Fixing RTL8111HS-CG in Windows 10: Driver Issues and Fixes
The RTL8111HS-CG is a popular Ethernet controller used in many motherboards and laptop models, but some users encounter issues when trying to get it working properly on Windows 10. These issues often revolve around driver conflicts or outdated Drivers , leading to network instability, slower internet speeds, or the inability to connect to a network. Here's a detailed breakdown of what might cause these issues and how you can fix them step by step.
Common Causes of RTL8111HS-CG Issues in Windows 10
Outdated or Incompatible Drivers : One of the most common causes of issues with the RTL8111HS-CG Ethernet controller is the use of outdated, incompatible, or missing drivers. Windows 10 sometimes installs generic drivers that may not fully support the features of this specific Ethernet adapter.
Driver Conflicts: If you've recently updated your system, it could have caused a conflict between the newly installed drivers and the existing ones. This could lead to your network adapter malfunctioning or disappearing from Device Manager.
Corrupted System Files: System file corruption can interfere with the proper functioning of the network drivers. Windows may fail to recognize the Ethernet adapter or experience performance issues.
Power Management Settings: Windows 10 sometimes tries to conserve Power by disabling network devices, including your Ethernet adapter. This could result in an unstable or no network connection.
Firmware/BIOS Issues: Sometimes, outdated BIOS or firmware can cause compatibility issues with specific hardware, including the RTL8111HS-CG Ethernet controller.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix the RTL8111HS-CG Ethernet Adapter Issue in Windows 10
Step 1: Check Device Manager Why: Device Manager is where Windows manages hardware components, and it can show if the RTL8111HS-CG Ethernet adapter is having issues. What to do: Right-click on the Start Menu and select Device Manager. Look for Network adapters and expand the list. Find the RTL8111HS-CG or any related Ethernet adapter. If you see a yellow exclamation mark, there’s a problem. Right-click on it and select Update driver. Step 2: Update the Network Adapter Driver Why: Updating the driver ensures compatibility with Windows 10 and resolves any bugs that may be causing the issue. What to do:Right-click on the RTL8111HS-CG network adapter in Device Manager.
Select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for updated driver software. If Windows finds a newer driver, it will install it.
Restart your computer.
If Windows doesn’t find an updated driver, go to the motherboard or laptop manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver for the RTL8111HS-CG.
Step 3: Rollback the Driver (if the problem occurred after an update) Why: Sometimes, a new driver can cause issues instead of fixing them. What to do: Right-click the RTL8111HS-CG network adapter in Device Manager. Select Properties, then go to the Driver tab. Click Roll Back Driver (if available). Follow the on-screen instructions and restart your computer. Step 4: Reinstall the Network Driver Why: A fresh installation of the driver can resolve corrupted files or misconfigurations. What to do: In Device Manager, right-click on the RTL8111HS-CG network adapter and choose Uninstall device. Confirm by selecting Uninstall. Restart your computer. Windows will automatically attempt to reinstall the necessary drivers after a reboot. Alternatively, you can manually install the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website. Step 5: Disable Power Saving for the Network Adapter Why: Power-saving settings may cause the Ethernet adapter to disconnect intermittently. What to do: In Device Manager, right-click the RTL8111HS-CG adapter and select Properties. Go to the Power Management tab. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. Click OK and restart your system. Step 6: Run the Network Troubleshooter Why: Windows has built-in troubleshooting tools that may detect and automatically fix network-related issues. What to do: Open the Settings menu by pressing Windows + I. Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot. Select Internet Connections, then click Run the troubleshooter. Follow the instructions to diagnose and repair any issues. Step 7: Update Your BIOS/Firmware Why: Outdated BIOS or firmware can cause compatibility issues with hardware components like the Ethernet adapter. What to do: Go to your motherboard or laptop manufacturer’s website. Check for BIOS or firmware updates specific to your model. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to safely update the BIOS. Step 8: Check for Windows Updates Why: Windows updates can often include driver updates, patches, and fixes for compatibility issues. What to do: Open Settings by pressing Windows + I. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update. Click Check for updates. Install any available updates and restart your computer. Step 9: Reset TCP/IP Stack Why: A corrupted TCP/IP stack can cause network issues, including Ethernet problems. What to do: Open the Command Prompt as administrator (right-click Start > Command Prompt (Admin)). Type netsh int ip reset and press Enter. Restart your computer.Conclusion
The RTL8111HS-CG Ethernet adapter is generally reliable, but when issues arise on Windows 10, they are often related to drivers, system settings, or hardware compatibility. By following the steps above, you can resolve the majority of issues, from outdated drivers to power management problems. Always make sure to keep your drivers and Windows 10 system updated to avoid future issues.