Windows Ethernet not Working can be frustrating when your PC suddenly loses its wired internet connection. In this guide, we’ll explain the most common causes and show you practical ways to fix Ethernet connection problems in Windows.
The problem can be caused by a damaged Ethernet cable, router issue, disabled network adapter, outdated driver, incorrect TCP/IP settings, DNS problems, or a recent Windows update.
Fortunately, you can troubleshoot most Ethernet connection problems without reinstalling Windows. This guide explains several practical ways to fix Ethernet problems in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Why Is Ethernet Not Working in Windows?
There are several possible reasons why your wired internet connection stops working.
Common causes include:
- Loose or damaged Ethernet cable
- Router or modem problems
- Disabled Ethernet adapter
- Outdated or corrupted network driver
- Incorrect IP configuration
- DNS-related problems
- TCP/IP or Winsock errors
- Windows network configuration problems
- Recent Windows update
- Faulty Ethernet port or network hardware
Before making advanced changes, start with the simplest checks.
1. Check the Ethernet Cable
The first thing to check when Windows Ethernet is not working is the Ethernet cable.
Make sure the cable is firmly connected to both your computer and router. If your router has several Ethernet ports, try another available port.
You should also check whether the Ethernet port shows any activity lights. If the lights remain completely off, the issue could be related to the cable, router port, network adapter, or hardware.
If you have another Ethernet cable available, test it with your computer. A damaged cable can prevent Windows from establishing a network connection.
Microsoft also recommends checking that the Ethernet cable is connected to the correct router port and trying another cable when available.
If Windows Ethernet not Working after restarting your PC, check the Ethernet cable, network adapter, and driver settings.
2. Restart Your Router and Computer
Sometimes the problem is temporary and can be fixed with a simple restart.
First, save your work and restart your Windows PC.
Then restart your modem and router. If you have separate devices, disconnect their power, wait for around 30 seconds, reconnect the modem, wait for it to finish starting, and then reconnect the router.
Once everything is ready, connect the Ethernet cable again and check whether the internet works.
Restarting the network equipment can establish a fresh connection with your internet service provider.
3. Check Ethernet Status in Windows
Windows allows you to check whether the Ethernet connection is actually being detected.
Open:
Start → Settings → Network & Internet
Look for the Ethernet connection status.
If Windows detects the connection, you should see information about the Ethernet network. If you see messages such as “Action needed” or no Ethernet connection at all, continue with the troubleshooting steps below.
Microsoft recommends checking the Ethernet status from Network & Internet settings when troubleshooting wired connectivity.
If you’re also experiencing other Windows 11 Activation Problems, check our guide on [related Windows 11 Activation problem].
4. Make Sure the Ethernet Adapter Is Enabled
A disabled network adapter can make it appear as though Ethernet is not working.
To check it:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type
ncpa.cpl. - Press Enter.
- Find your Ethernet connection.
- If it is disabled, right-click it.
- Select Enable.
After enabling the adapter, wait a few seconds and check the internet connection again.
If the Ethernet connection was disabled, this simple change may immediately solve the problem.
5. Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter
Windows includes built-in troubleshooting tools that can help identify common network problems.
On Windows 11, Microsoft recommends using the automated Network and Internet troubleshooter through the Get Help app.
You can also open Windows network settings and look for available troubleshooting options.
Allow Windows to diagnose the connection and apply any recommended fixes.
After the troubleshooting process finishes, test your Ethernet connection again.
6. Restart the Network Adapter
If Windows detects the Ethernet adapter but the connection is not working, temporarily disabling and enabling the adapter can refresh the connection.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type
ncpa.cpl. - Press Enter.
- Right-click Ethernet.
- Select Disable.
- Wait about 10 seconds.
- Right-click Ethernet again.
- Select Enable.
Now try opening a website.
If the connection starts working again, the problem may have been caused by a temporary network adapter or configuration issue.
7. Reset TCP/IP and Winsock
If basic troubleshooting does not work, you can reset important Windows networking components using Command Prompt.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run these commands one at a time:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdnsPress Enter after each command.
These commands reset Winsock and TCP/IP, renew the computer’s IP address, and clear the DNS resolver cache. Microsoft specifically recommends these commands as part of Ethernet troubleshooting.
After running all five commands, restart your computer.
Then check whether your Ethernet connection is working.
8. Update the Ethernet Driver
A corrupted or outdated network adapter driver can cause Ethernet problems.
To check the driver:
- Right-click the Start button.
- Select Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Find your Ethernet network adapter.
- Right-click it.
- Select Update driver.
- Follow the instructions on screen.
If the Ethernet problem started after a Windows update, the driver may have become incompatible or corrupted.
Microsoft recommends having a backup network driver available before uninstalling an Ethernet adapter driver, especially if the PC cannot connect to the internet.
9. Uninstall and Reinstall the Ethernet Driver
If updating the driver doesn’t solve the problem, reinstalling it may help.
Open Device Manager and expand Network adapters.
Right-click your Ethernet adapter and select:
Uninstall device
If Windows gives you an option to remove the driver, make sure you have a suitable backup driver before proceeding.
Then restart your computer.
Windows can automatically detect the network adapter after restarting and attempt to reinstall the driver. Microsoft recommends this approach when network connectivity problems continue, particularly after an update.
10. Check Windows Update
Sometimes network problems can be related to Windows system updates or driver changes.
Go to:
Start → Settings → Windows Update
Check for available updates and install appropriate updates.
After updating Windows, restart your PC and test the Ethernet connection again.
If the problem started immediately after a specific update, you may need to investigate whether the update affected your network driver or configuration.
11. Try Another Router Port
If your computer and Ethernet cable appear to be working, the router port could be the problem.
Remove the Ethernet cable from the current router port and connect it to another LAN/Ethernet port.
Then wait a few seconds and check Windows.
If the connection works on another port, the original router port may have a hardware problem.
You can also test the same Ethernet cable with another computer if one is available. This can help determine whether the problem is with the PC or the network equipment.
12. Use Network Reset as a Last Resort
If none of the previous methods work, Windows provides a Network reset option.
Microsoft recommends using network reset as one of the last troubleshooting steps. It removes installed network adapters and their settings, then reinstalls the adapters and returns their settings to default after the restart.
On Windows 11, go to:
Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset
Then select:
Reset now
On Windows 10, the location is:
Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Network reset
Keep in mind that network reset can affect VPN clients, virtual switches, and other networking software.
13. Check Whether the Problem Is With Your Internet Provider
Sometimes Windows is working correctly but your internet service is down.
Try connecting another device to the same router.
If multiple devices cannot access the internet, the problem may be with the modem, router, or ISP rather than your Windows PC.
If other devices work normally but your computer does not, focus on the Windows troubleshooting steps in this guide.
14. Check for Hardware Problems
If Ethernet still doesn’t work after all software troubleshooting, hardware could be responsible.
Possible hardware problems include:
- Damaged Ethernet cable
- Faulty router port
- Damaged Ethernet port on the PC
- Failing network adapter
- USB-to-Ethernet adapter failure
If your computer does not have a built-in Ethernet port, a USB-to-Ethernet adapter can also be used as an alternative wired connection. Microsoft notes this as an option for PCs without an Ethernet port.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Ethernet connected but there is no internet?
This can happen because of incorrect IP settings, DNS problems, router issues, network driver problems, or an ISP outage. Restarting the router and resetting TCP/IP can often help identify the cause.
Why does Windows not detect my Ethernet cable?
Windows may fail to detect the cable because of a damaged cable, disabled network adapter, faulty router port, driver problem, or hardware issue.
How do I reset Ethernet settings in Windows?
You can use the Windows Network reset option from Network & Internet settings. Because this removes network adapters and resets their settings, Microsoft recommends using it as a last troubleshooting step.
Can a Windows update cause Ethernet problems?
Yes. A Windows update can sometimes be followed by network driver or configuration problems. If the connection stopped working after an update, checking or reinstalling the Ethernet adapter driver can be useful.
Should I replace my Ethernet cable?
If another Ethernet cable works correctly with the same computer and router, the original cable may be damaged and should be replaced.
Final Thoughts
When Windows Ethernet is not working, don’t immediately assume that your network adapter or Windows installation is damaged.
Start with the Ethernet cable, router, and connection status. Then restart the network adapter, run Windows troubleshooting tools, reset TCP/IP and Winsock, and check the Ethernet driver.
If those solutions don’t work, you can try reinstalling the network adapter driver or using Windows Network reset as a final troubleshooting step.
In most cases, carefully working through these steps can help identify whether the problem comes from the Ethernet cable, router, Windows settings, network driver, or hardware.
Official Microsoft reference: Fix Ethernet connection problems in Windows
