If you are using an ethernet connection for a high-speed and secure internet access, especially when you are working, playing gaming, or streaming on a Windows 11 PC. However, many users occasionally encounter an issue where the ethernet connection suddenly stops working due to driver conflicts, misconfigurations, or hardware failures and the network icon shows as disconnected, or the PC fails to detect any connection despite the cable being properly plugged in.
If you’re facing this problem. This guide will walk you through the most effective troubleshooting methods to fix Ethernet connection issues on Windows 11 effectively.
Method 1: Restart and Check Your Ethernet Cables
The first troubleshooting step is to restart your both Windows 11 PCs and modem or router. you should Power both devices off for 30 seconds then turn them back on to check if it works. Confirm that your ethernet cable is plugged in correctly on both ends: on your PC and on the internet router or modem. Check that the ethernet cable is fully functional and is not damaged. You can use the same ethernet cable with a different device to check if it works. you can try replacing the ethernet cable with another one or switching to a different port on your router or switch.
Method 2: Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter
Windows 11 offers a built-in network troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common network issues and restore default network settings.
Step 1: Open Settings by pressing the shortcut (Win + I). Then, navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Step 2: Scroll down and click Run next to Network and Internet. Follow the on-screen instructions. This troubleshooter fixes issues such as invalid IP configurations or gateway errors.
Method 3: Check and Enable Your Ethernet Adapter
Check Ethernet adapter whether it is turned on or off in your system settings. If it’s disabled, your PC won’t detect any wired network connections. You can check and enable it through the Control Panel or Network Settings.
Step 1: Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Step 2: Navigate to Network adapters and Expand It.
Step 3: Look for your Ethernet adapter Driver (usually labeled something like (“Realtek PCIe or Intel ethernet Controller”).
Step 4: Right-click on ethernet adapter and choose Enable Device.
Method 4: Update or Reinstall Ethernet Drivers
Corrupted or incompatible network drivers often cause connectivity issues especially after major Windows 11 updates. If you update or reinstall the latest compatible network drivers from the system manufacturer’s official website that may often resolve ‘No Internet’ errors or unrecognized network adapters in Windows PCs.
Step 1: Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Step 2: Navigate to Network adapters and Expand It.
Step 3: Right-click your Ethernet adapter driver (Realtek PCIe or Intel ethernet Controller”) and select Update driver.
Step 4: Choose Search automatically for drivers.
Step 5: If an update is available, install it and restart your PC. If updating doesn’t resolve the issue, right-click your Ethernet adapter driver, then select Uninstall device. After uninstalling, restart your PC and reinstall the default driver automatically.
Step 6: Download the Ethernet driver from the official website of your system manufacturer and install it on your device. It should then detect your Ethernet connection below in your device settings.
Method 5: Reset Network Settings
Resetting network settings restores all network related settings to their default state. This can fix internet connectivity issues by removing custom settings, saved networks and reinstalling network adapters driver.
Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Settings, then navigate to Network & Internet and click on Advanced network settings.
Step 2: Click on Network reset.
Step 3: Select Reset now, then restart your PC.
Method 6: Check for Windows Updates
Updating your Windows can often resolve network issues caused by bugs or outdated drivers. Check for and install the latest Windows updates to ensure you have the most recent fixes, drivers, and security patches.
Step 1: Go to Settings > Windows Update.
Step 2: Click on Check for updates and install any available updates and restart your system.
Step 3: Restart your PC.
Method 7: Adjust Network Adapter Settings
Adjusting your network adapter settings can help resolve connectivity issues by correcting the IP configuration, enabling necessary protocols and ensuring the adapter is properly set up for your specific network type.
Step 1: Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Step 2: Expand Network Adapters and right-click your Ethernet adapter. Then, click on Properties and navigate to the Advanced tab.
Step 3: Modify the following key settings:
- Speed & Duplex: Set to Auto Negotiation or 1.0 Gbps Full Duplex (based on your network speed).
- Energy-Efficient Ethernet: Disable this setting to prevent disconnections.
- Wake-on-LAN: Enable if you need the PC to wake up remotely via network commands.
Step 4: Click OK and restart your PC.
Method 8: Check IP and DNS Settings
Checking the IP and DNS configurations on your device’s network settings helps in determining whether the device is able to communicate with the network as well as the internet. If you have the wrong IP and DNS configurations, it can affect your internet connection. If you check these values, you can often fix connection problems automatically.
Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run box, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
Step 2: Right-click on Ethernet > Properties
Step 3: Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties, or double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
Step 4: Select the following options:
- Obtain an IP address automatically
- Obtain DNS server address automatically
Step 4: Click OK and restart your PC.
Method 9: Reset TCP/IP Stack with Simple Commands
Using Command Prompt to reset the network stack clears outdated or corrupted network configurations.
Step 1: Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: Enter the following commands one by one:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
Step 3: Restart your PC. These commands resolve DNS cache issues and reset IP configurations on your PC.
Method 10: Check Network Settings and disable Proxy Issues
Disabling a misconfigured proxy server or network setting can often resolve internet connection problems. Proxy settings may block or redirect network traffic incorrectly. Verifying and adjusting network configuration ensures your PC connects directly to the internet without unnecessary interference.
Step 1: Press Windows + S, type Internet Options in the search bar, and hit Enter to open.
Step 2: Go to the Connections tab, click LAN Settings, and make sure Use a Proxy Server for your LAN is unchecked .
Step 3: Or you can open Settings (Windows + I). Then, go to Network & Internet and click on Proxy.
Step 4: Under Manual proxy setup, ensure Use a proxy server is turned off.
Step 5: If Proxy Server is On then Click on Set Up and Turn it off.
Step 6: Click Save, then restart your PC.
Conclusion: How to Fix Ethernet Connection Issues on Windows 11
The unstable Ethernet connection on Windows 11 may often bring a lot of frustration, but it can be resolved in few simple steps. Irrespective of whether it is a glitch, driver problem, or configuration issue, the methods mentioned above cover all phases from basic troubleshooting to complex IP/DNS resets.
It is best to start with the hardware checks, and after that, the software and driver resets, before moving on to advanced command line resets. If all else fails, do get in touch with the support team of your computer or the system manufacturer.
Still confused or stuck about How to Fix Ethernet Connection Issues in Windows 11? Leave your questions in the comments or call me at +1– 844-405-0212. I am here to help!
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