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How to Fix Ethernet Connection Not Working on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Having trouble with your Ethernet connection not working on Windows 11 can be frustrating. A stable wired connection is often faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi. Fortunately, most Ethernet issues can be fixed with simple steps.

This guide will walk you through easy, clear solutions to get your Ethernet working again. No technical jargon—just straightforward instructions.

By following these steps carefully, you can identify and resolve common problems causing your Ethernet to fail.

Let’s get your connection back up and running smoothly.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

Before diving into troubleshooting, make sure to check these quick things that can save time:

  • Check the Ethernet cable: Make sure the cable is firmly plugged into both your PC and the router or modem.
  • Use a different Ethernet port: Sometimes, router ports can be faulty. Try connecting to another port.
  • Restart your devices: Restart your computer and your router/modem to clear temporary glitches.
  • Confirm your network is active: Ensure your internet service is working by testing on another device.

Step 1: Verify Physical Connections

First, double-check the physical parts of your connection. Sometimes, the issue is as simple as a loose cable.

  • Unplug the Ethernet cable from your PC and router.
  • Inspect the cable for any visible damage like cuts or bent pins.
  • Plug the cable back in securely. You should feel a click when it’s connected properly.
  • If possible, try using a different Ethernet cable to rule out a faulty wire.

Proper physical connection is necessary because a damaged or loose cable means no data can pass through.

Step 2: Run the Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common network problems.

  1. Click the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Network Adapter and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to let Windows diagnose and repair issues.

This tool helps identify issues like disabled adapters or incorrect settings without manual effort.

Step 3: Check Ethernet Adapter Status

Your PC uses a network adapter to connect via Ethernet. It must be enabled and working properly.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Network adapters section.
  3. Look for your Ethernet adapter, usually named something like “Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller” or similar.
  4. If you see a yellow warning icon, right-click the adapter and select Update driver.
  5. If the adapter is disabled, right-click it and choose Enable device.

The adapter must be active for your Ethernet connection to work. Updating drivers fixes compatibility and performance problems.

Step 4: Reset Network Settings

If problems persist, resetting all network settings can clear misconfigurations.

  1. Open Settings again.
  2. Navigate to Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
  3. Select Network reset at the bottom.
  4. Click Reset now and confirm.
  5. Your PC will restart. After reboot, try connecting via Ethernet again.

This process removes and reinstalls all network adapters and resets settings to default, often resolving stubborn issues.

Step 5: Manually Configure IP Settings

Sometimes, automatic IP assignment fails. Setting a manual IP address can help.

  1. Open Settings > Network & internet > Ethernet.
  2. Click on your connected Ethernet network.
  3. Scroll to IP assignment and click Edit.
  4. Change from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual.
  5. Turn on IPv4.
  6. Fill in the following example details (you may need to adjust based on your network):
IP address: 192.168.1.100
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 192.168.1.1
Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
  1. Click Save and check your connection.

This step is useful if your router’s DHCP server isn’t assigning addresses properly.

Alternative Method: Use Command Prompt to Reset Network

If you prefer using commands, Windows allows resetting network components via Command Prompt.

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

These commands reset network protocols, renew IP addresses, and clear DNS caches, helping resolve many connection issues.

FAQs

Why is my Ethernet connected but no internet access?

This can happen if your PC is connected to the router but the router itself has no internet. Restart your router and check your ISP status. Also, verify IP settings are correct.

How do I know if my Ethernet adapter is working?

In Device Manager, a properly working adapter shows no warning icons. Also, check Network Connections in Control Panel to see if the Ethernet status says “Connected.”

Can outdated drivers cause Ethernet issues?

Yes, old or corrupted drivers can prevent your Ethernet adapter from functioning correctly. Always keep drivers updated via Device Manager or manufacturer websites.

Is it better to use Ethernet or Wi-Fi?

Ethernet usually offers faster speeds and more stable connections. Use Ethernet for gaming, streaming, or work that requires consistent internet.

What if Windows Network Troubleshooter says “No problems found” but Ethernet still doesn’t work?

In this case, try manual IP configuration, reset network settings, or update drivers manually. Sometimes the troubleshooter can miss complex issues.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above solutions fix your Ethernet connection, consider these final options:

  • Check router firmware: Update your router’s firmware via its admin panel for better compatibility.
  • Contact your ISP: There may be an outage or issue on their end.
  • Use Windows official support: Visit Microsoft’s Network Troubleshooting page for advanced help.
  • Try a USB Ethernet adapter: If your PC’s Ethernet port is damaged, a USB adapter can be a quick workaround.

Conclusion

Fixing Ethernet connection issues on Windows 11 is often straightforward when approached step-by-step. Start by checking cables and ports, then use Windows tools to troubleshoot and reset network settings. Updating drivers and manually configuring IP addresses can solve less obvious problems.

By following this guide, you should be able to restore a reliable wired connection quickly. Remember to test your connection after each step to identify the exact cause and avoid unnecessary changes.

A stable Ethernet connection enhances your internet experience by providing speed and reliability. Keeping your network setup in good shape ensures fewer disruptions and better productivity.

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