Since Microsoft released the original Surface RT (now simply called “Surface”) back in 2012, one of the user’s complaint was absent of an Ethernet port or support for the official USB Ethernet adapter on the ARM-based device to connect to a wired network. Previous rumors suggested the software giant was creating a piece of software to add such needed support, but the company never said anything officially.
Today the network adapter that was only designed to work in Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2, now works in Surface RT too. This is because Microsoft has quietly added the necessary networking drivers to support the Ethernet adapter accessory in Windows RT 8.1.
This is a great news for Surface owners who need to connect to a network and a wireless access-point isn’t an option. Keep in mind that Microsoft won’t be making available the driver available for download on Windows RT 8.0, you must update to Windows RT 8.1.
Update: Use this guide, if you experiencing problems or you get the message “Not Compatible with this version of Windows” trying to install the Surface Ethernet adapter in your RT device.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].