The Apple USB Ethernet Adapter provides a wired network connection through a USB port. Its driver allows Windows to recognize the adapter and communicate with it, helping your PC connect to a router or Ethernet switch when Wi-Fi is unavailable or unreliable. Choose a driver package that matches your Windows version and system architecture before installing.

Key Features

• Adapter recognition: Enables Windows to identify the Apple USB Ethernet Adapter as a network device rather than an unknown USB accessory.
• Wired network access: Supports Ethernet communication for internet access and local network connections when the adapter is connected to compatible network equipment.
• Windows network integration: Makes the adapter available through Windows networking tools, where you can check connection status and configure IP settings.
• Device management: Lets you view driver information, check device status, and troubleshoot installation issues through Device Manager.

How to Install

1. Check your Windows version. Confirm whether your PC runs Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7, and check its system type in Windows Settings or Control Panel. Select a driver explicitly listed for your operating system and architecture; one package may not support every version.

1. Download and prepare the driver. Save the appropriate Apple USB Ethernet Adapter driver package to your computer. If it comes as a compressed archive, extract its contents to an easy-to-find folder. If the PC has no internet connection, download it on another device and transfer it using a USB drive.

1. Connect the hardware. Insert the adapter into an available USB port, then attach an Ethernet cable connected to your router or switch. Open Device Manager and look under “Network adapters” or “Other devices” to locate it.

1. Install the driver. Run the package’s installer if one is included. Otherwise, right-click the adapter in Device Manager, choose “Update driver,” select the option to browse your computer, and point Windows to the extracted driver folder. Follow the prompts without bypassing driver-signature warnings.

1. Verify the connection. Restart the PC if prompted, then confirm that the adapter appears without a warning icon in Device Manager. Check Windows network settings for an active Ethernet connection. If it remains disconnected, inspect the cable, try another USB port, and verify that the router or switch port is active.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Install fails or rolls back: Run the Apple Boot Camp Support Software installer as administrator and in compatibility mode for your Windows version. If Windows blocks the older package, extract it and install the ASIX AX88772 Ethernet driver manually.
• Adapter not detected: Plug the adapter directly into a USB port, not a hub. In Device Manager, check for “Unknown device” or ASIX AX88772; update the driver by browsing to the extracted Apple/ASIX driver folder, then reboot.
• Version conflicts: Uninstall existing Apple Ethernet/ASIX AX88772 devices and driver packages in Device Manager, reboot, and install only one matching Boot Camp or ASIX driver version. Confirm no duplicate IP settings with Wi-Fi or other Ethernet adapters.