Connect Surface 2 or Surface RT to Wired Network (Ethernet)

As a Microsoft Surface RT or Surface 2 owner, you’d already be aware that Windows RT does not support connecting to wired internet connections even if you plug your ethernet cable into a Surface Ethernet Adapter (USB-to-Ethernet) connected to your Surface RT. Earlier this week, the Microsoft’s webpage claimed that the Surface Ethernet Adapter also works with Surface 2 and Surface RT, however the information was removed a little while later and now the only compatible devices listed there are running Windows 8.1 with no RT devices included.

Windows RT 8.1 does not automatically install the drivers of Surface Ethernet Adapter due to compatibility issues whatsoever. There however is a new solution coming up which claims that Surface tabs running Windows RT can be connected to Ethernet, if they are running Windows RT 8.1. All that needs to be done is to manually ask the Surface RT to install the Ethernet drivers. Here’s how to do that.

Make the Surface Ethernet Adapter work on Windows RT 8.1

1. Plug in the Surface Ethernet Adapter and wait for an Installation Failed error.
2. Open Device Manager and expand Network Adapters.
3. You’ll notice an Ethernet Adapter with a yellow exclamation mark. Right click on it (Tap and hold for 2 seconds).
4. Select Update Driver Software and then tap on Browse my computer for driver software.
   
5. Tap on Let me pick from a list of device drivers in my computer.
6. In the Network Adapters list, choose Realtek from the left menu and select Realtek USB FE Family Controller (most probably the only option you’ll have).
7. Press on Next. Ignore any compatibility warnings that it might show.
8. Upon the installation of the driver, you’ll have 10/100Mbps Ethernet access on your Surface RT.

Now just plug-in your Ethernet cable into the adapter and start surfing 😀