Plugable USB Type-C Gigabit Ethernet Adapter

**If you've found our article and looking for an adapter for your macOS system with 10.15 or higher, we would instead suggest our adapters that use Realtek chipsets which are our: 

• USBC-TE1000 - A 10/100/1000mbps capable USB-C adapter
• USB3-HUB3ME - A 10/100/1000mbps capable adapter with three additional USB 3.0 ports. Cables included for 3.0 Type-A, and USB-C
• USBC-E2500 - A 100/1000/2500mbps capable adapter with both USB 3.0 Type A, and USB-C connections. *(Additional driver download may be required. Please see the Product Page for further details.

These adapters use Realtek chipsets and drivers which are built into macOS giving a driverless, plug-and-play installation. This is especially useful for macOS which needs driver approval. Please see each product page link above for further detail!

**UPDATE 2: ASIX has provided a final release driver for use with macOS 10.15.3 (Catalina) only due to updated notarization requirements from Apple as of February 2, 2020. After thorough vetting and testing in coordination with ASIX, we have updated our download links to this 2.16.0 final release build from the previous 2.15.0 and 2.15.0-Beta 1 builds both on this blog post and our driver page for affected devices.

We are leaving the original post below as it is for posterity, and recommend using the final driver set below for our USB3-E1000, and USBC-E1000 adapters. Please feel free to reach out to us directly via our contact email below, or post in the comments section with any questions or concerns you may have.

(Please note, these drivers and instructions are intended only for our Plugable manufactured adapters. If your adapter is from another manufacturer, we would suggest to reach out to that company directly for support.)

**UPDATE 1: ASIX has provided a final release driver for use with macOS 10.15 (Catalina) only. After thorough vetting and testing in coordination with ASIX, we have updated our download links to this 2.15.0 final release build from the previous Beta 1 build both on this blog post and our driver page for affected devices. USB3-E1000 & USBC-E1000 AX88179 macOS 10.15 Catalina Drivers v2.16.0 Final Release – 01/30/2020 For use with macOS 10.15 only and with support for February 2020 Apple Notarization Requirements

USB3-E1000 & USBC-E1000 AX88179 macOS 10.15 Catalina Drivers v2.16.0 Final Release – 01/30/2020

For use with macOS 10.15 only and with support for February 2020 Apple Notarization Requirements

**Original post from October 4, 2019

Synopsis

The installation of macOS 10.15 Catalina will disable older drivers for some devices and devices which rely on these drivers will no longer function until a compatible driver is reinstalled. Most Plugable products are not affected by this, with the exception of our USB Ethernet adapters that use ASIX Gigabit Ethernet chips (models: USBC-E1000, USB3-E1000, USB2-E1000, and USB2-E100).

Background

macOS 10.15 (Catalina), is nearly here, and with it come some new Application and driver requirements. For additional details about the new DriverKit model and the transition to 64-bit application requirements, check out our other Catalina blog posts here and here.

While these are positive changes for the Mac ecosystem, the new driver requirements in Catalina will take time to get used to for some driver developers. In the short term some products will have a less user-friendly installation process as driver developers adapt to these changes. The vast majority of Plugable products that work in previous versions of macOS will continue to do so without incident in Catalina. However, USB Ethernet adapters (from Plugable and others) that use ASIX chips can pose the following challenges:

1. Drivers that worked for users in macOS 10.14 and earlier will no longer function after updating to macOS 10.15 Catalina until updated, compatible drivers are installed
2. Attempting to reinstall an older driver version will trigger a message stating: “The installation failed. The installer encountered an error that caused the installation to fail. Contact the software manufacturer for assistance.”
3. The updated macOS 10.15-compatible beta driver from ASIX has a persistent on-screen dialog box which makes the driver installation more challenging than usual

Because of challenges with the beta ASIX driver installation process in 10.15, we will no longer officially recommend our ASIX-based Gigabit Ethernet adapters on macOS Catalina until ASIX has developed an updated driver version with a less cumbersome installation process. 

Note that these challenges all pertain to software; the hardware remains compatible. This includes the following USB to Ethernet adapters models: USB3-E1000, USBC-E1000, USB2-E1000, and USB2-E100. Apple is expected to release the final version of macOS Catalina, on or around Friday October 4, 2019.

Installation Instructions

Below will find a download link and step-by-step instructions documenting driver installation and the macOS Gatekeeper approval process for our USB3-E1000 and USBC-E1000 adapters, which both use the ASIX AX88179 chipset in both written and video formats:

USB3-E1000 & USBC-E1000 AX88179 macOS 10.15 Catalina Drivers v2.16.0 Final Release – 01/30/2020 - For use with macOS 10.15 only and with support for February 2020 Apple Notarization Requirements.

(The process should be the same for the USB2-E1000 based on the ASIX AX88178 chip, though this adapter uses a different driver version, found here: 

USB2-E1000 AX88178 macOS Catalina Drivers v2.3.0)

Written Instructions

Step 1: After downloading, open the folder downloaded and run the AX88179_178A_v2.15.0_beta1.pkg file

Step 2: This window will open for the installation process. Please continue through the process as guided by the installer.

Step 3: During this process, you will be asked to input your account password to allow the installation to continue, please do so and click “Install Software” to continue.

Step 4: You’ll be prompted with this message below stating that the extension cannot be loaded. Please note, clicking OK, won’t actually start the driver installation. When you click OK, the message will pop up continually.

Step 5: Click and drag this error dialog box out of the way, while keeping it on your monitor for later access (do not close this dialog box). Now, please go to the Apple Menu (on the toolbar at the top of your screen) > System Preferences. When System Preferences opens, visit Security & Privacy > General tab. Here, we see the extension signature listed but cannot allow it to install yet. Please click on the lock at the bottom as we need to allow the process for Gatekeeper.

Step 6: You’ll be prompted for your password, please enter it to unlock the option to Allow the extension to install

Step 7: After unlocking the options with your password, click the button to “Allow” the installation of the extension

Step 8: Now you have permission to open the package for installation. Please click, OK on the System Extension notification you moved out of the way which will close the window this time, and allow the installation to begin

Step 9: Now, the installation has begun

Step 10: Installation complete. Now that everything is finished, go ahead and click Restart

Step 11: You’ll be asked if you want to move the installer package into the trash. This is up to you, and won’t affect the installation process. Please note, once you pick an option your Mac will restart

Final Step: After installation and restarting you may wish to turn off your WiFi temporarily while you check the connection. Go into System Preferences > Network, and you should see the wired adapter with a green, connected status! (Please note, your network information will show up here)

FAQ:

I have this adapter, and it no longer works after the Catalina update. What are my options?
Installing an updated version of the ASIX drivers will restore functionality.

Are adapters from other brands affected by the Catalina update as well?
Yes, the latest macOS Catalina update will affect any adapters with ASIX chipsets as drivers are not included in macOS and require installation by all customers upgrading to Catalina

I have an adapter from another manufacturer and it won't work. Can I use your steps and drivers?
Sorry for the trouble! No, unfortunately not. The troubleshooting steps and drivers we have are only for the USB3-E1000, and USBC-E1000 adapters that we manufacture. We would suggest to reach out to the manufacturer of your adapter directly for support.

Will users who upgrade to Catalina with the older ASIX drivers installed get an error message?
Unfortunately, no, the drivers will silently fail to load and no error messages will be presented to any user of incompatible drivers.

What happens if I try to install older drives on Catalina now that I’ve updated?
The installation process will attempt to go through, but will ultimately fail with the following message: “The installation failed. The installer encountered an error that caused the installation to fail. Contact the software manufacturer for assistance. We do apologize for any inconvenience and are here to help.

If you have any additional questions, please let us know in the comments below, or reach out to us directly at support@plugable.com

Thank you

**This is a legacy article from 2015. Please see notes for important information on changes.

Update: A Windows 10 driver now exists for the USB2-E1000. However, it will not appear in the CD that comes with the adapter until the next lot of adapters is shipped. The updated driver can be downloaded from this link: Windows 10/8/8.1, 7, Vista, and XP drivers for USB2-E1000.

If you are not able to connect to the Internet without installing the driver, you can download it onto a flash drive on another computer and use that to install it.

In testing Plugable’s USB-Ethernet adapters with Windows 10, we were happy to discover they all work successfully when their drivers are properly installed. However, an installation problem could cause issues with the USB2-E1000.

Drivers are already built into Windows 10 for: the ASIX AX88772 chip in our:

• The ASIX AX88772 chip in our USB2-E100 and USB2-OTGE100 adapters
• The ASIX AX88179 chip in our USB3-E1000, USBC-E1000, and USB3-HUB3ME*.

*Note In 2017, our USB3-HUB3ME was redesigned to include a Realtek RTL8153 chipset and drivers. Windows 10 should automatically configure these drivers when you plug the adapter in.) When you insert these adapters into a USB port, the drivers should automatically install with no need for an internet connection.

However, the driver for the ASIX AX88178 chip in our USB2-E1000 is not pre-installed in Windows 10, and we have discovered a problem with the downloadable driver that keeps it from installing. If this happens, the adapter will show up in Device Manager as “AX88178” with a Code 28 error: “”Drivers for this device are not installed.”

There are several ways to work around this issue, depending on the scenario:

1. Upgrading from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1: If you have already installed the driver for the USB2-E1000 in Windows 7 or 8.1 and upgrade directly from that version to Windows 10, the currently installed driver will be available to Windows 10, and your adapter should work without any further effort. If you haven’t yet installed this driver, please install it before upgrading.

The easiest way is to establish an internet connection, either wirelessly or through another Ethernet port, then plug in the USB2-E1000. Windows Update should see it and automatically download the correct driver. You can also download and install the driver from our website or from the disk that came with your adapter.

2. Doing a clean install of Windows 10 or using the USB2-E1000 on a new Windows 10 computer: Since the previous Windows 7 or 8.1 driver will not be carried over to a clean install of Windows 10, it must be freshly installed. The only way to accomplish this is to have an internet connection available when you first plug in the USB2-E1000.

That will allow Windows Update to download and install the driver. If you are in a situation where this is not possible, we recommend delaying the update until an internet connection is available, or until this issue has been fixed. Currently, the driver on the Plugable and ASIX websites is not working with Windows 10.

If you’re a user of a Plugable USB-Ethernet adapter and are experiencing issues, we’re here to help! If support is needed, please run our PlugDebug tool found HERE to collect system logs, and send the resulting file to support@plugable.com along with a description of the behavior you’re experiencing and any additional details you feel are relevant.

Background

For the full background regarding the history of ASIX drivers for the Plugable USB3-E1000 and USBC-E1000, please visit the blog post linked below:

https://plugable.com/blogs/news/new-asix-driver-fixes-macos-11-big-sur-ethernet

Driver

To download the appropriate drivers for the USB3-E1000 and USBC-E1000 ASIX AX88179 adapters, please visit our Driver page here:

https://plugable.com/pages/wired-ethernet-network-adapters-drivers#asix-usb3-gigabit

Known Issues

ASIX has been alerted to these issues and continues to investigate these behaviors while working towards a resolution as of May 25, 2021. If you encounter any additional issues that you can reproduce, please let us know the steps to reproduce the problem and we will work with ASIX on investigating the behavior.

• Spotify on M1 Apple Silicon Computers
  • We've encountered an issue with Spotify when using the adapter where the app will get caught during startup and then will display an error message, "Couldn't find that page" and, "Oooops, something went wrong." If this happens, you can resolve it by quitting the application, enabling Wi-Fi, connecting to your wireless network, and reopening the application. After the application has successfully connected to the Spotify servers, it is OK to disconnect from Wi-Fi
• M1 Sleep
  • We have observed inconsistencies in the adapter's functionality during Sleep / Power Nap in macOS 11 on Apple M1 hosts. This includes the network connection not being picked up during Sleep and the wired connection not restoring to the host after the system Wakes from Sleep. In most cases, simply reconnecting the Ethernet adapter to the host has solved the problem. However, in some instances, the computer required a restart.

Installation Instructions

Download the driver from the link above in the Driver section. This download should automatically go into your Downloads folder. Do not plug your Ethernet Adapter into your computer until prompted! 

Follow these steps after you’ve downloaded the installation file:

1. Go into your Downloads folder, open the .zip archive, the folder within, and then double click on the ASIX_USB_Device_Installer_v1.2.0.dmg disk image file.

2. Next, double click and open the ASIX_USB_Device_Installer_v1.2.0.pkg package. You may see the following screen pop up stating that Apple can’t check the software package for malicious software. To be clear, these drivers are safe, validated, and code-signed by Apple. But, since the download hasn’t come directly from Apple’s servers, this message will display. Click OK to proceed.

3. Next, click Open.

4. Click Continue through the subsequent screens until prompted to install.

5. Then, click Install to begin the installation.

6. You will be prompted to put in your password. Enter your password into the box, and then click Install Software.

7. After you enter your password, the installation will begin. Once it has finished, you’ll see this message to run ASIX_USB_DEVICE_APP in the launchpad after rebooting. Click OK to acknowledge this warning, and then click Restart to complete the installation.

8. OPTIONAL - After you click Restart, another window should ask if you would like to give the installer access to the Downloads folder. If you allow the installer to have access, you can automatically move the package file to the trash, or you can do it manually later if you’d like.

9. After making your selection to keep the file or move it to the trash, your computer will Reboot. Next, we need to run the ASIX_USB_DEVICE_APP as we saw in step 7.

Post-Reboot Steps

1. Open a Finder window, click on Applications and then double click on the ASIX_USB_DEVICE_APP item in your Applications folder.

2. A screen will pop up with details about activating the driver installation. These must be followed to completion for functionality! This includes not plugging your Ethernet adapter in until after step 4 in their instructions. Click Activate to continue.

3. You’ll receive a message pop up stating that the System Extension is Blocked. Click Open Security Preferences. (Note: This will occur the first time you install the new ASIX DEXT driver. Subsequent installs or updates to the driver package should not require a repeat approval of the activation.)

4. This will take you to the Security & Privacy preferences (Apple menu > System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Network > General). Look down to the bottom left of the window, and you’ll see a Gold Lock. Click the Lock, which will open a prompt asking for your password.

5. Enter your password in the box to open the lock, and click Unlock when you’re finished.

6. Now, with the lock open, click Allow to allow the driver extension to proceed and, then, exit System Preferences and the ASIX Application, then Restart your computer.

7. Once you have restarted your computer, please plug the Ethernet adapter with Ethernet cable into your computer, and let’s check for an active connection in the Network Pane(Apple Menu > System Preferences > Network).

After checking your network status, you may still have the ASIX application running on your dock. You don’t need to keep the app open for network functionality, but you cannot delete the application at this time. This is a requirement for DEXT functionality.

We hope this was helpful! If you have additional questions, please reach out to us directly at support@plugable.com if you encounter any issues with installing the drivers or bugs during usage of the adapter, and we’d be happy to help!