How to Fix PC Ethernet Not Working: 6 Easy Ways

The internet is a necessity these days, and as soon as the internet stops working, things get frustrating. This is common for people who use the wired Ethernet connection for school, gaming, and work. Ethernet connections are faster and more stable than Wi-Fi, offering higher bandwidth for demanding tasks, so losing the connectivity can stop communication and feel very unexpected. The good news is that if you are struggling with PC Ethernet not working, fixing it is quite easy. With this article, we are sharing why the Ethernet stops working and how you can fix it easily yourself.

Part 1: Why Is Your PC Ethernet Not Working? – Quick Check

1. Physical Layer Issues

These are hardware-related problems that cause the Ethernet not working on PC issue.

• Loose or damaged Ethernet cable
• Broken LAN port on PC or router
• Router or modem powered off
• Dust inside the Ethernet port

If the cable is not fully inserted or is damaged, your PC cannot detect a network connection.

2. Software & Driver Conflicts

Sometimes the problem is not physical but digital, hence the Ethernet stopped working on the PC.

• Outdated network drivers
• Corrupted drivers after Windows update
• Conflicts with antivirus or firewall software
• Recently installed system updates

Drivers help your computer communicate with hardware. If they are outdated or broken, Ethernet may stop working.

3. Network Configuration Errors

Incorrect settings can block your connection, leading to the Ethernet cable not working on PC.

• Wrong IP address
• Disabled network adapter
• Incorrect DNS settings
• The network adapter was accidentally turned off

These problems are common after system changes or manual configuration.

4. Hardware Malfunction

In rare cases, hardware may fail.

• Faulty motherboard Ethernet controller
• Damaged router LAN port
• Burned-out network card

If hardware is damaged, software fixes may not work, leading to Ethernet not working on new PC.

Part 2: 6 Methods to Solve PC Ethernet Not Working

Method 1: Perform a Hard Power Cycle (The 30-Second Rule)

A hard power cycle resets the temporary memory inside your router and modem. Sometimes network devices store small errors that block the connection. Restarting clears the PC not detecting Ethernet cable issue.

Step 1: Shut down your PC completely so the network adapter and Windows services fully stop running.

Step 2: Unplug the power cable from your modem and your router so they are fully powered off, not just "sleeping."

Step 3: Wait for at least 30 seconds to clear leftover electrical charge and temporary router/modem memory errors.

Step 4: Plug the modem back into power first, then wait 1–2 minutes until its internet/online light becomes steady.

Step 5: Plug the router back into power next, then wait again until the Wi-Fi/Ethernet indicator lights stabilize.

Step 6: Turn your PC back on, reconnect the Ethernet cable firmly, and check whether internet access returns.

Method 2: Check Physical Connections and Try Different Ports

Ethernet relies on physical connections. If cables or ports are damaged, the signal cannot travel properly, hence the PC not connected to Ethernet issue.

Step 1: Remove the Ethernet cable from your PC and router, then inspect both ends for bent clips, dirt, or damage.

Step 2: Reinsert the cable firmly into the PC port until you hear or feel a click that confirms a secure connection.

Step 3: Reinsert the other end into the router/switch LAN port and confirm it is seated fully and not loose.

Step 4: Look at the Ethernet port LEDs on the PC and router to see whether link/activity lights appear or blink.

Step 5: Move the same cable to a different LAN port on the router to rule out a single bad port.

Step 6: If possible, swap to another known-good Ethernet cable to confirm whether the original cable is faulty.

If the LED lights near the Ethernet port turn on, the physical connection is working.

Method 3: Reset Network Adapters in Windows Settings

Network reset restores all network settings to default. If configuration errors are causing the issue, this will fix Ethernet not connecting to PC.

Step 1: Open the Settings app from the Start menu so you can access Windows network repair tools safely.

Step 2: Click Network & Internet so Windows shows all adapters, connection status, and network troubleshooting options.

Step 3: Select Advanced network settings to reach deeper adapter controls that can fix stubborn Ethernet problems.

Step 4: Scroll down and choose Ethernet.

Step 5: Click Reset now and allow Windows to restart networking, because it will temporarily disconnect all connections.

Step 6: Restart your PC when prompted, then plug the Ethernet back in and test browsing to confirm the reset worked.

Method 4: Update or Reinstall Network Drivers via Device Manager

Drivers allow Windows to communicate with your network hardware. Updating or reinstalling them fixes compatibility and corruption issues, which cause PC won't connect to Ethernet.

Step 1: Right-click the Start button and open Device Manager so you can manage the Ethernet driver directly.

Step 2: Expand Network adapters to locate the Ethernet controller name that Windows is currently using.

Step 3: Right-click your Ethernet device and select Update driver to let Windows search for a compatible driver.

Step 4: If updating does not help, right-click again and choose Uninstall device to remove the driver completely.

Step 5: Restart the PC after uninstalling so Windows can automatically detect the adapter and reinstall the driver fresh.

Step 6: After reboot, reconnect the Ethernet and check Device Manager for warnings, then test the internet connection again.

Method 5: Execute Command Prompt "Flush" and "Reset" Commands

These commands reset your IP configuration and clear the DNS cache. They remove corrupted network settings and fix the PC not recognizing Ethernet issue.

Step 1: Type "cmd" in Windows search, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator for full access.

Step 2: Run ipconfig /release to drop the current IP address and force your PC to stop using the old network lease.

Step 3: Run ipconfig /renew to request a fresh IP address from the router, which often fixes "connected but no internet."

Step 4: Run ipconfig /flushdns to clear stored DNS records that may be outdated or sending you to the wrong server.

Step 5: Run netsh int ip reset to rebuild TCP/IP settings that can become corrupted after updates or VPN installs.

Step 6: Run netsh winsock reset to repair the Windows network socket layer used by browsers and many apps.

Step 7: Restart your computer after all commands finish so Windows applies the changes and reconnects cleanly.

Method 6: Disable Power Saving Options for the Network Card

Sometimes Windows turns off the network adapter to save power, which can lead to a PC connected to Ethernet but no internet issue.

Step 1: Open Device Manager from the Start menu so you can change the Ethernet adapter's power behavior.

Step 2: Expand Network adapters and double-click your Ethernet device to open its settings and management tabs.

Step 3: Go to the Power Management tab because this is where Windows can shut down the adapter to save power.

Step 4: Uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" to prevent random disconnects.

Step 5: Click OK to save changes, then restart the PC so Windows reloads the adapter with the new power settings.

Step 6: After reboot, test the Ethernet connection during idle time to confirm the adapter no longer drops out.

Part 3: FAQs About PC Ethernet Not Working

1. Why does my Ethernet say connected, but no internet?

This usually means your PC is connected to the router but not receiving internet access. The issue could be with your ISP, modem, or DNS settings. Try restarting your modem and router first. If that does not work, run Command Prompt reset commands like "ipconfig /flushdns." You should also check if other devices can access the internet. If none can connect, contact your internet provider.

2. How do I know if my Ethernet port is broken?

You can test this by plugging the same cable into another device. If it works there, your PC port may be damaged. Also, check if the LED lights near the Ethernet port turn on when connected. If there are no lights and Device Manager does not detect the adapter, it could be a hardware failure. In that case, you may need a USB-to-Ethernet adapter.

3. Why did my Ethernet stop working after a Windows update?

Windows updates sometimes replace drivers with newer versions that may not work properly. This can cause compatibility issues. Try rolling back the driver in Device Manager. You can also uninstall the driver and restart your PC to reinstall it automatically. Keeping your drivers updated from the manufacturer's website can prevent future problems.

4. Should I use Wi-Fi instead if Ethernet is not working?

Ethernet is generally more stable and faster than Wi-Fi. If your Ethernet stops working, Wi-Fi can be a temporary solution. However, it is better to fix the wired connection, especially for gaming, streaming, or video conferencing. Wired connections reduce latency and provide consistent speeds.

5. Can a virus cause Ethernet problems?

Yes, although it is rare. Some malware changes network settings or blocks internet access. Running a full antivirus scan can help detect and remove threats. If your PC Ethernet is not working issue started after downloading suspicious software, malware could be the cause. Resetting network settings and scanning your PC are good first steps.

Conclusion

Dealing with a PC Ethernet not working can feel stressful, especially when you depend on a wired connection for important tasks. Beyond fixing the current issue, it is smart to take preventive steps. Using high-quality Ethernet cables (such as Cat6 or Cat6a), keeping your router firmware updated, and avoiding bending or stretching cables can reduce future problems. It is also helpful to create a system restore point before major Windows updates, so you can easily roll back if something goes wrong. If Ethernet problems happen often, investing in a USB-to-Ethernet adapter or a dedicated network card can provide a reliable backup solution.