Ethernet Connection Not Working In Windows? [How To Fix]

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Is your Ethernet connection not working? Probably, your Ethernet connection to the Internet may be malfunctioning. Sometimes PC doesn’t recognize the ethernet connection, as seen in the Network and Sharing Center. If you can use the same link to access the web while connected through WiFi, the issue is not with your internet service provider but your network settings, drivers, ethernet cable, hardware, etc.

People who would instead utilize an Ethernet connection to the Internet rather than a wireless one are in a terrible position right now due to this problem. Ethernet connections not working with Windows are typical after an upgrade or update. The good news is that there are several solutions to this issue. So, without further ado, let’s look at the steps in the troubleshooting guide below to learn how to get your Windows computer’s Ethernet connection back up and running.

Ways To Fix Ethernet Connection Not Working Issue

Let’s break down the ways to stabilize your Ethernet connection fast.

1. Check the Ethernet cable and port

You may encounter an Ethernet connection not working issue if the cable is outdated or broken. Similarly, a fake cable will have the same impact. A lousy Ethernet cable is to blame for your issues. Try to swap it out with a working one or connect the problematic line to a different computer to check if it’s working.

Wear and tear on the port might occur if you often insert and remove the cable. The port may be loose or clogged with dirt or other material; check for this. To clean it, you can use a little brush or air blower.

Most computers will have a little LED indicator next to the port. Seeing light after inserting the cable indicates that everything is connected correctly. On the other hand, if the light begins flickering or goes out after some time, the Ethernet port may be disconnected or broken. Use a USB-to-Ethernet adaptor if you are positive that the port is broken.

2. Launch the Network Troubleshooter

To diagnose and repair an Ethernet connection not working network issue, utilize the built-in troubleshooter in Windows.

Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security.

Find the Troubleshoot option in the list of options on the left side of the screen.
Under Other problems to look for and repair, select Network Adapter > Run the troubleshooter.

To begin troubleshooting, choose Ethernet from the list of network adapters and then click Next.

If your Ethernet connection is malfunctioning, the troubleshooter will look for problems with your network adapter. As the diagnostic tool completes examining, a report detailing any issues it finds will be shown to the user. The only thing left to do is implement the suggested solutions.

3. Driver updates for network interface cards

It’s possible that outdated or broken network drivers are to blame for the Ethernet connection not working issue. A driver update can be the answer to your problem. Driver Easy update your computer’s drivers if you lack the time and tolerance.

It will detect your computer’s hardware and promptly locate and install all necessary drivers. You can skip guessing your computer’s operating system, installing software with the wrong driver, and worrying about setting it up incorrectly.

With Driver Easy, you can automatically update your drivers with free or paid editions.

To install Driver Easy, you must first download it.
Now, open Driver Easy and select the Scan Now icon to begin scanning for driver updates. Your system will check for outdated/broken drivers.
If a network driver is highlighted, click the Update button next to it to download the latest version of this driver, which must then be installed manually.
Alternatively, you may update All to automatically update your outdated or missing drivers.

4. Try the Network Reset Utility on Windows

You may also attempt Windows Network Reset if the troubleshooter fails to resolve the issue. All network adapters will be reinstalled, and all configurations will be reset to their factory defaults. Here’s how to get it done if your Ethernet connection is not working.

Go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet. The current state of your connection to the Internet is displayed here.
Now, scroll to the page’s bottom and click the Reset Now button.

A reset may be performed immediately by selecting it. Windows will automatically reboot your computer once the process is complete.

However, be aware that after using Network Reset, you may need to reinstall your virtual private network (VPN), virtual switches, or other networking software.

5. Turn down your Virtual Private Network

You might try turning off your VPN client if you need a quick solution for the Ethernet connection not working issue. To disconnect your VPN manually on Windows, please follow these steps.

Go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet.
VPN can be chosen from the list on the left.
When you’re ready to delete your VPN, choose it and hit the corresponding button, either Disconnect or Remove.
Any VPN add-ons for your browser should be deactivated or deleted as well.

Why isn’t my Ethernet connecting to the Internet?

Troubleshooting an unresponsive Ethernet connection not working can be challenging for several reasons. However, we will do our best to highlight a few of the most significant problems that might prevent your computer from establishing an Ethernet connection to the Internet.

Device failures on the local level

At the risk of stating the obvious, difficulties with an Ethernet connection are most often caused by malfunctioning hardware or unreliable Internet service provider (ISP) connections.

Wrong or outdated driver software

Suppose, the Ethernet connection not working issue appeared after installing an operating system update or making other changes to the system. In that case, you may need to roll back the driver for the network interface card.

Malware or virus

Having a decent antivirus program is essential because malware and viruses can stop your Ethernet connection and can do harm.

A Failure to Fully Insert Wires

It’s possible that the wires of the problematic cable aren’t entirely placed into the jack. Make sure the ends of the RJ45 connectors are pressed onto the copper wires. Doing so will ensure the plugs’ gold contacts touch the cables. The result is a reliable electrical connection.

Wrapping Up

Errors with an Ethernet driver aren’t that dissimilar from those with drivers for other parts of a system. As time passes, driver files might become obsolete. On other occasions, hardware failure or an OS error might lead drivers to become corrupt. However, we hope you have been able to fix your Ethernet connection not working issue using one of the methods we detailed above.

Several things might be affecting your Ethernet connection. Start with the simplest methods and work with the more involved ones if this happens to you.

Did you know that once you regain access to the Internet, you may optimize Windows to speed the connection even faster? You can get every last bit of pace by tweaking your router’s channel and switching your DNS server.