WINDOW 11

How to fix Realtek USB GBE Family Controller Not Working in Windows 11

5 SOLUTIONS
FEBRUARY 27, 2025

If your Realtek USB GBE Family Controller not working in Windows 11 follow these five simple fixes. From reinstalling drivers and tweaking power settings to resetting network configurations and switching USB ports, follow these easy steps to restore a stable connection.

Deepak Yadav
Deepak Yadav

Expert, Head of Windows Circle

Check Physical Connection

Ensure the USB Ethernet adapter is firmly connected to a functional USB port. Test alternate ports or Replace the Ethernet cable if issues persist.

Restart Devices

Reboot your computer and router to refresh network settings.

Confirm Adapter Detection

Open Device Manager (Win + X), expand Network Adapters and check if Realtek USB GBE Family Controller appears.

Reinstall the Driver

5 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

1/5

METHOD
Method 1
Overview

Why? Corrupted drivers are the #1 culprit. A clean install often works.

Method 1 of 5
Next Method

Open Device Manager

Press Win + X → Select Device Manager.

Method 1 of 5
Step 1 of 5

Uninstall Realtek Adapter

Expand Network Adapters, right-click your Realtek adapter → Click Uninstall device.

Method 1 of 5
Step 2 of 5

Delete Driver Software

It will show some warning in popup, click on “Uninstall button” to Confirm.

Method 1 of 5
Step 3 of 5

Restart Your PC

Windows will auto-reinstall a basic driver.

Method 1 of 5
Step 4 of 5

Download Latest Driver (If Needed)

Get the latest driver from Realtek’s official website and install it.

Pro Tip: If your Ethernet is dead, download drivers on another device and transfer them via USB.

Method 1 of 5
Step 5 of 5

Disable Power Saving Mode

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

2/5

METHOD
Method 2
Overview

Why? Windows shuts off the adapter to save power → kills your connection.

Method 2 of 5
Next Method

Open Device Manager

Press Win + X → Select Device Manager.

Method 2 of 5
Step 1 of 4

Access Adapter Properties

Expand Network Adapters, right-click your Realtek adapter → Click Properties.

Method 2 of 5
Step 2 of 4

Disable Power Saving

Go to the Power Management tab → Uncheck “Allow the computer to tum off this device to save power”.

Method 2 of 5
Step 3 of 4

Restart Your PC

Changes take effect after restarting.

Pro Tip: Check BIOS for USB power-saving settings (e.g., “ERP Ready”).

Method 2 of 5
Step 4 of 4

Reset Network Settings

3 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

3/5

METHOD
Method 3
Overview

Why? Glitchy network configurations can block your adapter.

Method 3 of 5
Next Method

Open Terminal (Admin)

Press Win + X → Select Terminal (Admin).

Method 3 of 5
Step 1 of 3

Run Network Reset Commands

Type the following commands one by one and press Enter: 

netsh winsock reset 

netsh int ip reset

 ipconfig /release 

ipconfig /renew 

ipconfig /flushdns

Method 3 of 5
Step 2 of 3

Restart Your PC

Changes apply after restarting.

Note: Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth first to fix system file errors before resetting the network.

Method 3 of 5
Step 3 of 3

Adjust Speed & Duplex Settings

5 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

4/5

METHOD
Method 4
Overview

Why? Auto-negotiation sometimes fails on older networks, causing connection issues.

Method 4 of 5
Next Method

Open Device Manager

Press Win + X → Select Device Manager.

Method 4 of 5
Step 1 of 5

Access Network Adapter Settings

Expand Network Adapters, right-click Realtek Adapter → Select Properties.

Method 4 of 5
Step 2 of 5

Modify Speed & Duplex

Go to the Advanced tab → Select Speed & Duplex.

Method 4 of 5
Step 3 of 5

Set a Fixed Speed

Change the value to 100 Mbps Full Duplex (or match your router's setting).

Method 4 of 5
Step 4 of 5

Restart Your PC

Settings take effect after a restart.

Warning: Check your router’s speed/duplex settings and match them for flawless compatibility.

Method 4 of 5
Step 5 of 5

Switch USB Ports

2 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

5/5

METHOD
Method 5
Overview

Why? USB 2.0 ports may not provide enough power or speed for a stable network connection.

Method 5 of 5

Try a Different USB Port

Unplug your Realtek adapter and connect it to a USB 3.0+ port (usually has a blue interior).

Method 5 of 5
Step 1 of 2

Restart Your PC

Reboot your system to allow Windows to detect the new port and reinitialize the adapter.

Note: If your PC’s ports are unreliable, use a powered USB hub for a more stable connection.

Method 5 of 5
Step 2 of 2

Additional Tips

Image

Update Router/Modem Firmware

Temporarily Disable Firewall/Antivirus

Check the adapter’s USB port for debris or bent connectors.

Try a USB-C to Ethernet adapter (if your PC has USB-C).

Contact Realtek support with your adapter’s model number (printed on the device).

Methods (5)

Reinstall the Drive...
5 Steps
Disable Power Savin...
4 Steps
Reset Network Setti...
3 Steps
Adjust Speed & Dupl...
5 Steps
Switch USB Ports
2 Steps

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