Fixing RTL8153B-VB-CG USB Ethernet Adapter Not Working on Windows

Fixing RTL8153B-VB-CG USB Ethernet Adapter Not Working on Windows: Troubleshooting and Solutions

1. Introduction

If your RTL8153B-VB-CG USB Ethernet Adapter is not working on Windows, it can be due to several reasons ranging from driver issues to USB port or system settings. In this guide, we’ll go through the common causes of the issue and how to solve them step by step. Follow the instructions carefully to get your Ethernet adapter working again.

2. Common Causes of the Problem

Here are the main reasons why your RTL8153B-VB-CG USB Ethernet Adapter might not work:

Outdated or missing drivers: The most common issue is outdated or missing drivers. USB port issues: Faulty or under Power ed USB ports can prevent the adapter from working. Conflicting network settings: Sometimes, network settings or IP conflicts cause the adapter to malfunction. Power Management Settings: Windows power-saving settings may disable the device to save power. Faulty hardware: Rarely, the adapter itself could be damaged or defective.

3. Step-by-Step Troubleshooting and Solutions

Step 1: Check the Physical Connection First, make sure the USB Ethernet adapter is properly plugged into a functional USB port on your computer. Try connecting the adapter to different USB ports on your computer, preferably USB 3.0 or 3.1 ports if available. Avoid using USB hubs, as they may not provide enough power. Step 2: Check Device Manager for Issues Press Win + X and select Device Manager. In Device Manager, locate the Network Adapters section. You should see RTL8153B-VB-CG USB Ethernet Adapter listed there. If there's a yellow triangle with an exclamation mark next to it, it indicates a driver issue. Right-click the adapter and select Update Driver. If it’s not listed, you may need to install the drivers manually. Step 3: Update or Reinstall the Driver

Automatic Update:

Right-click on the Ethernet adapter in Device Manager. Select Update Driver. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will search for and install the latest driver for your device.

Manual Installation:

Go to the official manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver for the RTL8153B-VB-CG adapter. Once downloaded, run the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions. After installation, restart your computer. Step 4: Disable Power Management for USB Ports

Sometimes, Windows’ power-saving features can disable USB devices. Here's how to turn off this setting:

Open Device Manager. Expand the Universal Serial Bus Controllers section. Right-click on each USB Root Hub and select Properties. Go to the Power Management tab. Uncheck the box that says Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. Click OK and restart your computer. Step 5: Check for Network Conflicts Right-click the Network icon in the taskbar and select Network & Internet Settings. Click Change adapter options. Right-click on your Ethernet adapter and select Disable, wait for a few seconds, and then right-click again and select Enable. Ensure there are no conflicts with other network adapters like Wi-Fi. If you're using both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, disable Wi-Fi temporarily to check if Ethernet works. Step 6: Try a Different Computer or Operating System

To isolate the problem, try plugging the RTL8153B-VB-CG USB Ethernet Adapter into another computer or device. If it works there, the issue could be with your computer’s settings or hardware. If it doesn't work on another device, the adapter might be defective.

Step 7: Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes, Windows updates can fix compatibility issues with hardware:

Press Win + I to open Settings. Go to Update & Security. Click Check for Updates and install any available updates. Restart your computer and check if the Ethernet adapter starts working. Step 8: Reset Network Settings

If the above steps don’t work, you can reset your network settings, which will remove any problematic configurations:

Open Settings by pressing Win + I. Go to Network & Internet. Scroll down and click Network Reset. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your network settings. After the reset, restart your computer. Step 9: Test the Adapter on Another Operating System

If you are using a Windows version with known issues (e.g., older Windows builds), try using a live Linux USB (e.g., Ubuntu) to check if the Ethernet adapter works. If it works on Linux, the issue is likely related to Windows.

4. Final Considerations

If the adapter still doesn’t work after all these steps, it could be a hardware issue. In that case:

Test the adapter on another computer. Consider replacing the adapter if it doesn’t work on other systems either.

Conclusion

The RTL8153B-VB-CG USB Ethernet Adapter not working on Windows is typically due to driver issues, USB port problems, or conflicting settings. By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the problem and get your adapter working again. If the problem persists, a hardware replacement may be required.