Realtek RTL8188CU Wireless LAN 802.11n USB 2.0 Network Adapter Go to product viewer dialog for this item. : A Comprehensive Guide to a Reliable Classic
A: Yes, but you need to install the official Realtek drivers (not the Microsoft ones) and use the "SoftAP" feature in the Realtek utility.
and follow the on-screen installation wizard prompts. Restart your computer when prompted by the installer.
If drivers are needed, they are widely available from third-party manufacturers or Realtek's official driver archives. Common Use Cases Realtek RTL8188CU Wireless LAN 802
However , if you need to breathe life into an old Windows XP/Vista/7 machine, build a super-low-budget Linux server, or experiment with packet injection on a Raspberry Pi, this "new" old stock adapter is a reliable, battle-tested workhorse.
Here are some of the key features of the Realtek RTL8188CU Wireless LAN 802.11n USB 2.0 Network Adapter:
If you have purchased a adapter, throw away the mini-CD immediately. The drivers on that CD are likely from 2012 and will cause Blue Screens of Death (BSOD) on modern systems. Restart your computer when prompted by the installer
It's essential to set proper expectations for this chip. While it is marketed as a 150 Mbps adapter, you will rarely, if ever, achieve that speed in real-world conditions.
Windows 10 and 11 usually include a generic driver that recognizes the Realtek chipset instantly upon plug-in.
Most modern distributions have the rtl8192cu or rtl8192c_common modules, which handle the 8188CU. Here are some of the key features of
Realtek RTL8188CU Wireless LAN 802.11n USB 2.0 Network Adapter
Because the RTL8188CU is so widely available and cheap, it appears in many scenarios:
The Ultimate Guide to the Realtek RTL8188CU Wireless LAN 802.11n USB 2.0 Network Adapter
Nano/Micro Dongle (typically protruding less than a centimeter) 2. Why Buy a "New"
Often sold as a nano-sized adapter protruding less than a centimeter from the USB port. Operating System Compatibility