If you bought a branded adapter (e.g., "AmazonBasics USB 2.0 to Ethernet"), go directly to:
| Problem | Solution |
|---------|----------|
| Driver not signing (Windows 11 blocks it) | Disable driver signature enforcement temporarily:
Shift + Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart → Press 7 (Disable driver signature enforcement) |
| Still unknown device | Unplug adapter → Uninstall unknown device in Device Manager → Reboot → Reinstall driver before plugging in |
| Works then disconnects | Try a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0, not USB 3.0) or use a powered USB hub |
| Code 10 / Code 31 error | Uninstall driver → Download fresh copy → Run cleanmgr → Delete temp files → Reinstall |
1. "Windows found drivers for your device but encountered an error." This is usually a code 10 or code 28 error. Try a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0 if you are using a USB 3.0 port, or vice versa). Sometimes the adapter is not receiving enough power. If you bought a branded adapter (e
2. Connected but "No Internet" / "Unidentified Network" This is rarely a driver issue and usually a network configuration issue:
3. Driver Signature Enforcement If Windows 11 refuses to install the driver citing signature issues: | Problem | Solution | |---------|----------| | Driver
Even after installation, problems can arise. Here is how to fix them.
| Error / Symptom | Solution | |----------------|----------| | Code 10 (Device cannot start) | Uninstall the device from Device Manager, unplug the adapter, reboot, then reinstall driver using the ".inf" method. | | Code 52 (Unsigned driver) | Reboot with "Disable driver signature enforcement" (see Part 4, Step 2). Alternatively, find a newer WHQL-signed driver from Microsoft Update Catalog. | | Adapter shows up but no internet (Limited connectivity) | Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings > Right-click the RD9700 > Properties > Configure > Advanced > Set "Speed & Duplex" to "100 Mbps Full Duplex." | | Driver installs but disappears after sleep | In Device Manager, right-click the RD9700 > Properties > Power Management > Uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power." | | USB 3.0 port issues | Try a USB 2.0 port. The RD9700 is a USB 2.0 device and may have compatibility quirks with some USB 3.0 controllers. | it can work. However
After plugging in your USB to Ethernet adapter, you might notice:
If you see any of these, manual driver installation is required.
Some RD9700 adapters work with the old Realtek RTL8150 driver (included in Windows 11). In Device Manager:
Many RD9700 adapters ship with a mini CD. While the driver on the CD is often outdated (Windows 7/8 era), it can work. However, for Windows 11, you should still use the CD as a last resort because newer security patches may reject old unsigned drivers.