The Realtek RTL8723AE Wireless LAN 802.11n PCI-E NIC is an older network adapter that often requires specific manual steps to function correctly on Windows 10, as official manufacturer support typically ended with Windows 8.1. Recommended Windows 10 Driver
While there is no dedicated "Windows 10" installer on many official sites, you can use the Windows 8.1 compatible drivers which are generally stable on Windows 10. Latest Known Version: 2023.1.1201.2014 (Released Jan 2015).
Microsoft Update Catalog: You can find verified versions by searching for "rtl8723ae" on the Microsoft Update Catalog. Manufacturer Support:
Dell Users: Downloads are available via Dell Support for systems like the Vostro 5460.
HP/Toshiba Users: Search your specific serial number on the Dynabook (Toshiba) Support or HP support pages to find the exact legacy driver for your chassis. Installation & Troubleshooting
If Windows does not automatically detect the card or it shows a "Code 43" error, follow these steps: Manual Update: Right-click Start > Device Manager.
Expand Network adapters, right-click Realtek RTL8723AE, and select Update driver. The Realtek RTL8723AE Wireless LAN 802
Choose Search automatically or, if you downloaded a file, Browse my computer to point to the extracted folder. Clean Reinstall:
If the connection is unstable, right-click the device in Device Manager and select Uninstall device (check "Delete the driver software for this device").
Restart your PC; Windows 10 will attempt to reinstall a basic working driver automatically. Power Management Fix:
In Device Manager, right-click the adapter > Properties > Power Management.
Uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" to prevent sudden disconnects. Performance Note
This adapter is a 2.4GHz single-band chip with a maximum theoretical data rate of 100–150 Mbps. It does not support 5GHz bands. If you continue to experience "no networks found" or extremely slow speeds on Windows 10, many experts recommend using a Dual-band USB Wi-Fi dongle as a modern, inexpensive replacement. Overview The Realtek RTL8723AE is a combined wireless
Are you experiencing frequent disconnects or is the Wi-Fi adapter missing entirely from your Device Manager?
Cannot see own wireless network but can see others around me
The Realtek RTL8723AE is a combined wireless and Bluetooth module designed for laptops and desktops. It supports 802.11n Wi-Fi standards over a PCI Express interface. This guide provides official and reliable driver solutions for Windows 10 (32-bit & 64-bit).
Note: Windows 10 often installs a generic driver automatically, but it may cause issues such as:
- Limited connection speed (stuck at 54 Mbps instead of 150 Mbps)
- Frequent disconnections
- High latency or packet loss
- Bluetooth not functioning
Windows Update sometimes pushes an older inbox driver over your new one. Fix:
The Realtek RTL8723AE is a highly integrated single-chip solution that combines an IEEE 802.11n Wi-Fi controller with a Bluetooth 3.0+HS controller. It is commonly found in older laptops and budget notebooks manufactured between 2012 and 2015. Note : Windows 10 often installs a generic
While the hardware is designed for the older Wireless-N (802.11n) standard, it is fully compatible with Windows 10. However, because this hardware is aging, driver support can be tricky. Users often face connectivity drops, "Unidentified Network" errors, or the adapter disappearing entirely after a major Windows update.
After reboot, go to Device Manager → Network adapters → Realtek RTL8723AE → Properties → Advanced tab.
Set these recommended values for stability:
| Property | Recommended Value | |----------|------------------| | 802.11n/ac Wireless Mode | 802.11n only (disable ac if listed) | | Band | 2.4 GHz only | | Channel Width for 2.4GHz | 20 MHz only (not Auto/40 MHz) | | Fat Channel Intolerant | Enabled | | Power Saving Mode | Disabled (or CAM) | | Wake on Magic Packet | Disabled | | Roaming Sensitivity | Low or Medium |
✅ These reduce disconnections and improve reliability.