This chipset is not ideal for security testing. Some driver forks claim monitor mode, but packet injection is unstable. For pen-testing, use Atheros AR9271 or Realtek 8812AU.
If you still want to try:
sudo airmon-ng start wlan0
sudo airodump-ng wlan0mon
Expect frequent driver crashes.
| Error | Likely Cause | Solution | |-------|--------------|----------| | Code 10 (Device cannot start) | Conflicting driver from another Realtek chip | Uninstall all Realtek wireless drivers, reboot, then fresh install 8188GU | | Code 31 (Driver is corrupted) | Windows Update replaced your driver | Roll back driver in Device Manager → Properties → Driver | | Adapter disappears after sleep | USB selective suspend | Go to Power Options → Advanced → USB settings → Disable selective suspend | | Slow speed (only 10-20 Mbps) | 802.11n disabled or 20 MHz only | In Device Manager → Advanced tab → Set “Wireless Mode” to “802.11b/g/n” and “Channel Width” to “Auto” or “20/40 MHz” | realtek 8188gu wireless lan 80211n usb nic driver
Windows is the easiest platform for the 8188GU because Realtek provides signed drivers, and Microsoft includes a generic driver via Windows Update. The Ultimate Guide to the Realtek 8188GU Wireless LAN 802