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Fix: Realtek Ethernet adapter doesn’t work after Windows 10 Anniversary Update
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Microsoft released the Anniversary Update two weeks ago, but complaints about various issues caused by the second major update forWindows 10keep coming in. Latest reported problem that bothers some users who installed the Anniversary Update is the problem withRealtekEthernet.
Namely, a few userssaidthat once they installed the Anniversary Update, they just lost internet connection from theirRealtekEthernet adapter. So in this article, we’ll try to find a cause and a possible solution for this issue.
What to do if Realtek Ethernet adapter stops working after the Anniversary Update
Solution 1 – Update drivers
Usually, the first solution for hardware-related problems is updating drivers, and that’s what we’re going to try in this case, as well. There’s a chance that your oldRealtekdrivers simply don’t go along with the Anniversary Update, which prevents you from connecting to the internet.
To update your Realtek Ethernet drivers, do the following:
Once your driver is updated, try to connect to the internet, and see if anything’s different. However, if all your drivers are updated, but you’re still unable to connect, try some of the solutions listed below.
We also recommend a third-party tool (100% safe and tested by us) to automatically download all the outdated drivers on your PC.
Solution 2 – Update Windows
SinceRealtekis a big company with a lot of users, it occasionally provides updates through Windows Update. So, if you weren’t able to solve the problem by updating your drivers manually, try running Windows Update.
If you notice that aRealtekdriver is available to download through Windows Update, download the update, finish the installation, and restart your computer. But if you didn’t receive an update for your Realtek Ethernet driver via Windows Update, try other solutions from this article.
Solution 3 – Uninstall Driver
Another driver-related solution. If updating your Realtek Ethernet driver didn’t fix the problem, try with reinstalling. Users who faced problems withRealtekEthernet driver before said that this solution worked quite well for them, so you can also give it a try.
In case you’re not sure how to reinstall your Realtek Ethernet driver, do the following:
As we said, some people confirmed this as a proper solution for our problem, but that doesn’t mean it will work for you. If you’re still unable to connect to internet with yourRealtekEthernet adapter after performing all these driver-related solutions, try some of the workarounds listed below.
Solution 4 – Antivirus
The conflict between the Anniversary Update and a certain antivirus program can cause various issues in Windows 10. We already reported someproblems caused by antivirus programs in Windows 10 version 1607, so it could easily be the case withRealtekEthernet, as well.
In case you tried all the solutions from above, try disabling your antivirus program, and see if you’re now able to connect to the internet.
Solution 5 – Try solving other network problems
If absolutely none of the solutions from this article helped you address the issue withRealtekEthernet adapter in yourWindows 10computer, you should try some advanced solutions for networking problems. Some time ago, we wrotea massive article with numerous fixes and workarounds for various internet problems in Windows 10, so check it out, and you may find a proper solution.
That’s about it, we hope at least one solution from our article(s) helped you deal with the Realtek Ethernet adapter problem. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, just let us know in the comments below.
More about the topics:windows 10,windows 10 anniversary update
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
