WINDOW 11

How to Fix Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller Driver Not Working in Windows 11

5 SOLUTIONS
MARCH 02, 2025

Solve Realtek PCIe GBE driver errors on Windows 11: 5 step-by-step fixes for Ethernet issues, slow speeds, and sudden disconnects. Update/rollback drivers, reset network settings, disable power-saving modes, or try USB workarounds.

Deepak Yadav
Deepak Yadav

Expert, Head of Windows Circle

Check Physical Hardware

Ensure Ethernet cables, routers, or ports aren’t faulty.

Administrator Rights

Required for driver installations or system modifications.

Note Down Network Settings

Save custom IP/DNS configurations to reapply after troubleshooting.

Update Your Realtek Driver

5 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

1/5

METHOD
Method 1
Overview

For: Fixing connectivity drops, slow speeds, or intermittent failures.

Method 1 of 5
Next Method

Open Device Manager

Press Win + X, then select Device Manager.

Method 1 of 5
Step 1 of 5

Expand Network Adapters

Locate your Realtek network controller.

Method 1 of 5
Step 2 of 5

Update the Driver

Right-click the Realtek adapter and choose Update driver.

Method 1 of 5
Step 3 of 5

Search Automatically

Select Search automatically for drivers and let Windows update it.

Method 1 of 5
Step 4 of 5

Restart Your PC

Restart to apply changes.

Tip: If Windows doesn’t find an update, download the latest driver directly from Realtek’s official website for guaranteed compatibility.

Method 1 of 5
Step 5 of 5

Roll Back to a Stable Driver Version

5 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

2/5

METHOD
Method 2
Overview

For: Fixing issues caused by recent driver updates.

Method 2 of 5
Next Method

Open Device Manager

Press Win + X, then select Device Manager.

Method 2 of 5
Step 1 of 5

Find Your Realtek Adapter

Expand Network Adapters and right-click the Realtek controller.

Method 2 of 5
Step 2 of 5

Open Properties

Click Properties, then switch to the Driver tab.

Method 2 of 5
Step 3 of 5

Roll Back Driver

Click Roll Back Driver (if available) and follow the prompts.

Method 2 of 5
Step 4 of 5

Restart Your PC

Restart to apply the changes.

Pro Move: If the rollback option is grayed out, manually install a known stable version from Realtek’s driver archive.

Method 2 of 5
Step 5 of 5

Clean and Reinstall the Driver

5 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

3/5

METHOD
Method 3
Overview

For: Fixing corrupted driver files causing network issues.

Method 3 of 5
Next Method

Open Device Manager

Press Win + X and select Device Manager.

Method 3 of 5
Step 1 of 5

Find Your Realtek Adapter

Expand Network Adapters, right-click the Realtek controller, and select Uninstall device.

Method 3 of 5
Step 2 of 5

Delete Driver Software

Check the box for Delete the driver software for this device, then confirm.

Method 3 of 5
Step 3 of 5

Restart Your PC

Windows will auto-install a generic driver.

Method 3 of 5
Step 4 of 5

Test Connectivity

Check if your network connection is stable.

Critical Note: If Windows fails to reinstall the driver, download it manually from Realtek’s official website before uninstalling to avoid getting stuck offline.

Method 3 of 5
Step 5 of 5

Reset Network Settings

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

4/5

METHOD
Method 4
Overview

For: Fixing misconfigured network settings causing connectivity issues.

Method 4 of 5
Next Method

Open Settings

Press Win + I to launch Settings.

Go to Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.

Method 4 of 5
Step 1 of 4

Reset Network

Click Network reset > Reset now and confirm.

Method 4 of 5
Step 2 of 4
Step 3

Restart Your PC

This applies the changes and reinstalls network adapters.

Method 4 of 5
Step 3 of 4

Reconfigure Network Settings

Set up your Wi-Fi, VPN, and proxy settings again.

Heads up: This removes all saved Wi-Fi networks and VPN configurations—make sure you have your Wi-Fi passwords and VPN details before resetting!

Method 4 of 5
Step 4 of 4

Disable the Power-Saving Mode for the Adapter

3 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

5/5

METHOD
Method 5
Overview

For: Preventing Windows from turning off your network adapter to save power.

Method 5 of 5

Open Device Manager

Press Win + X and select Device Manager.

Expand Network Adapters, then double-click your Realtek adapter.

Method 5 of 5
Step 1 of 3

Modify Power Settings

Go to the Power Management tab.

Uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."

Method 5 of 5
Step 2 of 3

Apply Changes

Click OK, then restart your PC.

Laptop users: This is a must if you experience random disconnects on battery mode!

Method 5 of 5
Step 3 of 3

Additional Tips

Image

Change Speed & Duplex Settings: Open Device Manager → Properties → Advanced tab → Set Speed & Duplex to 100 Mbps Full Duplex or 1.0 Gbps Full Duplex.

Check for Windows Updates: Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates → Install pending updates. Restart after updating.

Use a USB Wi-Fi Adapter: If Ethernet isn’t working, connect via a USB Wi-Fi adapter to troubleshoot further.

Methods (5)

Update Your Realtek...
5 Steps
Roll Back to a Stab...
5 Steps
Clean and Reinstall...
5 Steps
Reset Network Setti...
4 Steps
Disable the Power-S...
3 Steps

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