This guide explains how to download and install Ethernet driver on Windows 10, how to update, uninstall or reinstall (Realtek) Ethernet controller driver on Windows 10. For more computer guides, please visit MiniTool Software website.
Ethernet is a technology for connecting devices in a wired local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). It lets the devices communicate with each other through a network protocol. The Computer Ethernet adapter needs to install the device driver to access the Internet. Check below for how to download, install, update (Realtek) Ethernet driver on Windows 10, as well as how to troubleshoot the Ethernet driver issues on Windows 10.
How to Download and Install Ethernet Driver on Windows 10
The Ethernet driver often comes with your Windows system and you don’t need to manually download and install it.
If the Windows 10 Ethernet controller driver is missing, generally you can go to your network adapter manufacturer website like Realtek, Intel, AMD, etc. to search and download the proper Ethernet driver. You can also go to your computer manufacturer’s website to download the Ethernet driver. After downloading, you can click its setup file to install the Ethernet controller driver on Windows 10.
How to Update Ethernet/Network Adapter Driver on Windows 10
The Ethernet connection issues can be caused by driver problems. If you want to update (Realtek) Ethernet controller driver on your Windows 10 computer, you can follow the steps below.
- Open Device Manager on Windows 10. You can press Windows + X and select Device Manager to open it.
- Next, expand Network adapters category, right-click your Ethernet network adapter and select Update driver.
- Click Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the instructions to install the latest version of your Windows 10 Ethernet driver.
Tip: If you want to uninstall and reinstall (Realtek) Ethernet controller driver, you can select Uninstall device to uninstall it and then restart your computer to reinstall the driver.
Fix Windows 10 Ethernet Driver Problems – 6 Fixes
If you face Ethernet connection problems or slow Internet speed, you may try the 5 tips below to fix the networking problems.
Fix 1. The network issue may be caused by an outdated Ethernet driver. You can follow the steps above to update the (Realtek) Ethernet controller driver on your Windows 10 computer.
Fix 2. Uninstall and reinstall the Ethernet driver. You can follow the operation above to enter into Device Manager, right-click your Ethernet driver, and select Uninstall device to remove the Ethernet driver from your computer. After that, you can restart your computer to let it install the missing Ethernet driver automatically.
Fix 3. Keep your Windows 10 OS up-to-date to avoid some incompatibility issues. If the Ethernet driver is incompatible with your Windows 10 operating system, it’s advised you run a Windows Update. Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings. Click Update & Security -> Windows Update, and click Check for updates button to update Windows 10.
Fix 4. Run Windows Network Troubleshooter. Right-click the Network icon at the system tray and select Troubleshoot problems, and Windows will automatically repair the possible network issues.
Fix 5. Run Winsock command to reset network adapter. Press Windows + R, type cmd, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt in Windows 10. Type netsh winsock reset command and press Enter to fix internet connection problems.
Fix 6. Install a reliable third-party free driver updater software to help you automatically update the drivers on your Windows 10 computer including the Realtek Ethernet controller driver.