How to Fix RTL8111HS-CG Ethernet Not Working Problems
How to Fix RTL8111HS-CG Ethernet Not Working Problems
When your RTL8111HS-CG Ethernet adapter is not working, it can be frustrating, especially if you're unsure where the issue lies. Let’s break down the potential causes and provide step-by-step solutions to fix this issue.
1. Possible Causes of RTL8111HS-CG Ethernet Issues Driver Issues: One of the most common causes of Ethernet problems is outdated or incompatible Drivers . The driver is crucial for the operating system to communicate with the Ethernet hardware. Without the correct driver, the adapter may not function properly. Hardware Issues: Faulty cables, damaged network cards, or physical damage to the Ethernet port or adapter can prevent connectivity. Power Management Settings: Some Power Management settings in Windows or other operating systems may disable the Ethernet adapter to save power, which can cause it to stop working. Incorrect Network Configuration: Misconfigured IP addresses or DNS settings can lead to connectivity issues, making the Ethernet adapter appear as if it’s not working. Operating System Conflicts: Operating system updates or conflicts with other hardware components may cause the network adapter to stop working properly. 2. How to Troubleshoot and Fix Ethernet Problems Step-by-StepStep 1: Check the Physical Connections
Inspect Cables: Ensure that the Ethernet cable is securely plugged into both your router/modem and the computer. Try using a different cable to rule out the possibility of a damaged cable. Test Other Devices: Connect other devices to the same Ethernet cable and port. If they work, the issue is likely with your computer’s Ethernet adapter.Step 2: Verify the Network Adapter in Device Manager
Open Device Manager: Press Win + X, then select Device Manager. Find the Network Adapters Section: Expand this section and look for your RTL8111HS-CG adapter. If there’s a yellow triangle or error message next to it, it’s a sign there’s an issue. Update Drivers : Right-click on the RTL8111HS-CG device and select Update Driver. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software. If an update is found, let it install and restart your computer.Step 3: Reinstall the Network Adapter
Uninstall the Device: In Device Manager, right-click on the RTL8111HS-CG Ethernet adapter and choose Uninstall device. Then restart your computer. Reinstall Drivers: After rebooting, Windows should automatically attempt to reinstall the correct driver. If not, you can manually download the latest driver from the official Realtek website or use the driver CD that came with your motherboard.Step 4: Check Power Management Settings
Disable Power Saving for Ethernet Adapter: Go to Device Manager, right-click on the RTL8111HS-CG adapter and select Properties. Navigate to the Power Management tab. Uncheck the box that says Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. Click OK to save changes.Step 5: Reset Network Settings
Release and Renew IP Address: Open Command Prompt as Administrator (Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin)). Type ipconfig /release and press Enter. After the command finishes, type ipconfig /renew and press Enter again. Reset TCP/IP Stack: In the same Command Prompt window, type netsh int ip reset and press Enter. Restart your computer after executing the command.Step 6: Update or Rollback Windows Updates
Sometimes, a recent update can cause conflicts with network drivers. Update Windows: Check for any pending Windows updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and clicking Check for updates. Rollback Updates: If the problem started after a recent update, you can try rolling back the update by going to Settings > Update & Security > View update history > Uninstall updates.Step 7: Test on a Different OS (Optional)
If you suspect an OS issue, you can test your Ethernet adapter on a different operating system (such as using a Linux Live USB) to check if the problem is hardware-related.Step 8: Hardware Check
If all software-related solutions fail, it's possible that the Ethernet adapter itself is defective. In this case, consider testing the computer with another Ethernet adapter or having the existing hardware checked by a technician. 3. ConclusionEthernet issues with the RTL8111HS-CG adapter can usually be resolved with simple troubleshooting steps. Start by checking the physical connections and updating your drivers. If that doesn’t work, try adjusting power management settings, resetting your network configuration, and ensuring that no conflicts exist in your operating system. If all else fails, the issue might be hardware-related, and testing with another adapter could be necessary.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve most issues related to your RTL8111HS-CG Ethernet adapter and restore connectivity without too much hassle.