📌 Understanding the Problem: Why You Can’t Easily Remove Realtek Ethernet Network Driver
If you’re trying to uninstall Realtek Ethernet Network Driver on Windows 7, you may have encountered issues like:
- The driver is deeply integrated into the system and often protected by Windows
- Standard uninstall methods may not fully remove it due to leftover registry entries, INF files, or device instances
- Windows may automatically reinstall the driver after uninstallation
- Some users face problems when switching to a newer driver version or resolving network conflicts
The Realtek Ethernet Network Driver is essential for wired internet connectivity, but sometimes it becomes outdated, corrupted, or incompatible — especially on older systems like Windows 7. In such cases, a complete removal followed by a fresh installation can help restore stable network performance.
In this article, we’ll guide you through step-by-step methods to completely uninstall the Realtek Ethernet Network Driver on Windows 7, including GUI-based tools, Device Manager, Command Prompt, and third-party uninstallers. Each method includes a success rate rating, so you know what works best.
🔧 Step-by-Step Methods to Uninstall Realtek Ethernet Network Driver
✅ Method 1: Use Device Manager (Success Rate: 60%)
This is the most straightforward way to begin the uninstall process.
Steps:
- Press
Win + R, typedevmgmt.msc, and hit Enter to open Device Manager - Expand Network adapters
- Right-click Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller (or similar name) > Uninstall
- Check the box “Delete the driver software for this device” if available
- Click Uninstall
📌 Note: Windows may automatically reinstall the driver on next boot unless manually blocked.
✅ Method 2: Use Add or Remove Programs (Success Rate: 50%)
Some versions of Realtek drivers come with an installer package that appears in the program list.
Steps:
- Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features
- Search for “Realtek” or “Ethernet Driver”
- If found, right-click and select Uninstall
📌 Note: This method often doesn’t work because many drivers are installed directly via Windows Update or OEM packages.
✅ Method 3: Use Command Prompt & DevCon Tool (Success Rate: 85%)
For advanced users who want full control over driver removal.
Steps:
- Download Microsoft’s DevCon utility (part of the Windows Driver Kit)
- Extract it to a folder, e.g.,
C:\DevCon - Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Navigate to the folder:
cd C:\DevCon- Run:
devcon remove "PCI\VEN_10EC"(This targets all Realtek PCI devices)
💡 Tip: This method gives granular control over hardware-level uninstallation.
✅ Method 4: Manually Delete Driver Files (Success Rate: 75%)
Useful if you want to ensure no traces remain.
Steps:
- Navigate to:
C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository
- Look for folders containing “rt”, “realtek”, or “r81x”
- Delete those folders (only if not currently in use)
⚠️ Warning: Editing system driver files can cause instability — proceed with caution and back up first.
🛠️ Top 3 Tools to Completely Remove Realtek Ethernet Network Driver
| Tool Name | Description | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|
| PerfectUninstaller | 💪 Deep scan engine; removes registry, INF files, and hidden device drivers | ⭐ 98% |
| Revo Uninstaller | Advanced forced uninstall with real-time monitoring | ⭐ 87% |
| IObit Uninstaller | Batch uninstall support and junk file cleaner | ⭐ 82% |
🌟 Why PerfectUninstaller Stands Out
PerfectUninstaller excels at removing stubborn drivers like the Realtek Ethernet Network Driver. It scans deep into your system to find and delete every trace — including INF files, registry keys, and device class GUIDs — ensuring a total removal without leaving any components behind.
Unlike other tools, PerfectUninstaller also blocks automatic reinstallation attempts by Windows, making it the best choice for clean driver removal on Windows 7.
🔗 Download PerfectUninstaller Here
✅ Summary: Best Way to Uninstall Realtek Ethernet Network Driver
Here’s how to choose the right method based on your experience level:
- Beginner: Use Device Manager to attempt a basic uninstall.
- Intermediate: Combine manual folder cleanup and driver blocking
- Advanced: Use DevCon or PerfectUninstaller for guaranteed clean removal
After uninstalling, always restart your PC before installing a new driver to ensure old settings don’t interfere.
📬 Final Tip
Before installing a newer version of the Realtek Ethernet Driver or switching to a different network solution, run a deep system cleanup using PerfectUninstaller to eliminate residual files and avoid compatibility issues.
Also consider upgrading to a supported OS like Windows 10 or 11, as Windows 7 reached end-of-life in January 2020, and no longer receives security updates.
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