This is the single most common wired-LAN controller in consumer computing, integrated on a huge range of desktop boards and laptops as the standard gigabit port. It handles link negotiation up to 1 Gbps along with the usual offload and power-saving features. Because the same chip sits behind so many brand names, read the exact controller string in Device Manager, then on a branded machine fetch the version your PC maker validated rather than a bare Realtek build.
Realtek PCIe GbE Family Controller at a glance
| Detail | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Controller class | Integrated consumer gigabit NIC |
| Max link speed | 1 Gbps full duplex |
| Bus and port | PCIe, single RJ-45 on the board |
| Driver source | OEM build on branded PCs, else Realtek |
| Stability watch | Generic driver can break wake from sleep |
| Common failure mode | Link negotiates below rated speed on a bad cable |
Worth knowing: Common integrated gigabit LAN on many desktops and laptops.
DriverHub US does not host driver files or bundle an updater. This page documents the Realtek PCIe GbE Family Controllerfamily; its citations are selected from the package-source policy recorded for this family.
The family record names OEM build on branded PCs, else Realtek as the package source. Match the package to the exact Realtek PCIe GbE Family Controller device signals on this page and to Windows 10, Windows 11. A family name alone is not enough when the publisher separates packages by model, hardware revision, or PC configuration.
Common integrated gigabit LAN on many desktops and laptops.
Shared identification, preparation, installation, verification, and rollback procedures are maintained on the complete ethernet & lan guide, rather than repeated on every family page. The citations below follow this family’s declared vendor, Windows, PC-maker, or motherboard-maker source policy.
These links go directly to the named publisher. Check the domain, exact model, Windows version, and package details before installing.
Realtek: Official Realtek support page. Confirm the exact model and operating system before selecting a package.
Dell: Official Dell support page. Confirm the exact model and operating system before selecting a package.
HP: Official HP support page. Confirm the exact model and operating system before selecting a package.
Lenovo: Official Lenovo support page. Confirm the exact model and operating system before selecting a package.
ASUS: Official ASUS support page. Confirm the exact model and operating system before selecting a package.
Acer: Official Acer support page. Confirm the exact model and operating system before selecting a package.
Microsoft Surface: Official Microsoft Surface support page. Confirm the exact model and operating system before selecting a package.
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Realtek PCIe GbE Family Controller next to the other 14 families in this category
| Family | Manufacturer | Documented Windows releases | How you recognize it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Realtek PCIe GbE Family Controller (this page) | Realtek | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Reads as Realtek PCIe GbE Family Controller in Device Manager |
| Realtek PCIe 2.5GbE Family Controller | Realtek | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Reads as Realtek PCIe 2.5GbE Family Controller |
| Realtek USB GbE Family Controller | Realtek | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Reads as Realtek USB GbE Family Controller |
| Intel Ethernet Connection I219 | Intel | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Reads as Intel Ethernet Connection I219 in Device Manager |
| Intel Ethernet Controller I225-V | Intel | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Reads as Intel Ethernet Controller I225-V |
| Intel Ethernet Controller I226-V | Intel | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Reads as Intel Ethernet Controller I226-V |
| Intel Ethernet Server Adapter I210 | Intel | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Reads as Intel Ethernet Server Adapter I210 |
| Dell Integrated LAN (OEM package) | Dell | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Delivered as a Dell package matched to a Service Tag |
| HP Integrated Network Adapter (OEM package) | HP | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Located by HP product or serial number |
| Lenovo Integrated Ethernet (OEM package) | Lenovo | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Matched by Lenovo machine type and model |
| ASUS Motherboard LAN Driver (OEM package) | ASUS | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Downloaded from a specific ASUS motherboard support page |
| MSI Motherboard LAN Driver (OEM package) | MSI | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Selected by exact MSI board model |
| Gigabyte Motherboard LAN Driver (OEM package) | Gigabyte | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Chosen by exact Gigabyte or AORUS board model |
| ASRock Motherboard LAN Driver (OEM package) | ASRock | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Found on the specific ASRock board's support page |
| Acer Integrated LAN (OEM package) | Acer | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Located by Acer model or serial number |
Realtek
This is the multi-gig sibling of Realtek's gigabit part, found on newer motherboards that offer a 2.5 Gbps wired port. It falls back cleanly to 1 Gbps on older switches, so reaching its full rate requires 2.5 Gbps-capable networking gear and adequate cabling end to end. If the port negotiates at gigabit when you expect more, check the switch and cable before the driver, since the controller itself will step down automatically.
Realtek
This controller powers a large share of USB dongles and dock-based Ethernet ports rather than a soldered motherboard NIC. Because it rides on a USB or Thunderbolt link, its dependability depends partly on the host port and, on a dock, the dock's own firmware and USB stack. When such an adapter drops out, update the dock firmware and USB controller driver first, then this adapter driver, and try a port directly on the PC to rule the dock out.
Intel
The I219 is Intel's integrated gigabit LAN found on a great many business desktops and laptops, valued for stable links and a mature driver. It commonly appears in fleet machines where consistent behavior matters more than raw speed. On such systems the OEM ships a validated build tied to the platform firmware, so prefer that over the generic Intel package to keep the link steady across power states.
Intel
The I225-V is Intel's first widely deployed 2.5 Gbps consumer controller, appearing on many enthusiast boards. Early revisions were notably sensitive to firmware and power-saving settings, which produced intermittent link drops on some systems. If you see that behavior, keep the controller firmware and driver aligned to the versions your board maker publishes and disable Energy Efficient Ethernet, which together resolve most of the reported instability.
Intel
The I226-V is Intel's refined 2.5 Gbps controller that succeeds the I225-V and is common on current motherboards. It addresses much of the earlier part's link-stability sensitivity while offering the same multi-gig speed. As with any multi-gig port, reaching the full rate requires a compatible switch and cabling, and keeping the driver aligned with the board firmware remains the best way to avoid the occasional drop under light traffic.
Intel
The I210 is a discrete Intel gigabit controller aimed at workstation and small-server boards, chosen for its dependable driver and features suited to typically-on use. It often appears as a second, dedicated NIC alongside a consumer port. Because it is a server-class part, match its driver to the board or system it ships in and keep it aligned with any firmware updates to preserve the dependability it is bought for.
Realtek hardware documented outside ethernet & lan
| Family | Category | Documented Windows releases |
|---|---|---|
| Realtek High Definition Audio Codecs | Audio & Sound | Windows 10, Windows 11 |
| Realtek USB Audio | Audio & Sound | Windows 10, Windows 11 |
| Realtek PCIe Gigabit and 2.5G Ethernet | Network & Wi-Fi | Windows 10, Windows 11 |
| Realtek Wireless LAN Adapters | Network & Wi-Fi | Windows 10, Windows 11 |
| Realtek Bluetooth Adapters | Bluetooth | Windows 10, Windows 11 |
| Realtek PCIe/USB Card Reader Controller | Card Readers | Windows 10, Windows 11 |
| Realtek PCIe 2.5GbE Family Controller | Ethernet & LAN | Windows 10, Windows 11 |
| Realtek USB GbE Family Controller | Ethernet & LAN | Windows 10, Windows 11 |
| Realtek Virtual Audio Endpoint (companion feature) | Virtual Devices | Windows 10, Windows 11 |
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