Windows 10 Ethernet Not Working Fix (Step-by-Step Guide)

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Windows 10 Ethernet Not Working Fix is usually needed when your computer does not detect a wired connection or cannot access the internet using an Ethernet cable. This issue can prevent stable internet access even when WiFi works.

In this guide, you’ll learn simple step-by-step solutions to fix Ethernet issues in Windows 10 and restore your connection.

Quick Fix

Restart your router and your computer. This resolves many temporary connection issues immediately.

Try This First

  • No internet on any device → restart router
  • Ethernet not detected → check cable and ports
  • WiFi works but Ethernet doesn’t → adapter or driver issue

If the issue is not resolved, follow the detailed fixes below.

Why Is Ethernet Not Working on Windows 10

If Ethernet is not working, your computer may not detect the cable, or it cannot communicate properly with your network.

This issue can appear as “Network cable unplugged”, “No internet”, or no connection at all.

What Causes Ethernet Not Working in Windows 10?

  • Faulty or loose Ethernet cable
  • Disabled network adapter
  • Outdated or corrupted drivers
  • Incorrect network settings
  • Router or modem issues
  • System glitches

How to Fix Windows 10 Ethernet Not Working

Try the following solutions one by one until your connection works properly.

Check Ethernet Cable and Ports

Use this if Ethernet is not detected or shows “cable unplugged.”

  1. Make sure the Ethernet cable is firmly plugged into your computer and router
  2. Check both ends of the cable
  3. Try a different Ethernet port on the router
  4. If possible, use a different cable
  5. Look for small lights near the Ethernet port
  6. If no lights appear, the cable or port may be faulty
  7. Try accessing the internet again

Restart Your Router and Computer

Use this if the connection suddenly stopped working.

  1. Turn off your router and modem
  2. Unplug them from power
  3. Wait at least 60 seconds
  4. Plug the modem back in
  5. Wait until all lights stabilize
  6. Plug in the router
  7. Restart your computer
  8. Test your connection

Enable Ethernet Adapter

Use this if Ethernet is not showing or appears disabled.

  1. Press Windows + R
  2. Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter
  3. Find Ethernet
  4. If it appears gray, it is disabled
  5. Right-click it and click Enable
  6. Wait a few seconds
  7. Check if the connection appears

Disable and Re-enable Network Adapter

Use this if Ethernet is connected but not working.

  1. Press Windows + R
  2. Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter
  3. Right-click Ethernet
  4. Click Disable
  5. Wait a few seconds
  6. Right-click again and click Enable
  7. Test your connection

Reset IP Configuration

Use this if you see “No internet” even though Ethernet is connected.

  1. Press Windows + R
  2. Type cmd and press Enter
  3. In Command Prompt, type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
    • ipconfig /release
    • ipconfig /renew
  4. Wait for the process to complete
  5. Try accessing the internet

Flush DNS Cache

Use this if websites are not loading.

  1. Open Command Prompt
  2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter
  3. You should see “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”
  4. Close Command Prompt
  5. Try opening a website

Update Network Drivers

Use this if Ethernet worked before but stopped working.

  1. Press Windows + X
  2. Click Device Manager
  3. Expand Network adapters
  4. Right-click your Ethernet adapter
  5. Click Update driver
  6. Select Search automatically for drivers
  7. Install updates if available
  8. Restart your computer

Reset Network Settings

Use this if none of the above fixes work.

  1. Click Start → Settings
  2. Go to Network & Internet
  3. Scroll down and click Network Reset
  4. Click Reset now
  5. Confirm the action
  6. Restart your computer
  7. Reconnect your network

Check for ISP Issues

Use this if no devices have internet.

  1. Use mobile data on your phone
  2. Search for your ISP name + outage
  3. Check if there are service issues
  4. If there is an outage, wait until it is resolved

What If None of the Fixes Work?

  • Try a different Ethernet cable
  • Test another device on the same port
  • Restart your router again
  • Contact your internet provider
  • Consider professional repair if hardware is damaged

How to Prevent Ethernet Issues

  • Use high-quality cables
  • Avoid bending cables sharply
  • Keep drivers updated
  • Restart your router occasionally

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Ethernet not working but WiFi is?

This usually indicates a cable, port, or Ethernet adapter issue.

Can I fix Ethernet issues myself?

Yes, most problems can be resolved with basic troubleshooting.

Is this a serious issue?

No, it is usually easy to fix.

You may also want to check our guides on Windows 10 No Internet Access Fix, Ethernet Connected But No Internet Fix and WiFi Connected But No Internet Fix for related issues.