Realtek stopping my Surface Pro 3 from updating Windows 10.

Anonymous
2017-06-01T18:46:22+00:00

I purchased a Surface Pro 3 yesterday and while updating there was a substantial update from Windows. After downloading for 30 minutes the machine gets 3 minutes into the install and then it says "This device isn't compatible in Windows 10. Contact the manufacturer for more info." Under it "Realtek USB 3.0 Card Reader" is displayed as the culprit. Before I start disabling and updating - is there any one that can point me in the right direction to fix this issue? 

I know this is a 2 year old Tablet, but it's built by Microsoft, I figured this is the last product I should have issues with.

Surface | Surface Pro | Install and update

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-08-06T11:43:55+00:00

    I had the exact same situation and issue described in this thread. I purchased a refurbished Surface Pro 3 from the Microsoft store that came with the 10586 Build of Windows 10 and Windows Update was not automatically installing the newest version of Windows 10.  This was apparently because of the old "Realtek USB 3.0 Card Reader".  Here are the steps I took to get the new Creator version installed:

    1. Used Device manager to disabled the Realtek USB 3.0 Card Reader
    2. Rebooted my Surface
    3. Used Device Manager to Delete the Realtek USB 3.0 Card Reader
    4. (DO NOT reboot after deleting the driver or Windows 10 will just automatically reinstall it after a reboot)
    5. Used Windows 10 Update Assistant to update my Surface (this was failing prior to taking these steps)
    6. Ran update manually even though it was reporting no updates were available
    7. Windows Update found and installed the new Realtek USB 3.0 Card Reader driver
    8. Rebooted my Surface and all is good running the new Creator update.
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  1. Anonymous
    2017-06-01T19:29:18+00:00

     Before I start disabling and updating - is there any one that can point me in the right direction to fix this issue? 

    I don't know for sure if it will make any difference but you could try the Surface Software Repair Tool.  FWIW when I used it (on my Surface 2 Pro) it unexpectedly updated me to the latest build for the Windows 10 CU. 

    On the other hand that particular device you have as a problem doesn't sound too essential, so an alternate approach would be (as you imply) to just disable it and see if that is enough to satisfy the install.   Then presumably you could work later at figuring out whatever was needed to get the problem device going again.

    Good luck

    Robert Aldwinckle


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  2. Anonymous
    2017-06-05T01:53:29+00:00

    I purchased a Surface Pro 3 yesterday and while updating there was a substantial update from Windows. After downloading for 30 minutes the machine gets 3 minutes into the install and then it says "This device isn't compatible in Windows 10. Contact the manufacturer for more info." Under it "Realtek USB 3.0 Card Reader" is displayed as the culprit. Before I start disabling and updating - is there any one that can point me in the right direction to fix this issue? 

    I know this is a 2 year old Tablet, but it's built by Microsoft, I figured this is the last product I should have issues with.

    Try to install the latest "Realtek Semiconductor Corp. driver update for Realtek USB 3.0 Card Reader" (10.0.14393.31233)

    http://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=realtek+card+reader

    Then update Windows 10

    Good luck,

    8 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2017-06-05T10:12:40+00:00

    I don't know where you would purchase a NEW SP3 as these have been discontinued for a while. If this was a refurb, get it reimaged correctly from a downloadable recovery image to insure you have all the correct drivers https://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/support/warranty-service-and-recovery/downloadablerecoveryimage - after that, try the upgrade.

    you didn't tell us how you are performing the upgrade to 10 -

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-07-15T17:27:14+00:00

    Posting this for anyone who is buying an older Surface Pro 3 tablet and having problems upgrading Windows 10 to the Creators Update.  

    After several hours of research, I've discovered a solution.  

    The Solution is NOT....

    to just keep trying to upgrade through the Windows 10 Upgrade assistant.

    to run the windows upgrade troubleshooter and then try to upgrade.

    to disable the cryptographic service and other commandline solutions.

    to run the windows media creation tool and install the upgrade that way.

    to download the Windows 10 creators update iso file and install that way.

    You know the problem if you've done any work already is the Realtek USB 3.0 Card Reader.  Windows says that Windows 10 upgrade is not compatible with this device/software.  But of course, disabling it or removing it isn't an option.

    Windows came out with a firmware update for the surface pro 3 that fixes this problem, but it only installs on a surface pro 3 with the Anniversary Update installed already.  Unfortunately, if you're like me and upgrading from windows 8, you only have the the original Windows 10 or the november update one.

    Thanks for reading, here's the solution:

    First you need to install the Windows 10 Anniversary update (1607) from an iso:  **CM Edit - removed link to 3rd party site illegally hosting Microsoft OS Download and reported to legal. Only Microsoft can legally host ISO's for their products**

    Then do the firmware update that fixes the Realtek USB 3.0 Card Reader Driver problem.  Here's a link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=38826

    Install the SurfacePro3_Win10_14393_1702002_0.msi one.  You may not need the others, but I would recommend installing some of the other firmware updates.

    Once you've installed both of these (in that order mind you), then you can use the media creation tool or the Windows 10 upgrade assistant to upgrade to the Windows 10 Creators Update 1703.  

    Just had to post since it took me so long to figure this out and anyone who just bought an older Surface Pro 3 with windows 8 or 10 on it is going to run into this.

    4 people found this answer helpful.
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