let me ask a possibly dumb question here - what is the purpose of downloading newer drivers for a network card? I have an Asus Z690 motherboard, with the "Realtek Gaming 2.5GbE Family Controller". The driver is the one supplied by Microsoft (from Windows 11 installation), version 1.0.0.14, dated 2/1/2021. This has always worked flawlessly for me, no issues whatsoever. I have looked through this thread, and I don't see anyone mentioning any issues that have been solved by a newer driver.
@ohenry You only need to update the driver if you have problems with the old one. Very often, the manufacturer's factory driver is the only one that is best, because the factory itself makes the necessary changes so that this driver gives the best results with a specific hardware and a specific type of OS. So, if you don't have any problems, there is no need to change or upgrade anything. The need to change the driver can only arise if you change the operating system or hardware. In exceptional cases, also when a security problem is detected. There are no more reasons to change the driver. A driver is a piece of software that connects the hardware to the OP's system, and if it fits and works, then it works and that's all what is needed.