Intro
How to set up a Realtek 802.11ac (RTL8812AU) Wi-Fi adapter on Linux
Identify the Adapter
- Check which Realtek chipset is in use
lsusbBus 001 Device 002: ID 0bda:a811 Realtek Semiconductor Corp. RTL8188CAU 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WLAN Adapter
Note: The USB ID (
0bda:a811) is useful for finding the correct driver.
Install Driver (Linux)
For kernel version > 5 1
- Install required tools
# Update package lists for the latest versions
sudo apt update
# Install essential build tools and Git for compiling drivers
sudo apt install -y git build-essential- Clone the
rtl8812aurepo and build the module
# Clone driver repo
git clone https://github.com/gnab/rtl8812au.git
cd ./rtl8812au
# Build module
make# Load the module temporarily (until reboot)
sudo insmod 8812au.ko if you’re on Raspberry Pi or non-x86, note the config adjustments
- Install the driver
# Copy the module to kernel drivers directory
sudo cp 8812au.ko /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/kernel/drivers/net/wireless
sudo depmodDKMS (Recommended for Kernel Updates)
Why DKMS (Dynamic Kernel Module Support)?
DKMS automatically rebuilds the driver whenever the Linux kernel is updated.
This ensures your Wi-Fi adapter keeps working after kernel upgrades without manual recompilation.
- Set up DKMS
# Install DKMS (if not already installed)
sudo apt install dkms
# Add the driver to DKMS and build it for your current kernel
sudo make dkms_install
# Remove the driver from DKMS (if needed)
sudo make dkms_remove