Realtek PCIe GbE Family Controller driver

Latest driver

Which chips are covered?

“Realtek PCIe GbE Family Controller” is how Windows names the most common wired network chip on desktop motherboards and laptops. The same driver family covers:

• RTL8111 / RTL8168 Gigabit Ethernet — PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8168 (the vast majority of boards)
• RTL8111 / RTL8168 / RTL8411 variants — DEV_8161
• RTL810xE Fast Ethernet (“Realtek PCIe FE Family Controller”) — DEV_8136
• RTL8125 2.5 Gigabit (“Realtek Gaming 2.5GbE Family Controller”) — DEV_8125, a separate driver branch

Do I need Realtek’s driver?

Windows 10 and 11 include a basic driver for these chips, so Ethernet usually works right after installation. Install the latest Realtek driver when:

• the adapter appears as Ethernet Controller under Other devices (common with RTL8125 on a fresh Windows install);
• the connection drops, negotiates only 100 Mbps, or disappears after sleep;
• you need Wake-on-LAN or advanced power settings.

Troubleshooting

• Link at 100 Mbps instead of 1 Gbps — replace the cable (Gigabit needs all 8 wires) and check Properties → Advanced → Speed & Duplex is set to Auto Negotiation.
• Adapter disappears after sleep — in Power Management clear “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”, and disable Energy-Efficient Ethernet and Green Ethernet on the Advanced tab.
• Code 10 or 43 — see Code 10 and Code 43 guides.

Linux supports these chips with the in-kernel r8169 driver.

All drivers

Hardware IDs

Compare these IDs with Device Manager → Properties → Details → Hardware Ids of your device (how to find them).