Before installing, disconnect your ethernet cable or disable your main Wi-Fi. Windows Update will try to install an old, broken driver the moment it sees the adapter.
This is where it gets "interesting" for tech enthusiasts. Because Realtek is slow to update drivers for specific USB variants, the open-source community often fixes bugs faster than the corporation. Before installing, disconnect your ethernet cable or disable
.zip or .exe from their Releases page.Many users have success with a community-maintained driver. These developers wrap the official Realtek source code
This driver supports Windows 11 21H2, 22H2, 23H2, and 24H2. Many users have success with a community-maintained driver
Realtek does not list consumer drivers on their main homepage well, but they maintain an official download center for OEMs.
If you get Code 52 (Invalid signature):