Ethernet Not Working On Windows? Fix!

Your Ethernet connection has suddenly dropped, leaving you without internet despite a wired physical connection. This is often caused by a hung network adapter, corrupted IP configuration, or a driver glitch following a recent system update.

Why this happens

Most connection drops occur due to a software-level configuration error within the Windows network stack or a driver that stopped communicating correctly with the hardware.

What you'll need

You will need administrative access to your PC to run commands and modify network settings. Have your Wi-Fi credentials handy as a backup for troubleshooting or downloading drivers.

Steps

1. 01
   Physically disconnect your Ethernet cable from both your PC and the router, then plug it back into a numbered LAN port until it clicks. Check for a blinking or solid light next to the port to confirm a physical signal.
2. 02
   Navigate to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings. Locate your Ethernet adapter, click 'Disable,' wait five seconds, and click 'Enable' to force a state refresh.
3. 03
   Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and click 'Run' next to Network and internet to let Windows perform an automated diagnostic scan.
4. 04
   Right-click the Start button, select 'Terminal (Admin)', and run these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each: netsh winsock reset, netsh int ip reset, ipconfig /flushdns, and ipconfig /renew. Restart your PC to apply these changes.
5. 05
   Go to Settings > Network & internet > Ethernet and check the IP assignment. Ensure it is set to 'Automatic' and click save to resolve potential static IP conflicts.
6. 06
   Open 'Device Manager', expand 'Network adapters', right-click your Ethernet controller, and select 'Update driver'. If this happened after a Windows update, right-click the adapter instead, select 'Properties', go to the 'Driver' tab, and click 'Roll Back Driver'.
7. 07
   If you are still offline, go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. Click 'Reset now' and let your PC restart, noting that this will remove existing VPN configurations and require you to re-enter network passwords.

Still not working?

If you are still offline and other devices like your phone or laptop also cannot connect to the internet via the same router, the issue is likely your ISP or a faulty router. In that case, bypass the PC entirely and restart your modem or contact your internet service provider.

Frequently asked questions

Will a network reset delete my personal files?

No, a network reset only impacts your network adapters, saved Wi-Fi passwords, and VPN software settings. Your personal files and installed apps remain untouched.

How do I know if my Ethernet cable is broken?

If you have tested the cable in a different numbered LAN port on your router and the link lights remain dark, the cable is likely damaged and needs to be replaced.