How do I install a network driver when I have no internet?

Download it on another PC or a phone, copy it over on a USB stick, then install from Device Manager - Update driver - Browse my computer. Tethering a phone over a USB cable may also give the PC a temporary connection.

Windows shows error code 28 for my Ethernet controller - what does it mean?

Code 28 simply means no driver is installed. It is common right after reinstalling Windows. Installing the package for your controller - identified by its Hardware ID - normally clears it.

Is a newer LAN driver always better?

Usually, but not always. If the connection became unstable right after an update, rolling back to the previous version is a legitimate fix - stability matters more than the version number.

Network adapters drivers

Network adapter drivers make wired Ethernet work - the RJ-45 port on your motherboard or laptop. Most of this category is the Realtek PCIe GbE family found on the majority of consumer boards, next to Intel and Broadcom controllers, all from official sources with version, date and checksum listed per package.

DriverManufacturerVersionReleasedWindows / Arch

Intel PRO1000 LAN Adapter Software - 11 (23H2 or Later)SHA-256 verifiedLenovo20.0.3.28October 13, 2026Windows 1164-bit
Realtek LAN Adapter Software - 11 (25H2 or Later)SHA-256 verifiedLenovo1168.30.50.508/1166.30.50.508September 15, 2026Windows 1164-bit
MediaTek, Inc. Net Driver Update (26.40.3.69)SHA-256 verifiedMediaTek26.40.3.69August 24, 2026Windows 1164-bit
Intel(R) Ethernet Connection Driver - 11 (24H2,25H2)SHA-256 verifiedLenovo30.5August 19, 2026Windows 1164-bit
Intel Ethernet Driver - 11 (22H2 or Later)SHA-256 verifiedLenovo20.0.3.24August 14, 2026Windows 1164-bit
Intel Ethernet Driver - 11 (25H2 or Later)SHA-256 verifiedLenovo20.0.3.28August 6, 2026Windows 1164-bit
Intel Ethernet Driver - 11 (24H2 or Later)SHA-256 verifiedLenovo12.19.2.68July 31, 2026Windows 1164-bit
MediaTek, Inc. Net Driver Update (26.40.3.67)SHA-256 verifiedMediaTek26.40.3.67July 31, 2026Windows 1164-bit
Dash Realtek Ethernet Driver - 11SHA-256 verifiedLenovo10.079.50.1003July 29, 2026Windows 1164-bit
Intel PRO1000 LAN Adapter Software - 10 (21H2 or Later) 11SHA-256 verifiedLenovo12.19.2.66July 28, 2026Windows 11Windows 1064-bit

Network adapters drivers by brand

Common problems with these devices

Ethernet not working

About network adapters drivers

The classic trap: after a clean Windows install the Ethernet port shows "Unknown device" or error code 28, and you cannot download the driver because that port was your internet connection. The way around it - download the package on another device (a phone browser works) and carry it over on a USB stick, or share the phone's connection over a USB cable, which Windows usually recognizes without extra drivers.

When several adapters look alike, the Hardware ID settles it: PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8168 is the common Realtek gigabit controller, and the SUBSYS part narrows it down to your exact board.

Frequently asked questions

How do I install a network driver when I have no internet?: Download it on another PC or a phone, copy it over on a USB stick, then install from Device Manager - Update driver - Browse my computer. Tethering a phone over a USB cable may also give the PC a temporary connection.
Windows shows error code 28 for my Ethernet controller - what does it mean?: Code 28 simply means no driver is installed. It is common right after reinstalling Windows. Installing the package for your controller - identified by its Hardware ID - normally clears it.
Is a newer LAN driver always better?: Usually, but not always. If the connection became unstable right after an update, rolling back to the previous version is a legitimate fix - stability matters more than the version number.