Update the Ethernet driver
If you are having speed issues, it may be helpful to install a new driver for the external adapter. The next step should be to visit the manufacturer’s support page.
You can find out which adapter you have by using Windows Device Manager. First, connect the adapter and open Device Manager. There you will find the LAN hardware in the Network Adapters section. On a laptop, it usually appears next to the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi inputs.
In most budget adapters and docking stations, Realtek supplies the LAN hardware. The entry could read, for example, Realtek USB GbE Family Driver. Next, download the latest driver from Realtek.
There, click on the Check for Updates button. The operating system may offer a suitable adapter for the adapter based on the hardware listed in Device Manager. Installation will then be faster than searching for and downloading the driver from the manufacturer’s website.
Once you have installed the new driver, you must unplug and reconnect the adapter so that Windows can recognize it again and load the updated driver software. During our testing, we found on several occasions that the LAN speed did not change immediately after installing the new driver. This was resolved immediately by unplugging and replugging the adapter.
Adjust controller settings
If speed issues persist, open the driver settings for the LAN hardware. To do this, right-click on the network chip entry in Device Manager and select Properties → Advanced. Depending on the capabilities of the driver, you will see several options on the left side of the program window.
