If you’re looking to update the driver for the Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11ac PCIe Adapter, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find and install the latest driver, version 2024.10.230.2 or newer.
Start with Windows Update
The first and easiest step is to use the built-in Windows Update feature.
- Open the Device Manager by right-clicking on the Start menu and selecting it.
- In Device Manager, expand the Network adapters section.
- Locate the Realtek RTL8821CE adapter, right-click on it, and select "Update driver."
- Choose the option that says "Search automatically for drivers."
- If there’s an update available, Windows will download and install it for you.
If Windows Update doesn’t provide the necessary driver, you can try a few other options.
Check the HP Support Website
Sometimes, the manufacturer provides specific drivers for your hardware. Go to the HP Support website and navigate to the support section for your device model. Search for the latest drivers related to the Realtek RTL8821CE. Download and install any drivers you find.
Look at Realtek’s Official Website
Visiting the official Realtek website can also yield the latest drivers. Here, you can directly find driver downloads that may not be listed elsewhere.
Explore Third-Party Sources with Caution
If you’re comfortable with it, some laptop manufacturers like Lenovo or ASUS may also provide drivers for Realtek devices. However, proceed with caution when downloading from third-party sites to ensure you’re downloading safe and official updates.
Utilize Microsoft Update Catalog
For users who want to be thorough, the Microsoft Update Catalog often has the most recent drivers. Follow these steps to access it:
- Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog.
- Search for "Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11ac PCIe Adapter" in the search bar.
- Look for driver version 2024.10.230.2 and download the appropriate file for your system, usually a .cab file.
After downloading the driver, follow these steps to install it:
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Extract the .cab File:
- Use an extraction tool like WinRAR or 7-Zip to unpack the contents of the .cab file into a folder.
- Update the Driver:
- Go back to Device Manager.
- Expand the Network adapters section, right-click on the Realtek RTL8821CE adapter, and select "Update driver."
- Choose "Browse my computer for drivers."
- Navigate to the folder where you extracted the driver files and begin the installation process.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully update the driver for your Realtek RTL8821CE adapter. If you encounter any issues along the way or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Happy computing!
