Fix: Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller Keeps Disconnecting

When the Ethernet controller struggles to maintain a stable connection, it can often lead to the network driver disconnecting, temporarily leaving you without an internet connection. This issue is commonly linked to power management features designed to save energy, but these can disrupt continuous connections, causing this problem.

Other potential causes include incorrect settings, incompatible drivers, or hardware issues such as a faulty cable or network adapter problems. Follow the steps below to diagnose the exact cause. With these causes in mind, let’s explore the solutions to this issue.

1. Configure the Realtek Driver Properties

Adjusting the power options of the Realtek drivers to prevent them from saving energy can effectively resolve this issue.

You need to configure three options:

• Auto Disable Gigabit
• Green Ethernet
  and
• Energy Efficient Ethernet

These settings aim to reduce power consumption and internet speed during low network activity. By disabling these, you can ensure that the network driver operates without interference.

1. To begin, press the Win key and type Device Manager.
2. Press Enter to open the Device Manager.
   
3. Expand the Network Adapters section and right-click on the Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller driver.
4. Select Properties and navigate to the Advanced tab.
   
5. Under Property, select Auto Disable Gigabit and change its value to “Relink Battery or AC“.
6. Next, select Green Ethernet and Energy Efficient Ethernet, changing their values to Disabled.
   
7. Once finished, click OK to save the settings and check if the issue is resolved. 

2. Get the Driver from the Realtek Website

Using incompatible drivers can also be a primary reason for the Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller disconnecting and leaving you without internet. To find a compatible network driver, visit the official Realtek website and download it, especially if your current network driver was installed via Windows Update.

1. Visit Realtek’s official website and download the latest network driver. Alternatively, check your motherboard manufacturer’s site for the compatible driver.
2. Once you have the driver, download and install it following the on-screen instructions.
   
3. After installation, restart your computer and verify the issue.

3. Disable Power-Saving Options

Disabling the “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” setting can prevent the Realtek network adapter from going into power-saving mode, thereby resolving connectivity issues.

1. Right-click the Start Menu and select Device Manager.
   
2. Expand the network adapters section and right-click on the Realtek network adapter.
3. Select Properties and go to the Power Management tab.
   
4. Uncheck the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power option and press OK.
   
5. Afterwards, the Realtek driver should not disconnect anymore.

4. Reset the Network Settings

Misconfigured network settings, such as DNS settings, can also lead to the network driver disconnecting. Resetting the network settings can ensure there are no misconfigurations causing this issue.

1. Open Windows Search by pressing the Win + S keys simultaneously.
2. Type Network Reset and press Enter to open Settings.
   
3. Click Reset Now to start the process. Once the system restarts, check if the driver is still disconnecting.
   

5. Check for the Ethernet Cable and Hardware Issues

A faulty Ethernet cable, a damaged network adapter, or router issues could cause the network driver to disconnect. To identify the faulty component, check each hardware piece by replacing them one by one.

Start by replacing the Ethernet cable; if the problem persists, consider taking your system and router to a repair shop for further diagnosis. Before doing so, you can reset your computer to determine if the issue is hardware-related.