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| How to Troubleshoot Ethernet Not Working |
Introduction
Is your Ethernet connection not working even though your WiFi is fine? A wired connection should be faster and more stable than WiFi, but when Ethernet stops working, it can be frustrating.
Common Ethernet issues include:
✔ "Ethernet cable not detected" error
✔ No internet access via Ethernet but WiFi works
✔ Limited or Unidentified Network Connection
✔ Slow or intermittent Ethernet connection
Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through how to troubleshoot Ethernet not working on Windows, Mac, and routers with step-by-step solutions.
1. Check if the Ethernet Cable is Properly Connected
Before troubleshooting software settings, start with the basics:
✔ Make sure the Ethernet cable is securely plugged in to your computer and router.
✔ Check for damage – If your Ethernet cable is bent, frayed, or broken, replace it.
✔ Try a different Ethernet port – Some ports may be faulty.
✔ Use another cable – Test with a different Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat7 cable.
💡 Pro Tip: Look for LED indicator lights near the Ethernet port—if they’re off, your cable may be faulty.
2. Restart Your Router, Modem, and PC
A simple restart can fix temporary network glitches.
✔ How to Restart Your Network Devices:
1️⃣ Turn off your PC, router, and modem.
2️⃣ Unplug the power cables for 30 seconds.
3️⃣ Plug them back in and restart your PC.
4️⃣ Check if Ethernet is working.
💡 Pro Tip: If other devices can connect via Ethernet but your PC cannot, the issue is with your computer, not the network.
3. Check If Ethernet is Enabled on Your Computer
Sometimes, the Ethernet adapter may be disabled, causing connectivity issues.
✔ How to Enable Ethernet on Windows:
1️⃣ Press Windows + X and select Network Connections.
2️⃣ Click Change Adapter Options.
3️⃣ Right-click your Ethernet connection and select Enable (if disabled).
✔ How to Enable Ethernet on Mac:
1️⃣ Go to System Settings > Network.
2️⃣ Select Ethernet from the left panel.
3️⃣ Click Connect Automatically if it’s not connecting.
💡 Pro Tip: If Ethernet still doesn’t appear, move to the next step.
4. Check Network Settings for Ethernet Issues
Windows may assign incorrect IP addresses or settings, causing Ethernet failures.
✔ Reset Network Configuration (Windows 10 & 11)
1️⃣ Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter.
2️⃣ Right-click Ethernet and select Properties.
3️⃣ Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
4️⃣ Select Obtain an IP address automatically.
5️⃣ Click OK and restart your PC.
💡 Pro Tip: If your IP settings are incorrect, Ethernet may show "Unidentified Network" or "Limited Access".
5. Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in tool that detects and fixes common network problems.
✔ How to Use Network Troubleshooter:
1️⃣ Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2️⃣ Click Network & Internet > Status.
3️⃣ Scroll down and select Network Troubleshooter.
4️⃣ Follow the prompts and restart if needed.
💡 Pro Tip: This can fix driver and adapter issues automatically.
6. Update or Reinstall Ethernet Drivers
A corrupt or outdated network driver can prevent Ethernet from working properly.
✔ How to Update Ethernet Drivers (Windows 10 & 11)
1️⃣ Press Windows + X and open Device Manager.
2️⃣ Expand Network Adapters.
3️⃣ Right-click your Ethernet adapter and select Update Driver.
4️⃣ Choose Search automatically for drivers.
✔ How to Reinstall Ethernet Drivers:
1️⃣ In Device Manager, right-click your Ethernet adapter.
2️⃣ Select Uninstall Device and restart your PC.
3️⃣ Windows will reinstall the correct driver automatically.
💡 Pro Tip: If Windows doesn’t reinstall the driver, download it from your PC manufacturer’s website.
7. Disable VPNs, Firewalls, and Antivirus Software
Sometimes, security software can block wired connections.
✔ How to Disable Windows Firewall Temporarily:
1️⃣ Press Windows + R, type firewall.cpl, and hit Enter.
2️⃣ Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
3️⃣ Select Turn off firewall for both Private and Public networks.
💡 Pro Tip: If Ethernet works after disabling the firewall, add an exception for your network instead of keeping the firewall off.
8. Change the Ethernet Adapter Power Settings
Windows power-saving settings can disable Ethernet to save energy.
✔ How to Disable Ethernet Power Saving Mode:
1️⃣ Press Windows + X, then open Device Manager.
2️⃣ Expand Network Adapters.
3️⃣ Right-click your Ethernet adapter and select Properties.
4️⃣ Go to the Power Management tab.
5️⃣ Uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power".
6️⃣ Click OK and restart your PC.
💡 Pro Tip: This prevents your PC from turning off Ethernet during sleep mode.
9. Check Your Router’s DHCP Settings
A misconfigured DHCP setting can prevent Ethernet from getting an IP address.
✔ How to Fix DHCP Issues:
1️⃣ Log into your router settings (type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a browser).
2️⃣ Go to LAN Settings > DHCP Server.
3️⃣ Ensure DHCP is enabled.
4️⃣ Restart your router.
💡 Pro Tip: If you see "APIPA 169.254.x.x" in your IP settings, your PC isn’t receiving an IP address from the router.
10. Perform a Full Network Reset (Last Resort)
If none of the above steps work, resetting all network settings can fix deeper problems.
✔ How to Reset Network Settings on Windows 10 & 11
1️⃣ Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2️⃣ Click Network & Internet.
3️⃣ Scroll down and select Network Reset.
4️⃣ Click Reset Now and restart your PC.
✔ How to Reset Network Settings on Mac
1️⃣ Open System Settings > Network.
2️⃣ Select Ethernet, then click Advanced.
3️⃣ Click Reset Network Settings.
💡 Pro Tip: This removes saved networks and custom configurations, so reconnect manually after the reset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is my Ethernet not working but WiFi is?
✔ Your Ethernet cable, port, or network adapter may be faulty. Try restarting your router or updating drivers.
How do I know if my Ethernet port is broken?
✔ If no lights appear near the Ethernet port, try another port or cable.
Can a bad Ethernet cable cause no internet?
✔ Yes! A damaged or old cable can cause no connectivity or slow speeds.
Will resetting my router fix Ethernet issues?
✔ It can! A router reset clears cache and restores proper IP assignments.
Conclusion
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can fix Ethernet not working issues and restore your wired internet connection.
✔ Quick Recap:
✅ Check cable & router connections
✅ Restart router, modem, and PC
✅ Enable Ethernet in settings
✅ Update network drivers
✅ Reset network settings if all else fails
Did this guide help? Let us know in the comments! 🚀
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