This article is regarding how to install the Edimax IEW-7811UTC/EW-7811ULC adapter on Ubuntu 20.04/Mint21 with kernel 5.15. As of Dec 28 2022, the official Ubuntu driver on our website can only support kernel up to v5.11. Therefore, we need to use the opens source driver on https://github.com/morrownr/8821cu-20210916 Thanks to morrownr.
We strongly suggest you check morrownr site for his instructions cause the driver filename can be changed without notification.
Here is a brief instruction for your reference.
First of all, make sure the "Secure boot" is disabled in BIOS. If the SecureBoot is enabled, the driver can't be installed properly.
[1.] Make sure your system is able to access the Internet.
[2.] Open a Terminal program.
[3.] Verify your kernel version.
$ uname -r
If you have a newer kernel, the driver may not support it and you will get error messages while you trying to compile the driver.
[4.] Make sure your system is up-to-date and reboot it after updated/upgraded, especially with a kernel update. This step is totally optional and you don't have to do it.
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt upgrade
$ sudo reboot
[5.] Install the necessary files to compile and install the driver if they haven't been installed yet.
$ sudo apt install -y build-essential dkms git iw
[6.] Install the kernel headers.
$ sudo apt install linux-headers-$(uname -r)
[7.] Download the driver
$ mkdir -p ~/src
$ cd ~/src
$ git clone https://github.com/morrownr/8821cu-20210916.git
$ cd ~/src/8821cu-20210916
[8.] Compile and install the driver.
$ sudo ./install-driver.sh
Enter N while it prompts "Do you want to edit the driver options file now?".
Enter Y while it prompts "Do you want to apply the new options by rebooting now?"
Your computer will be rebooted.
[9.] Go to Network icon to make wireless connection.
Remove driver:
$ cd ~/src/8821cu-20210916
$ sudo ./remove-driver.sh
Technical Support Team
Edimax USA
Santa Clara, CA
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Created: 2023-10-26 18:00 PM