Apparently a handful of Surface RT users are getting the “Not Compatible with this version of Windows” error message installing the USB Ethernet adapter, which allows users to connect to wired networks, despite that Surface’s website says that Windows RT 8.1 support the adapter in Surface.
Just to make it clear the Surface Ethernet adapter works in Windows RT 8.1, but it seems that there is a sort of bug that is causing installation issues for some users. Lucky, you don’t have to wait until Microsoft releases a new Windows update, you can fix it right now using the following steps.
Instructions
1. Connect the USB Surface Ethernet adapter and let the installation fail.
2. Use the 
+S keyboard shortcut, do a search and open Device Manager.
3. Expand Network adapters.
4. Right-click the adapter with the yellow exclamation mark, and choose Update Driver software.
5. Select “Browse my computer for driver software”, then click “Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer”.
6. If you don’t see the Realtek network adapter driver, uncheck Show compatible hardware, from the “Manufacturer” list find “Realtek”, and from the right “Network Adapter” list select “Realtek USB FE Family Controller”.
7. Finally, click Next and if you get a notification warning about compatibility just accept it.
After the installation completes, you’ll be able to connect to your network using a four-pair copper cable.
Kudos to Paul, who pointed this workaround. He also noted that these instructions works with other Ethernet adapters (ASIX 88772C USB 2.0 ). If this is your case, remember to select the driver from ASIX family (ASIX AX88772C USB2.0 to Fast Ethernet Adapter).
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech (est. 2010). With over 21 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
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