Fixing RTL8111H-CG Error Code 10 in Device Manager

Fixing RTL8111H-CG Error Code 10 in Device Manager

Analysis of the Fault:

The Error Code 10 in Device Manager typically indicates that a device is unable to start. This can occur for various reasons, such as driver issues, hardware conflicts, or corrupted files. Specifically, the RTL8111H-CG is a Realtek Ethernet controller, and an Error Code 10 usually points to a failure in initializing or using the network hardware properly.

Possible Causes of the Error:

Corrupted or Outdated Drivers : One of the most common causes of this error is outdated or corrupted drivers for the RTL8111H-CG Ethernet controller.

Conflicting Hardware or Devices: Other devices or system components might conflict with the Ethernet controller, leading to a failure in operation.

Corrupted System Files: If Windows system files are damaged or missing, the network card may not function properly, causing Error Code 10.

Disabled Network Adapter: Sometimes, the network adapter may be accidentally disabled or disconnected in Windows settings.

Hardware Failure: In rare cases, the Ethernet controller itself might be defective, or there may be a problem with the motherboard slot.

Step-by-Step Solution to Fix the Error:

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Before diving into complex fixes, restart your computer. Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve temporary conflicts or glitches causing the error.

Step 2: Update the Network Adapter Driver Open Device Manager: Right-click on the Start Menu and choose Device Manager. Find the RTL8111H-CG Network Adapter: Look under Network Adapters and locate your Realtek Ethernet controller. Right-click and select "Update Driver": Choose the option to automatically search for updated driver software. If an update is available, install it and restart your computer.

If Windows cannot find an updated driver, visit the Realtek website to download the latest driver for your Ethernet controller model.

Step 3: Reinstall the Network Adapter

If updating the driver didn’t work, try reinstalling the adapter:

Right-click on the RTL8111H-CG in Device Manager and select Uninstall Device. Restart your computer: Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically during boot-up. Step 4: Check for Hardware Conflicts Open Device Manager and ensure that no other devices have a yellow warning triangle (indicating a problem). If you see conflicts with other devices, try disabling them temporarily to check if the issue is resolved. Step 5: Enable the Network Adapter

Sometimes, the Ethernet adapter can be disabled by accident:

Go to Network & Internet Settings: Right-click the network icon in your taskbar and select Open Network & Internet Settings. Change Adapter Settings: Select Change Adapter Settings and make sure the Ethernet adapter is enabled. If it's disabled, right-click and choose Enable. Step 6: Check for Windows System File Corruption

Corrupted system files can cause a variety of issues. Run the built-in System File Checker (sfc) tool:

Press Windows + X and choose Command Prompt (Admin). In the Command Prompt, type sfc /scannow and press Enter. The tool will scan and repair any corrupted files. After the scan completes, restart your computer. Step 7: Update Your BIOS

In some cases, updating the BIOS of your motherboard can resolve issues with hardware detection, including network adapters.

Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website and find the latest BIOS version for your model. Follow the instructions carefully to update the BIOS. This is an advanced step, so make sure to back up your data before proceeding. Step 8: Test the Hardware (Last Resort)

If none of the above steps worked, the Ethernet controller might be physically damaged. Test the card in another computer or use a different network card in your system to verify if the hardware itself is faulty.

Conclusion:

The RTL8111H-CG Error Code 10 is usually related to driver issues, hardware conflicts, or corrupted system files. By following the steps outlined above, such as updating or reinstalling the drivers, checking for hardware conflicts, enabling the adapter, and running system checks, most users can resolve this issue. If the problem persists despite all efforts, the issue might lie with the hardware, and replacing the network adapter could be necessary.