PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8169 matches the RTL8169 PCI Gigabit Ethernet Controller device manufactured by RealTek. Driver updates in this category total over 36,142 downloads with a ratings average of 4.4 out of 5 stars. We make downloading from DriverGuide free of hassle and worry. All updates we offer are scanned regularly with the latest anti-malware technology.
To install or update your driver automatically, click the green button next to your selected driver. To see more information on a particular driver and to download it, click the Download Driver button.
Once you download your new driver, then you need to install it. To install a driver in Windows, you will need to use a built-in utility called Device Manager. It allows you to see all of the devices recognized by your system, and the drivers associated with them.
Visit our Driver Support Page for helpful step-by-step videos on how to install drivers for every file type.
If you are having trouble finding the right driver, stop searching and fix driver problems faster with the Automatic Driver Update Utility. Many computer problems are caused by missing or outdated device drivers, especially in Windows 11. If your system is running slow, or keeps crashing or hanging, there is a good chance that updating your drivers will fix the problem. Automatic updates could save you hours of time.
A device Hardware ID (HWID) is a set of numbers and letters that uniquely identifies any device. For example, different models of Motherboards, Graphics Cards, Printers and Network Interface Cards would have their own unique Hardware ID.
The general format for a Hardware ID is <Bus Type>\<Vendor ID>&<Device ID>&<Additional IDs>.
The Vendor ID takes the form "VEN_XXXX" where XXXX is a 4 digit code unique to the manufacturer.
The Device ID format is "DEV_YYYY" where YYYY is a 4 digit code unique to that manufacturer's device.
Hardware IDs are useful because they help identify the manufacturer and model of every hardware device inside, or attached to, your computer.
Each Hardware ID is assigned to a particular device by the device manufacturer. Windows operating systems such as Windows 11 use the Hardware ID to match to a specific INF file. INF files are used to install the correct device drivers - that's the software that lets your computer communicate with the device in the most efficient manner.
While a particular device driver is associated with specific Hardware ID, that driver may be compatible with other devices as well. In that case, the INF file would identify one or more Hardware IDs as an exact match, and provide a list of Compatible Hardware IDs for that driver. In many cases, the Compatible Hardware IDs will look similar, with the identifier having only minor variations, particularly in the Device ID portion.
When it comes to updating hard disk controller (or "disk controller") drivers, particularly for managing the connection between your computer and storage drives, using a dedicated driver update tool offers important advantages:
Maximized Data Throughput
Disk controllers are responsible for handling data transfer between your storage devices and your system. Keeping these drivers up to date ensures faster data read/write speeds, allowing for more efficient file transfers, smoother system performance, and better overall responsiveness.
Prevention of Data Corruption
Outdated or incompatible disk controller drivers can lead to serious issues, including data corruption or drive failures. A dedicated driver update tool ensures that you're using the most reliable and stable version, minimizing the risk of lost or damaged files.
Improved Storage Compatibility
Disk controllers often need updates to support newer types of storage drives, like SSDs or NVMe drives, or specific RAID configurations. Using a driver update tool ensures your controller works optimally with the latest drive technology, whether you're upgrading to a higher capacity or faster performance.
Optimized RAID Functionality
For systems using RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks), controller drivers play a crucial role in managing the array. Regular updates improve RAID performance, stability, and fault tolerance, making sure your data remains safe and your RAID configuration runs smoothly.
Resolving Latency Issues
Latency in data retrieval can occur if the disk controller driver isn't up to date. A driver update tool ensures your controller is running at peak efficiency, reducing delays in accessing large files, loading applications, or booting up the system.
Streamlined Troubleshooting
If your system is having trouble detecting hard drives, or if there's erratic behavior with disk performance, updated disk controller drivers can often resolve these issues. A driver update tool simplifies the process of installing the latest patches to fix these problems quickly, without wasting time on trial-and-error fixes.
In summary, using a dedicated driver update tool for your disk controller ensures better storage performance, greater stability, and compatibility with newer technologies, allowing your system's storage subsystem to operate more reliably and efficiently.