How to Fix Ethernet Not Working on Windows

What Causes This?

Ethernet can stop working on Windows when the network adapter is disabled, the driver is corrupted or outdated, or the TCP/IP and DNS settings are damaged. It can also happen after a Windows update, a bad driver install, power management changes, or a router/modem issue. In some cases, the cable or Ethernet port is the real problem, even if Windows looks normal.

Common Symptoms

• Ethernet shows as connected, but websites and apps will not load
• Windows says “No Internet” or “Unidentified network”
• The Ethernet adapter is missing or has a warning icon in Device Manager
• The connection keeps dropping or only works after restarting the PC
• Wi-Fi works, but wired internet does not

How to Fix It Manually

1. Check the cable, router, and Ethernet port

   1. Make sure the Ethernet cable is fully plugged into both your PC and router/modem.
   2. Try a different Ethernet cable if you have one.
   3. Test a different router port.
   4. If possible, connect the cable to another PC or laptop to confirm the cable and router are working.

2. Make sure the Ethernet adapter is enabled

   1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
   2. In the Network Connections window, find Ethernet.
   3. If it says Disabled, right-click it and choose Enable.

3. Run the Windows network troubleshooter

   1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   3. Find Network and Internet and click Run.
   4. Apply any fixes Windows suggests, then restart your PC.

4. Restart or reinstall the Ethernet driver

   1. Right-click the Start button and choose Device Manager.
   2. Expand Network adapters.
   3. Right-click your Ethernet adapter and choose Disable device, then right-click it again and choose Enable device.
   4. If that does not help, right-click the adapter and choose Uninstall device.
   5. Restart your PC. Windows should reinstall the driver automatically.
   6. If it does not, visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website and download the latest LAN/Ethernet driver.

5. Reset TCP/IP and network settings

   1. Open Start, type cmd, then right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
   2. Run these commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:

      netsh winsock reset
      netsh int ip reset
      ipconfig /release
      ipconfig /renew
      ipconfig /flushdns

   3. Restart your PC after the commands finish.

6. Turn off power saving for the network adapter

   1. Open Device Manager again.
   2. Right-click your Ethernet adapter and choose Properties.
   3. Open the Power Management tab.
   4. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
   5. Click OK and test the connection again.

7. Do a full network reset

   1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   2. Go to Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
   3. Click Network reset.
   4. Select Reset now.
   5. Your PC will restart and reinstall network adapters. You may need to reconnect to networks afterward.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

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