Realtek RTL8168C(P) 8111C(P) PCI E Gigabit Ethernet NIC Driver

The Realtek RTL8168C(P) 8111C(P) PCI E Gigabit Ethernet NIC driver lets Windows communicate with this RealTek PCI Express network adapter, enabling wired Ethernet access. You may need it after reinstalling Windows, when Device Manager shows an unidentified Ethernet controller, or when troubleshooting a missing wired connection.

Key Features

• Wired network connectivity: Enables the adapter to connect your PC to a router, switch, or local network through an Ethernet cable.
• Gigabit Ethernet support: Allows connection speeds up to 1 Gbps when your cabling and network equipment support them; actual transfer speeds vary.
• Windows integration: Helps Windows recognize the network controller and provides access to supported adapter settings through Device Manager.
• Connection management: Supports the adapter’s speed negotiation and available power-management options, depending on the driver package and system configuration.

How to Install Realtek RTL8168C(P) 8111C(P) PCI E Gigabit Ethernet NIC Driver

1. Confirm your adapter and Windows version. Open Device Manager and check Network adapters or Other devices. If the controller is unidentified, compare its hardware IDs with the package’s supported devices. Note whether your system uses Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7, and check its architecture.
2. Choose a compatible package. Before starting your Realtek RTL8168C(P) 8111C(P) PCI E Gigabit Ethernet NIC driver download for Windows, confirm that the package explicitly supports your adapter and operating system. For Windows 10/11, do not assume an older package is compatible simply because the device name matches.
3. Download and prepare the files. Use a trusted free download from RealTek or your computer manufacturer. If this PC has no internet connection, download the package on another device and transfer it using a USB drive. Extract compressed files before proceeding.
4. Install the driver. Run the included installer and follow its prompts. If no installer is provided, open Device Manager, right-click the Ethernet controller, select Update driver, and choose Browse my computer for drivers to locate the extracted folder.
5. Restart and test. Restart if prompted, reconnect your Ethernet cable, and check that Windows detects the adapter without a warning icon. Test access to your router or the internet.

Keep the driver updated when a compatible release addresses connection problems, security issues, or operating-system changes. Choose the latest version validated for your hardware and Windows release rather than installing a newer but unsupported package. If an update causes problems, use Device Manager’s Roll Back Driver option when available.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Install fails or rolls back: Use the Realtek package for your exact Windows version and run it as administrator. If Windows blocks it, check the digital signature/date; uninstall any existing Realtek NIC driver in Device Manager (select “Delete the driver software”), reboot, then install.
• Device not detected: Confirm the card is seated in the PCIe slot and enabled in BIOS. In Device Manager, scan for hardware changes and check “Other devices” for the Ethernet controller; verify the hardware ID is `PCIVEN_10EC&DEV_8168` before installing.
• Version conflicts/Windows Update overwrite: Remove older Realtek or generic Microsoft drivers, reboot, and install one package only. If Windows Update replaces it, roll back the driver or use Device Manager > Update driver > Browse to the downloaded Realtek driver.