How To Install Realtek Wifi Drivers on Fedora 43

Switching to Fedora 43 brings the latest Linux innovations to your desktop, but wireless connectivity can quickly become a roadblock if you’re running a Realtek WiFi chipset. Unlike Intel or Atheros adapters that work seamlessly out of the box, many Realtek wireless cards require manual driver installation. This stems from proprietary firmware requirements and limited mainline kernel support for newer chipsets.

If you’ve just installed Fedora 43 only to discover your WiFi adapter isn’t working, you’re not alone. Common Realtek chipsets like the RTL8821CE, RTL8852BE, RTL8812AU, and RTL8814AU frequently need third-party drivers to function properly. The good news? Installing these drivers is straightforward once you understand the process.

This comprehensive guide walks you through everything needed to get your Realtek WiFi working on Fedora 43. We’ll cover identification, installation using DKMS (Dynamic Kernel Module Support), manual compilation methods, troubleshooting common issues, and performance optimization. Whether you’re using a laptop with an integrated RTL8821CE or a USB adapter with an RTL8812AU chipset, this tutorial has you covered.

Understanding Realtek WiFi Drivers on Linux

Why Realtek Drivers Need Manual Installation

The Fedora kernel includes drivers for many wireless chipsets by default, but Realtek presents unique challenges. Some Realtek chips use proprietary firmware that can’t be included in the upstream Linux kernel due to licensing restrictions. Additionally, newer Realtek chipsets often launch without mature Linux support, requiring community-maintained out-of-tree modules.

Fedora 43 ships with kernel version 6.11 or higher, which includes improved hardware support compared to previous releases. However, this doesn’t automatically translate to working drivers for all Realtek models. The difference between in-kernel drivers and out-of-tree modules becomes critical here—while some older Realtek chips work with built-in drivers, most modern variants need external installation.

Common Realtek Chipsets Requiring Manual Drivers

Realtek produces wireless chipsets across three main connection types. PCIe chipsets include the RTL8723DE, RTL8814AE, RTL8821CE, RTL8822BE, and RTL8822CE—commonly found in laptops. SDIO chipsets like the RTL8723CS, RTL8723DS, RTL8821CS, and RTL8822BS appear in embedded devices and tablets. USB chipsets represent the largest category, encompassing the RTL8723DU, RTL8811AU, RTL8811CU, RTL8812AU, RTL8814AU, RTL8821AU, and RTL8822BU.

DKMS: Your Best Friend for Kernel Updates

Dynamic Kernel Module Support changes everything for third-party driver maintenance. DKMS automatically rebuilds kernel modules when you update your kernel, eliminating the need to manually reinstall drivers after every system update. Without DKMS, a routine kernel upgrade could leave you without WiFi connectivity until you recompile and reinstall your wireless driver.

Think of DKMS as an insurance policy for your wireless connection. It monitors kernel changes and triggers automatic rebuilds, ensuring your Realtek driver remains functional across Fedora updates.

Prerequisites and System Requirements

Identifying Your Wireless Hardware

Before downloading any drivers, you need to know exactly which Realtek chipset you have. Open a terminal and run:

lspci | grep -i network

This command lists PCI devices, filtering for network hardware. You’ll see output like “Realtek Semiconductor Co., Ltd. RTL8821CE 802.11ac PCIe Wireless Network Adapter.” The model number (RTL8821CE in this example) determines which driver you need.

For USB WiFi adapters, use instead:

lsusb

Look for entries mentioning Realtek. Note the specific model number displayed.

To see which driver (if any) is currently loaded, run:

lspci -nnk | grep -A3 Network

This reveals the kernel module currently associated with your wireless card.

Required System Components

You’ll need an active internet connection to download drivers and dependencies. Connect via Ethernet cable, USB tethering from your smartphone, or a secondary wireless adapter if available. Sudo privileges are essential—you’ll be installing system-level software and kernel modules.

Fedora 43 itself can be any edition: Workstation, Server, or Spins. The driver installation process remains consistent across variants. Your kernel version should be relatively current (Linux 5.0 or newer), though Fedora 43’s default kernel far exceeds this minimum requirement.

Essential Development Tools

Compiling kernel modules requires development packages. You’ll need kernel-devel and kernel-headers matching your running kernel version. The Development Tools group provides gcc, make, and other compilation essentials. DKMS itself must be installed, along with Git for cloning driver repositories. Finally, elfutils-libelf-devel is a dependency for many wireless drivers.

Preparing Your Fedora 43 System

Step 1: Update Your System

Start with a fully updated system. Open your terminal and execute:

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

This updates all packages to their latest versions and refreshes repository metadata. System updates ensure you’re working with the newest kernel and eliminate potential compatibility issues. If major packages update, reboot your system before proceeding.

Step 2: Install Development Dependencies

First, install the Development Tools group. On Fedora 43, you can use either the traditional dnf command or the newer dnf5:

sudo dnf group install "Development Tools"

or

sudo dnf5 group install development-tools

Both commands install gcc, make, autoconf, automake, and related build tools.

Next, install kernel development packages:

sudo dnf install kernel-devel kernel-headers

These packages provide header files and build infrastructure for compiling kernel modules.

Install DKMS and additional dependencies:

sudo dnf install dkms elfutils-libelf-devel git

This single command covers DKMS, development libraries, and Git for repository access.

Step 3: Handle Secure Boot

Secure Boot prevents unsigned kernel modules from loading, which includes most third-party wireless drivers. You have two options: disable Secure Boot or sign your modules.

Disabling Secure Boot requires entering your BIOS/UEFI settings during startup (usually by pressing F2, F10, Del, or Esc). Navigate to the Security or Boot section and disable Secure Boot. Save changes and restart.

Check your Secure Boot status with:

mokutil --sb-state

Alternatively, you can sign drivers using Machine Owner Keys (MOK), though this process is more complex. For most users, disabling Secure Boot proves simpler and doesn’t significantly compromise security on personal systems.

Installation Method 1: Using DKMS (Recommended)

For RTL8821CE Chipset

The RTL8821CE is one of the most common Realtek chipsets requiring manual drivers. It appears in countless budget laptops but lacks reliable mainline kernel support.

Clone the driver repository:

git clone https://github.com/tomaspinho/rtl8821ce.git

Navigate into the directory:

cd rtl8821ce

Run the DKMS installation script:

sudo ./dkms-install.sh

This script handles compilation, DKMS registration, and module installation automatically. The process takes a few minutes.

Verify installation with:

dkms status

You should see an entry for 8821ce with status “installed.”

For RTL8852BE Chipset

The RTL8852BE represents Realtek’s newer generation of wireless chips. Community developer lwfinger maintains an excellent driver through the rtw89 repository.

Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/lwfinger/rtw89.git

Enter the directory:

cd rtw89

Compile the driver:

make

Install the compiled module:

sudo make install

Load the module immediately:

sudo modprobe rtw89pci

The WiFi adapter should now appear in your network settings.

For RTL8812AU/RTL8814AU Chipsets

These high-performance USB chipsets appear in many dual-band WiFi adapters. Again, lwfinger maintains excellent drivers for these models.

Clone the appropriate repository (using RTL8812AU as example):

git clone https://github.com/aircrack-ng/rtl8812au.git

Navigate to the source directory:

cd rtl8812au

Install with DKMS integration:

sudo make dkms_install

This command compiles the driver, registers it with DKMS, and loads the module.

Verify the module loaded:

lsmod | grep 88XXau

Generic DKMS Installation Process

Regardless of specific chipset, DKMS installations follow a consistent pattern:

1. Download or clone the driver source code from GitHub
2. Enter the source directory using cd
3. Execute the DKMS installation script or makefile target
4. Wait for compilation to complete
5. Verify DKMS registered the module
6. Load the module if not automatically loaded
7. Configure automatic loading at boot if needed

Check DKMS status anytime with:

dkms status

Test WiFi functionality using NetworkManager’s text interface:

nmtui

Select “Activate a connection” to scan for and connect to wireless networks.

Installation Method 2: Manual Compilation

When Manual Compilation Makes Sense

DKMS installation fails sometimes due to build environment issues, incompatible kernel configurations, or repository problems. Manual compilation provides a fallback option. It also suits users who need custom kernel configurations or want to debug driver issues.

Step-by-Step Manual Process

Clone the driver repository for your specific chipset (see chipset-specific sections above for correct repositories).

Navigate to the source directory:

cd [driver-directory-name]

Compile the driver:

make

Wait for compilation to complete. Watch for errors—compilation failures usually indicate missing dependencies.

Install the compiled module:

sudo make install

Load the cfg80211 wireless configuration module:

sudo modprobe cfg80211

This provides core wireless functionality.

Insert your driver module:

sudo insmod [module-name].ko

Replace [module-name] with your actual module filename.

Making Manual Installation Persistent

Manual compilation doesn’t survive kernel updates without extra steps. Copy the module to the kernel’s wireless driver directory:

sudo cp [module].ko /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/kernel/drivers/net/wireless/

Update module dependencies:

sudo depmod -a

This rebuilds the module dependency database.

Create a module loading configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/modules-load.d/wireless.conf

Add your module name (without .ko extension) on a single line, save, and exit.

The major limitation of manual compilation is maintenance burden. Every kernel update requires reinstalling the driver, while DKMS handles this automatically.

Post-Installation Configuration

Loading the WiFi Module

If your wireless adapter doesn’t appear immediately after installation, manually load the module:

sudo modprobe [module-name]

Verify it loaded successfully:

lsmod | grep [module]

Check system messages for errors:

dmesg | tail -30

This displays the last 30 kernel messages, which should include your wireless driver initialization.

Creating Configuration Files

Some Realtek chipsets benefit from custom module parameters for improved stability. Create a configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/modprobe.d/realtek-wifi.conf

For RTL8852BE with connection stability issues, try:

options rtw89pci disable_aspm=1 disable_clkreq=1

These parameters disable aggressive power management features that can cause disconnections.

Connecting to WiFi Networks

NetworkManager provides multiple interfaces for wireless connection. The text-based interface launches with:

nmtui

Navigate using arrow keys and Enter. Select “Activate a connection” to see available networks.

For command-line enthusiasts, scan for networks:

nmcli device wifi list

Connect to a network:

nmcli device wifi connect "SSID-Name" password "YourPassword"

Replace SSID-Name and YourPassword with your actual network credentials.

Verify connection status:

nmcli connection show

Test your connection with ping:

ping -c 4 fedoraproject.org

Troubleshooting Common Issues

WiFi Adapter Not Detected

If your wireless adapter doesn’t appear after driver installation, verify hardware recognition first:

lspci | grep -i network

or for USB adapters:

lsusb | grep -i realtek

If the hardware appears but no wireless interface exists, check loaded modules:

lsmod | grep rtw

Review recent kernel messages:

dmesg | grep -i wireless

Physical issues can cause detection failures. Try reseating laptop WiFi cards or reconnecting USB adapters. Check BIOS settings—some systems have wireless toggle options that can disable the adapter at hardware level.

Driver Compilation Errors

Missing kernel headers cause frequent compilation failures. Verify they’re installed for your running kernel:

uname -r
rpm -q kernel-devel-$(uname -r)

If the query returns “package not installed,” install matching headers:

sudo dnf install kernel-devel-$(uname -r) kernel-headers-$(uname -r)

GCC version mismatches between your compiler and the kernel compiler can cause problems. Check kernel compiler version:

cat /proc/version

Compare with your installed GCC:

gcc --version

Review full compilation logs by scrolling through make output. Error messages usually indicate specific missing dependencies or configuration problems.

Module Loading Failures

Secure Boot blocks unsigned kernel modules, including most third-party wireless drivers. Check Secure Boot status:

mokutil --sb-state

If enabled, either disable it in BIOS or sign your modules.

Conflicting in-kernel drivers can prevent your third-party driver from loading. Blacklist conflicting modules by creating:

sudo nano /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-wifi.conf

Add lines like:

blacklist rtw88_8821ce

Replace with the actual conflicting module name found in dmesg output.

Check module dependencies:

modinfo [module-name]

This lists required modules that must load first.

Connection Instability and Drops

Frequent disconnections plague certain Realtek chipsets. Power management often causes this behavior. Create custom module parameters:

sudo nano /etc/modprobe.d/realtek-power.conf

Add:

options [module-name] rtw_power_mgnt=0

Disable interface power saving:

sudo iw dev wlp2s0 set power_save off

Replace wlp2s0 with your actual interface name from ip link.

Firmware updates sometimes resolve stability issues. Update system firmware packages:

sudo dnf update linux-firmware

Reboot after firmware updates to load new firmware versions.

Hardware Kill Switch Issues

WiFi adapters can be blocked by software or hardware kill switches. Check rfkill status:

rfkill list

If you see “Soft blocked: yes,” unblock with:

sudo rfkill unblock wifi

Hardware blocks require physical switches on laptop chassis or keyboard function keys. Look for airplane mode buttons or WiFi toggle keys (often Fn+F2 or similar).

BIOS wireless settings can also hardware-block adapters. Boot into BIOS and verify wireless is enabled.

Kernel Updates Breaking Drivers

DKMS should automatically rebuild modules after kernel updates, but sometimes this fails. Manually trigger DKMS rebuild:

sudo dkms autoinstall

For akmod-based systems:

sudo akmods --force

This forces module rebuilding.

If WiFi breaks after updating, check which kernel you’re running:

uname -r

Compare with installed kernels:

rpm -q kernel

Boot into an older kernel from GRUB if needed while troubleshooting the new kernel.

Optimizing WiFi Performance

Performance Tuning Parameters

Module parameters affect wireless performance. Edit your modprobe configuration:

sudo nano /etc/modprobe.d/realtek-tuning.conf

Experiment with parameters like:

options [module-name] rtw_led_ctrl=1
options [module-name] rtw_tx_pwr_idx_override=63

These adjust LED behavior and transmission power. Consult driver documentation for chipset-specific options.

Monitoring WiFi Performance

Check current wireless status with:

iwconfig

This displays signal strength, bitrate, and power management status.

Install wavemon for real-time monitoring:

sudo dnf install wavemon
sudo wavemon

This curses-based tool shows signal levels, noise, and packet statistics.

Test connection speed with speedtest-cli:

sudo dnf install python3-speedtest-cli
speedtest-cli

Power Management Optimization

Balance power saving against performance based on your use case. Laptops benefit from power management, while desktops prioritize performance.

Disable power saving for maximum performance:

sudo iw dev [interface] set power_save off

Create different power profiles using NetworkManager dispatcher scripts for automatic switching between AC and battery power.

Maintaining Your Realtek Driver

Regular Maintenance Tasks

Keep DKMS modules updated by periodically pulling driver repository updates:

cd ~/rtl8821ce  # or your driver directory
git pull
sudo dkms remove 8821ce/[version] --all
sudo ./dkms-install.sh

This refreshes to the latest driver code.

Monitor driver repositories on GitHub for important updates or bug fixes. Subscribe to repository notifications for critical changes.

After major system updates, verify WiFi functionality. Check dmesg output after updates:

dmesg | grep -i rtw

Look for successful module loading messages.

Handling Fedora Version Upgrades

Before upgrading from Fedora 43 to Fedora 44 (or newer), note your current driver configuration. Document which repository you used and any custom module parameters.

After the upgrade, verify DKMS rebuilt your modules:

dkms status

If modules show “added” but not “installed,” manually rebuild:

sudo dkms build -m [module] -v [version]
sudo dkms install -m [module] -v [version]

Keep driver source directories preserved during upgrades. Don’t delete the repositories you cloned—you might need them for reinstallation.

Backup and Recovery

Document your installation process in a text file saved to cloud storage or external media. Include the exact repository URL, commit hash, and any custom configurations.

Keep driver source directories backed up. Archive successful configurations:

tar -czf rtl8821ce-backup.tar.gz ~/rtl8821ce/

Maintain an Ethernet cable or USB tethering capability as backup internet access. This proves invaluable when troubleshooting WiFi issues.

Alternative Solutions

Using RPM Fusion Repositories

RPM Fusion provides pre-packaged drivers for some Realtek chipsets. Enable RPM Fusion repositories:

sudo dnf install https://mirrors.rpmfusion.org/free/fedora/rpmfusion-free-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm
sudo dnf install https://mirrors.rpmfusion.org/nonfree/fedora/rpmfusion-nonfree-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm

Search for available drivers:

dnf search realtek

Pre-packaged drivers offer easier installation and automatic updates through DNF, when available.

USB WiFi Adapters as Backup

If your built-in Realtek adapter proves problematic, consider USB alternatives. Look for adapters using Intel or Atheros chipsets, which offer excellent Linux support with in-kernel drivers.

Many inexpensive USB WiFi adapters work plug-and-play on Fedora with zero configuration. They provide reliable backup connectivity for troubleshooting primary adapter issues.

Dual-Boot Considerations

Windows Fast Startup can cause conflicts with Linux WiFi drivers. If you dual-boot, disable Fast Startup in Windows to prevent hardware initialization issues.

Some Realtek chipsets behave differently depending on which OS booted first. If you experience inconsistent behavior, try cold booting directly into Fedora rather than rebooting from Windows.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Realtek drivers. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Realtek wifi driver on the Fedora 43 Linux system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Realtek website.