How to Fix RTL8111F-CG Not Working After OS Upgrade

How to Fix RTL8111F-CG Not Working After OS Upgrade

How to Fix RTL8111F-CG Not Working After OS Upgrade

Problem Analysis

After upgrading your operating system (OS), you might encounter the issue where your RTL8111F-CG network adapter (a Realtek Ethernet chip) stops functioning correctly. This can result in the loss of wired network connectivity, leaving you unable to access the internet or local network.

This issue is usually caused by several factors that may stem from the OS upgrade process. The most common causes include:

Driver Incompatibility: The new OS version may not include the correct or compatible Drivers for the RTL8111F-CG network adapter. OS upgrades may either overwrite or disable the previously installed Drivers . Kernel Changes: If you're using Linux, kernel updates can sometimes break compatibility with older drivers. Configuration Issues: After an OS upgrade, certain network configurations might change or get reset, causing the adapter to be unrecognized or misconfigured. Firmware Issues: Rarely, firmware for the RTL8111F-CG chip might be out of date or incompatible with the new OS, resulting in issues.

Troubleshooting and Fixing the Issue

Step 1: Check if the Ethernet Adapter is Detected Windows: Press Windows + X, select "Device Manager." Look under "Network Adapters" to see if the RTL8111F-CG is listed. If the adapter is missing, it could mean the OS failed to detect it after the upgrade. If there is a yellow triangle or error icon next to the adapter, this indicates a driver issue. Linux: Open a terminal and type: lspci | grep Ethernet This will show the network devices detected by the system. Look for something like Realtek Semiconductor Co., Ltd. RTL8111/8168/8411. If the device isn't listed, the system isn't detecting it properly, possibly due to missing drivers. Step 2: Update or Reinstall Drivers Windows: Visit the Realtek website and download the latest driver for the RTL8111F-CG. Alternatively, you can try updating the driver through Device Manager: Right-click the network adapter under "Network Adapters" and select "Update Driver." Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software." If this doesn't work, uninstall the current driver and reinstall it using the downloaded driver from the Realtek website. Linux: Check if the necessary drivers are installed. For many Linux distributions, the r8168 or r8169 driver is required for Realtek Ethernet chips. Open the terminal and check if the r8168 driver is installed: sudo modprobe r8168 If you get an error or the adapter is still not working, try installing the driver manually: On Ubuntu or Debian-based systems, run: sudo apt-get install r8168-dkms For other distributions, consult your distribution's driver installation procedure. Step 3: Check Network Configuration Windows: Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. Make sure the network adapter is enabled. Right-click and enable it if it's disabled. If the network adapter is enabled but still not working, try disabling and re-enabling it. Linux: Make sure the network interface is up by running: sudo ifconfig eth0 up Replace eth0 with the actual network interface name if different (you can use ifconfig or ip link to list interfaces). Check your network settings to ensure the adapter is correctly configured with the right IP settings. Step 4: Update the Firmware

In some cases, outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues with new OS versions.

Windows: Visit the motherboard manufacturer's website and look for any firmware updates or BIOS updates that address network adapter issues. Some systems may require specific tools to update firmware, such as the Realtek Firmware Update Tool. Linux: Check the Realtek website or your distribution's package manager for firmware updates. Use the following command to update the firmware (if available): sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade Step 5: Reboot and Test

Once you have completed the steps above:

Restart your system to ensure all changes take effect. After rebooting, check if the network adapter is working correctly. Step 6: Additional Checks Check for OS-Specific Issues: Some OS versions may have known issues with Realtek drivers. Look for specific updates or patches related to your OS version (especially if you're on Linux). Try a Different Port or Cable: Sometimes, the issue may be related to a faulty Ethernet cable or port on the router/modem. Contact Support: If the issue persists, contact your OS or motherboard manufacturer's support for assistance.

Conclusion

If your RTL8111F-CG network adapter stopped working after an OS upgrade, it's likely due to a driver issue, kernel incompatibility, or a configuration problem. By following the steps outlined above — checking if the adapter is detected, updating or reinstalling drivers, checking network configuration, and updating firmware — you can restore network connectivity. Ensure that your system's drivers and firmware are up-to-date for the best compatibility with newer OS versions.