, Windows (32/64 bit) 8/7/Vista /XP/10, Mac OS X 10.5 or later, Linux. Note that you can connect the adapter to a USB 3.0 hub. Compatible with features include Wake-on-Lan (WoL), Crossover Detection, timing recovery and IEEE 802. 3az Energy Efficient Ethernet. Compatible with IPv4/IPv6 Protocol. (If you are not sure, please feel free to let us know, we are very glad to help you.)
Rank #4
- Exploring the New Era of 2.5Gb: UGREEN usb c to ethernet adapter supports a internet speed of up to 2.5Gb and enables your devices to run at full speed. Enjoy unbelievably fast downloads with NAS, fluent 4K/8K streaming, immersive gaming
- Faster, Smoother, Cooler Realtek Chip: The ethernet to usb c is equipped with an updated RTL8156BG chip, ensure the network always at peak run. When running 2.5Gb at full speed, it consumes low power, reduce heat dissipation and provide stable performance
- Flexibiliy Upgrade 1Gb to 2.5Gb: Immediately upgrade your 1Gb network, just pair it with 2.5Gb-capable devices like switches and routers to give your aged devices new life! This flexibility is an advantage for you transitioning to higher-speed network
- Instantly Add a 2.5Gb Ethernet Connection: Designed for modern USB-C laptops that no longer include an Ethernet port. Get fast, stable wired internet whenever Wi-Fi or Gigabit isn't enough
- Sleek, Strong, Stunning: The ethernet adapter for laptop adopts high-quality aluminum. The ports are resistant to plugging and unplugging and the reinforced design makes it very durable for use. Indicator lights make transmission status clear at a glance
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
