The Realtek PCIe FE Family Controller is a network interface card (NIC) used for Ethernet (wired) connectivity on a computer. It is typically integrated into many desktop motherboards and laptops to provide a fast and reliable network connection using the PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) interface.

The "FE" in PCIe FE stands for Fast Ethernet, which typically supports speeds up to 100 Mbps, though newer versions may support higher speeds (such as Gigabit Ethernet, which supports up to 1000 Mbps). The Realtek PCIe FE Family Controller is commonly used for Ethernet wired network connections.

To use this controller with your Windows computer, you need the appropriate driver, which allows Windows to communicate with the hardware, manage network connections, and troubleshoot network issues.

Steps to Install the Realtek PCIe FE Family Controller Driver

1. Identify Your Windows Version

Before you download and install the driver, make sure you know which version of Windows you're using:

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type winver and press Enter to view your Windows version and build.

2. Download the Driver

You can download the driver from several sources:

• Official Realtek Website: Visit the official Realtek website to find the latest driver for your Realtek PCIe FE Family Controller

  • Realtek Official Driver Download

  However, Realtek's website may not always have the most user-friendly interface, so sometimes it's easier to get the driver from the system or motherboard manufacturer.

• Manufacturer's Website: If your computer or motherboard is from a specific manufacturer (e.g., Dell, HP, ASUS, Lenovo), visit the manufacturer's support page and search for your device's model to download the driver. The device manufacturer may provide customized drivers for better performance or compatibility.

• Windows Update: Windows often automatically downloads and installs the appropriate drivers for most devices. You can check if Windows has already installed the driver by following these steps:

  1. Open Settings (press Windows + I).
  2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
  3. Click Check for updates.
  4. If the Realtek driver is available, it will be installed automatically.

• Driver Download Websites (e.g., DriverGuide, Softpedia): You can also find drivers on trusted third-party websites. However, be cautious when using these sites to ensure the files are safe and up-to-date.

3. Install the Driver

Once you have downloaded the correct driver file, follow these steps to install it:

• If the Driver is in an Executable (.exe) Format:

  1. Double-click the downloaded .exe file.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver. The installer will automatically set everything up for you.
  3. Restart your computer once the installation is complete.

• If the Driver is in a ZIP File:

  1. Extract the files from the .zip archive to a folder.
  2. Open Device Manager:
     • Right-click on the Start Menu and select Device Manager.
  3. Locate Network adapters, and look for Realtek PCIe FE Family Controller (it may also be listed as something similar, like "Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller").
  4. Right-click on it and select Update driver.
  5. Choose Browse my computer for drivers.
  6. Navigate to the folder where you extracted the driver files and select the folder.
  7. Follow the prompts to install the driver.
  8. Restart your computer if prompted.

• Manual Installation Using the .INF File:

  1. Right-click the Start Menu and select Device Manager.
  2. Under Network adapters, right-click Realtek PCIe FE Family Controller and choose Update driver.
  3. Choose Browse my computer for drivers.
  4. Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers.
  5. Click Have Disk, and browse to the location of the driver files (usually the folder containing the .inf file).
  6. Select the appropriate .inf file and click Open.
  7. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
  8. Restart your computer.

4. Verify Installation

1. Open Device Manager again and ensure the Realtek PCIe FE Family Controller is listed under Network adapters without any warning symbols (such as a yellow triangle).
2. Try connecting to a wired network to check if the Ethernet connection works.
   • Plug in an Ethernet cable from your router or modem to the computer's Ethernet port.
   • Check the Network and Internet settings to see if your PC connects to the network.
   • You can also open a web browser and check if you can browse the internet.

5. Troubleshooting

If you're experiencing issues with the Realtek PCIe FE Family Controller after installing the driver, try the following:

• Reinstall the Driver: Go back to Device Manager, uninstall the current driver, and reinstall it.
• Run the Network Troubleshooter:
  • Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Internet Connections.
  • Follow the prompts to run the troubleshooter and attempt to fix network issues automatically.
• Update Windows: Make sure your operating system is up to date as sometimes new updates contain fixes for networking issues.
• Check Ethernet Cable and Port: Try using a different Ethernet cable or port to make sure the issue isn't related to the hardware.

If all else fails, you might want to contact your device manufacturer for further assistance or check if there is a more recent driver update available on their website.

By following these steps, you should be able to install and use your Realtek PCIe FE Family Controller and establish a stable Ethernet connection on your Windows computer.