Last week, I faced a frustrating issue on my Windows 11 PC, my Ethernet connection wasn’t working, but WiFi was fine. I had a stable internet connection, but my wired connection refused to work, even though the cable was properly plugged in. At first, I thought it was a router issue, but after testing the cable on another device, I realized the problem was on my PC.
This is a common issue on Windows 11 and can happen due to faulty network drivers, incorrect adapter settings, disabled Ethernet ports, or even hardware failures. Many users prefer Ethernet over WiFi because it provides a faster, more stable connection. So when Ethernet stops working while WiFi is fine, it can be frustrating.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through detailed step-by-step solutions to fix your Ethernet connection in Windows 11. These fixes will cover everything from checking cables to resetting network settings, ensuring your wired connection works perfectly again.
Understanding the Issue
Before fixing the problem, let’s understand why your Ethernet might not be working while WiFi is functional.
Common Causes of Ethernet Not Working
- Faulty or Loose Ethernet Cable
- A damaged or improperly connected cable can prevent Ethernet from working.
- Disabled Ethernet Adapter
- If Windows 11 has disabled the Ethernet adapter, the connection won’t work.
- Outdated or Corrupt Network Drivers
- If the Ethernet driver is missing or outdated, the connection may fail.
- Incorrect IP or DNS Configuration
- Misconfigured network settings can block Ethernet connections.
- Router or Modem Issues
- The Ethernet port on your router/modem might be faulty.
Now, let’s move on to fixing the problem step by step.
Fix 1: Check the Ethernet Cable and Port
Tools Needed:
- Ethernet cable
- Access to another PC (for testing)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Inspect the Ethernet Cable:
- Ensure the cable is securely plugged into both your PC and router.
- Look for any visible damage (bends, cuts, or frayed ends).
- Try a Different Cable or Port:
- Plug the Ethernet cable into a different port on your router.
- Use another Ethernet cable to see if the issue is with the cable itself.
- Test the Cable on Another Device:
- If possible, plug the Ethernet cable into another laptop or PC.
- If the other device gets internet, the issue is with your Windows 11 PC.
If the cable and router ports are fine but the Ethernet still doesn’t work, proceed to the next fix.
Fix 2: Enable Ethernet Adapter in Windows 11
Tools Needed:
- Windows settings
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter to open the Network Connections window.
- Locate Ethernet Adapter (it may be named Ethernet, Local Area Connection, or Intel Ethernet).
- If the adapter is disabled, right-click on it and select Enable.
- Restart your PC and check if Ethernet is working.
If the Ethernet adapter was already enabled, move on to the next fix.
Fix 3: Update or Reinstall Network Drivers
Tools Needed:
- Device Manager
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand Network Adapters and locate your Ethernet Adapter (e.g., Intel, Realtek, or Killer Ethernet).
- Right-click on it and select Update Driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers and let Windows install any updates.
- If updating doesn’t work, right-click the adapter again and select Uninstall device.
- Restart your PC, and Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
Now check if your Ethernet connection is working.
Fix 4: Disable and Re-enable Ethernet Adapter
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter.
- Right-click on your Ethernet Adapter and select Disable.
- Wait 10 seconds, then right-click again and select Enable.
- Restart your PC and check if Ethernet works.
Fix 5: Reset TCP/IP and Flush DNS
Tools Needed:
- Command Prompt (Admin)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Press Win + X and select Terminal (Admin).
- Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns- Restart your PC and check if Ethernet is working.
Fix 6: Reset Network Settings
Tools Needed:
- Windows Settings
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced Network Settings.
- Scroll down and click Network Reset.
- Click Reset Now and confirm.
- Restart your PC.
This resets all network settings, so you’ll need to reconnect to WiFi or reconfigure your Ethernet.
Fix 7: Check for Windows Updates
Tools Needed:
- Windows Update
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for Updates and install any pending updates.
- Restart your PC and check if Ethernet is working.
Fix 8: Manually Assign an IP Address
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter.
- Right-click your Ethernet Adapter and select Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
- Choose Use the following IP address and enter:
- IP Address: 192.168.1.100
- Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
- Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1
- Click OK and restart your PC.
Now check if Ethernet is working.
Pros and Cons of Each Fix
| Fix | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Check Ethernet Cable | Quick and easy | Requires extra cable for testing |
| Enable Ethernet Adapter | Simple fix | Doesn’t help if the adapter is faulty |
| Update Network Drivers | Resolves driver issues | Requires an active internet connection for updates |
| Reset TCP/IP & DNS | Fixes deep network issues | Requires command-line use |
| Network Reset | Fixes multiple network problems | Removes all network settings |
Conclusion
If your Ethernet isn’t working but WiFi is fine, the issue is likely a driver problem, a disabled adapter, or an incorrect network configuration. Following these detailed step-by-step solutions, you should be able to restore your wired connection in Windows 11.
If none of these fixes work, you may need to replace your Ethernet cable or test a different router port.
Did any of these fixes work for you? Let me know in the comments!
