5 Fixes For Ethernet Not Working on Windows

If your Ethernet connection is not working or wifi working but not ethernet, this could cause an enormous issue when trying to complete your work or talk to others. This problem can be caused by various causes, such as the setting of the network or a defective cable or device.

Other causes could be the driver for the adapter, the firewall, or malware infection. There could be myriad causes why your Ethernet cable connection can’t function and identify the reason isn’t always easy.

We will attempt to identify a few significant problems that could hinder your computer from connecting to the Internet through Ethernet.

Facets that cause ethernet problems

  • An incorrect IP configuration
  • Network settings
  • Third-party software
  • Drivers for network cards
  • Problems with the connecting cable
  • Problems with the ethernet port

Solutions To Fix Ethernet Not Working

  1. Experiment with different ports on your router.
  2. Update the driver of the network card.
  3. Disable all Antivirus and Firewall temporarily.
  4. Ensure that your Ethernet is on.
  5. Make sure you check the cable.

How to Fix a Faulty Ethernet Connection in Windows 10?

 No ethernet connection on pc

If you can access the Internet using WiFi but cannot connect to Ethernet through cable, or wifi and ethernet not working, do not be concerned. This issue can be due to cable issues or hardware problems, a malfunctioning network driver or others, such as an ethernet port not working.

Here are five ways to solve the issue. You don’t have to test them all; work down the list until you’ve found the one that is the best for you.

Method 1: Experiment with different ports on your router.

Fixing ethernet ports

If the port you use is not working or functioning correctly, you won’t be linked to your router. If the problem is with the ethernet port in the wall not working, ethernet port not working on router, remove the cables from the port, then connect it to a different port to determine if the issue goes away.

Method 2: Update the driver of the network card

  1. Click the Start button in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen, and type Device Manager in the Search bar.
Finding device manager
  1. The Device Manager should appear. Locate the Network adapters drop-down menu.
 Locating network adapters
  1. Choose the Network Adapter. Right-click the adapter, and select Update Driver Software from the drop down menu.
right clicking the adapter and selecting update driver software
  1. A dialog box should appear. Click Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software.
Searching Updated Driver Software
  1. Follow the instructions on the following screens to finish updating.
  2. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Method 3: Disable all Antivirus and Firewall temporarily

Disabling anti-viruses and firewalls from the system

This issue can be caused by interference by antivirus software. If you want to determine if that’s the cause of your problem, try temporarily disabling your antivirus and see if the problem persists. (Consult the manual for your antivirus to find directions on disabling it.)

If this does not resolve the issue, then contact the manufacturer of your antivirus software and ask for their advice and install another antivirus software.

Important: Be very careful regarding the websites you visit, which emails you open, and what documents you download when your antivirus is turned off.

Method 4: Ensure that your Ethernet is on

After trying the above tips, check if the Ethernet is not working and the issue persists.

Then follow the steps below:

1.) Enter Windows + R (Windows key and the R key) simultaneously. A Run dialogue will open.

2.) Enter devmgmt.MSC into the run box, then click on OK. It will open the Device Manager screen.

3.) Within Device Manager, add the Network adapters category.

4.) Then, next after the Ethernet card device’s name, if you can see an icon of a computer with an arrow, the Ethernet is disabled.

This screenshot is for information-

Opening ethernet’s device name

5) Then right-click on the name of the device. Then click to enable it from the pop-up menu.

Method 5: Make sure you check the cable

Verify that the cable isn’t damaged. Swap a line to do a test. If the issue is due, the cable should work after switching the cable.

I hope the suggestions above can assist you in resolving the issue of Ethernet not working. Don’t hesitate if you have any kind of queries or suggestions. You can post your thoughts below, and we will respond.

Ethernet cable not recognized/Ethernet “Not connected”

You’ve received the brand new Ethernet cable, or perhaps you’ve just finished the bulk cables. You are facing problems related to the new ethernet cable not working; it’s now time to put it to use. If you connect the cable to the router to your laptop or gaming console, there could be a situation that your ethernet cable won’t work.

If you’re using a gaming console, perhaps your ethernet cable isn’t recognized. In this blog, we’ll discuss some questions that make us ask, “Why do I have an ethernet cable not functioning?”

Getting Started Troubleshooting

The first thing we’d like to mention is the myriad of reasons your ethernet cable isn’t functioning. We’ll concentrate on the most common and unusual causes in this post, but there are many factors in playing.

One of the factors you need to know first is what kind of product you’re using. Here’s a brief list of two items you’ll need to know before you attempt to solve a problem.

  1. What type of cable do I have?
  2. What’s the most important problem?
  3. What devices am I connecting my cable to?

Knowing these can help you get started in determining the problem at hand. Knowing what type of cable you are using will allow you to identify if it’s compatible with your equipment. Finding out the cause of the issue will give you a solid start in your investigation to solving it.

Secondly, knowing the type of equipment, you’re using will help you further narrow your troubleshooting suggestions.

After you’ve gathered an overview of the problem and devices in your network, let’s get to a few reasons that an ethernet cable might not be working.

Untrue Terminations on Your Wires

This is a pretty frequent event. If you recently bought the bulk cable and are currently working on finishing the cables’ ends, this is a problem you could get yourself into.

Ensuring that your Ethernet cables are wired in a suitable wiring scheme is essential to ensure the successful operation of the cables’ connection.

You don’t just want the wires to be in the correct sequence but both ends connected similarly. There are several methods to terminate the copper cable. You can choose to use the t568a method or the t568b method. For North America, the overall wiring scheme is T568b.

We recommend using this for more straightforward troubleshooting. T568A is commonly used in Canada. It is possible to get away by using either of the schemes, but adhere to B because B is more widely used. Here are the wiring plans in reverse order from left to right.

T-568A

  1. Green stripe
  2. Green
  3. Orange Stripe
  4. Blue
  5. Blue stripe
  6. Orange
  7. Brown stripe
  8. Brown

T-568B

  1. Orange stripe
  2. Orange
  3. Green stripe
  4. Blue
  5. Blue stripe
  6. Green
  7. Brown stripe
  8. Brown

To sum up, If you’re connecting to a bulk cable, you should look over the wiring plan to ensure it’s in the right place.

Wires aren’t inserted all the Way.

Another issue related to the wiring of the cable may occur because the cables have not been wholly inserted towards the socket. It is highly important to ensure that you have copper wires connected to the connectors at the ends of RJ45 plugs.

This way, you will provide the gold contacts on the pins connected to the wires. This will ensure a solid electrical connection.

Cable is not all the Way

This might look like an easy task to complete, but you’d be shocked that this is often the cause of a poor connection. Ensure your Ethernet cables are properly installed at each end of your line.

When you plug your cable into the Xbox, PlayStation, or computer, using a thread that has been fully inserted will ensure that connection will be established.

Switch off WiFi

If you’re hard-wiring an Ethernet cable to your devices while using WiFi, there might be a problem in your settings. Your computer may grant you Ethernet cable access to WiFi; however, this isn’t always the situation. If your cable isn’t working with both, check the network settings on your computer.

  • Navigate to Open Network and Internet settings.
  • Find the WiFi button and toggle it off. Also, you need to check your Local Area Connection setting and ensure it is turned on.
  • Watch until you notice the connection begins, and you’ll be good to start.

Try a Different Ethernet Port

There could be an issue that your laptop’s ethernet port not working. To determine if you have a malfunctioning router or modem, try plugging the Ethernet cable into an alternative connection on your device. A router is typically equipped with many Ethernet ports in the machine.

These ports are known as LAN ports and should be identified as such. If you cannot connect on the first port, give the second one a try. If it doesn’t work, you can try other ports. If there is no improvement, it could be due to the issue with your router.

To confirm this, you need to ensure that you’ve double-checked the directions by the router to ensure that the setup is correct. You may also contact the manufacturer of the device for more details.

Try a Different Ethernet Cable

Another thing you can try is to test an alternative ethernet cable. If you have an extra cable, look it up to see if it works with the same port for Ethernet. If it isn’t connecting, regardless of using another cable, it may be a problem with the settings on the device.

The other thing you could do is try plugging it into another device. It’s not the one you’re experiencing problems with. Check if the cable is compatible with the device, and that can provide information about whether your cable is defective or not.

Update Computer Drivers and Computers

Making sure your device is currently is an excellent habit to establish. Not only can upgrading your devices supply users with the most current technology updates to the software, but it also can aid in security patches and other bug fixes.

You need to update your computer drivers to ensure that your computer runs at high speed. The drivers are in your PC to let it know how to interact with other programs like Hardware devices.

Unplug and reconnect devices

We’ve all encountered issues with WiFi signals getting out. The first thing we think of is to unplug the router and connect it again typically. The problem is generally solved after this. The same principle applies to Ethernet cables. While this may not have the most favorable effect, it’s worth giving it a go.

Try disconnecting your devices from the router, then reconnecting them. Check that every device is connected to the network before reconnecting them.

Run Network Troubleshooter In Your Settings

Run Network Troubleshooter In Your Settings

Most likely, the device is equipped with an option to assist in diagnosing problems with your network. This feature is usually referred to as network troubleshooting. It’s accessible on Windows computers. There are other ways to perform the same thing on Mac.

To run Windows 10:

Start the dashboard, then go to settings. Choose Network & Internet then status. Under Change your network settings, select Network troubleshooter.

How to Fix Ethernet That’s Not Working on Mac?

On your, Mac select the Apple menu icon. Press restart, then hold and press the D key until your Mac begins to reboot. Hold your D button until the display listing different languages are displayed.

Select a language, and Apple diagnostics will begin automatically.

When the diagnostics are completed, it will report any problems causing the issue. Be aware: (The reference code is intended for use by the Apple support staff.)

Perhaps by following a few steps, your cables’ issues will be gone. However, given the complexity associated with various components that work together, it could be why it’s not functioning. We contacted a few installers to seek their opinion on some unusual reasons why your cable won’t work.

Uncommon Causes for Ethernet Cable Not Working

  • If you’re dealing with a bulk cable, and the line isn’t long enough, you could encounter an installer who has decided to remove the wires and extend the pair to get it to its goal. Although it’s unlikely, it will likely occur if you move to an older house with wiring installed many years ago.
  • The cable run is way too long. There is a possibility of having cables that are too long. The ideal length for most cables is at least 328 feet (100 meters). If you keep the total length to less than 328 feet, you can conform to the cable’s specifications.
  • The line is bent somewhere. A kink in a cable does nobody good! If you have a lock, your thread could cause harm to the wires. If pulling your cable yourself, ensure that you maintain an even and steady removal from the box or honest to lessen the chance of tearing. Are you looking for more advice regarding this? We’ve written a manual on pulling the cable out of the pulling box.
  • A technician could accidentally select the incorrect patch configuration, and your cable could fail. Ensure that your technician or installer double examines their lines to determine whether all is fine. There are cable testers on the market to ensure that each patch is connected correctly.

Final Thoughts

If you are having issues with your ethernet connection can be a very worrying situation. We hope that our suggestions will prove helpful. Also, it can be a hassle if your Ethernet cable doesn’t work or cannot be recognized. However, there are a variety of options to solve the issue.

Find out the details of the various devices you’re connected to and the type of cable you’re using. This can give you a base from which you can troubleshoot. The issue is often solved by simply plugging in or using a different ethernet port.

FAQ

When I Plug My Ethernet Cable In Nothing Happens, What To Do?

If it still isn’t working after a minute, try connecting the wire into another router port. If this works, your router is likely defective, and it’s time to replace it. If that doesn’t work, try switching out your ethernet wires.

How Do I Reset My Ethernet?

Select “Disable” from the context menu of your network adapter’s icon. Wait a few seconds before right-clicking on the icon and selecting “Enable.” Your Ethernet adapter will be forced to reset as a result of this.

How To Turn Off Wi-FI And Prioritize The Ethernet Connection?

You may turn it off by right-clicking on the icon, selecting ‘Open Network and Internet Settings,’ then selecting the wifi tab. This will show you whether or not your wired LAN is operational.

When Does The Wifi And Ethernet Not Working Issue Starts To Bug You?

If your Wi-Fi is working, but your wired ethernet connection isn’t, you should first switch off the Wi-Fi. If Wi-Fi is turned off and you still can’t connect to the internet, check that ethernet is turned on in the same Network and Internet Settings section. 

Meet the Author

Abdul Rahim has been working in Information Technology for over two decades. Learn how Abdul got his start as a Tech Blogger , and why he decided to start this Software blog. If you want to send Abdul a quick message, then visit his contact page here.