Quick Install
Run this in your terminal. It auto-detects your distro and installs the right driver:
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://dandanilyuk.github.io/rtw88_driver_installer/install.sh)"
The script asks for your sudo password. It only modifies driver-related files, and you can uninstall cleanly by re-running the command with -u.
What the Script Does
Detect Your System
Identifies your distro (Debian, Ubuntu, Kali, Arch, etc.) and installs the right dependencies.
Fetch the Latest Drivers
Pulls the lwfinger/rtw88 source - a community-maintained backport of the upstream kernel drivers.
Build & Register with DKMS
Compiles the driver for your running kernel and registers it with DKMS so it rebuilds automatically on every kernel update.
Configure & Load
Copies firmware files, writes modprobe config, and loads the driver. A reboot finishes the job.
What Gets Installed
Driver Source
lwfinger/rtw88 - community-maintained backport of the upstream Realtek WiFi 5 drivers
Installation Method
DKMS - the driver rebuilds itself automatically every time your kernel updates
Dependencies
build-essential (or base-devel), dkms, git, and your kernel headers - installed automatically
Configuration
Firmware blobs and a modprobe config with sensible defaults
Supported Hardware
PCIe Cards
RTL8723DE
RTL8814AE
RTL8821CE
RTL8822BE
RTL8822CE
USB Adapters
RTL8723DU
RTL8811AU
RTL8811CU
RTL8812AU
RTL8812BU
RTL8812CU
RTL8814AU
RTL8821AU
RTL8821CU
RTL8822BU
RTL8822CU
SDIO Cards
RTL8723CS
RTL8723DS
RTL8821CS
RTL8822BS
RTL8822CS
Tested Distributions
Ubuntu / Debian
Ubuntu 20.04+, Debian, and derivatives like Linux Mint, Pop!_OS, and Zorin
Kali Linux
Rolling and stable releases - a common pick for wireless pentesting
Raspberry Pi OS
Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions
Arch-based
Arch Linux, Manjaro, EndeavourOS, and other pacman-based distros
After Installation
A few things to check once the script finishes:
1. Handle Secure Boot
Secure Boot requires enrolling a Machine Owner Key (MOK). The script detects this and walks you through it.
2. Reboot
A reboot loads the new driver. Your WiFi adapter should appear automatically.
3. Verify
Confirm the driver loaded: lsmod | grep rtw