If you’re having trouble with your Ethernet connection on Windows 11, you’re not alone. Despite Ethernet being a straightforward way to connect your PC directly to the internet, issues can still arise — from no internet access to slow speeds or intermittent disconnections. The good news? Most Ethernet problems on Windows 11 are fixable with a few easy steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical fixes for Ethernet connection issues and help you get back online smoothly.
Why Is My Ethernet Not Working on Windows 11?
Before diving into the solutions, it helps to understand the common reasons behind Ethernet troubles on Windows 11:
- Faulty or loose cables
- Outdated or corrupted network drivers
- Incorrect or misconfigured network settings
- Windows system glitches or updates
- Router/modem issues
Now, let’s tackle these step-by-step.
Step 1: Check Your Physical Connections
It sounds basic, but the first and most important step is to inspect your Ethernet cable:
- Make sure both ends are securely plugged into your PC and your router/modem.
- Try a different Ethernet cable if you have one available, as cables can wear out or get damaged.
- Plug the cable into a different port on your router, in case the port itself is faulty.
Step 2: Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter
Windows 11 offers a built-in troubleshooter designed to diagnose and resolve network issues automatically.
- Click the Start button and select Settings (or press
Win + I). - Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Scroll down and find Network Adapter.
- Click Run next to it.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to let Windows detect and fix any problems.
Often, this tool can identify issues with your Ethernet adapter or settings and repair them for you.
Step 3: Update or Reinstall Your Ethernet Drivers
Outdated or corrupted network drivers are a common culprit behind Ethernet problems.
To update your Ethernet driver:
- Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Network adapters section.
- Find your Ethernet adapter (its name usually contains terms like “Ethernet” or “LAN”).
- Right-click it and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers.
- If Windows finds a newer version, it will install it.
If updating doesn’t help, try reinstalling the driver:
- In Device Manager, right-click your Ethernet adapter and select Uninstall device.
- Restart your PC.
- Windows will automatically reinstall the driver on startup.
Step 4: Reset TCP/IP Stack and Flush DNS
Sometimes network configurations can get tangled. Resetting your TCP/IP stack and flushing your DNS cache can clear these issues.
-
Press
Win + Sand type Command Prompt. -
Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
-
Enter 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 your Ethernet connection is working.
Step 5: Check Ethernet Settings in Windows
Make sure your Ethernet adapter is enabled and configured properly:
- Go to Settings > Network & internet > Ethernet.
- Click on your Ethernet connection.
- Make sure IP assignment is set to Automatic (DHCP) unless you have a specific static IP configuration.
- Click Edit under IP assignment if you need to make changes.
Step 6: Disable and Re-enable Ethernet Adapter
A quick reset of the adapter can sometimes restore connectivity.
- Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network adapters.
- Find your Ethernet adapter in the list.
- Click the down arrow and select Disable.
- Wait a few seconds, then select Enable.
Step 7: Restart Your Router and PC
Many Ethernet issues can be resolved by simply restarting your network devices:
- Turn off your router/modem and unplug it for 30 seconds.
- Power it back on and wait until all lights are stable.
- Restart your PC.
Once both devices reboot, try connecting again.
Bonus Tips for Ethernet Reliability on Windows 11
- Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes, network fixes are included in system updates.
- Temporarily disable firewall/antivirus: Security software might block network access, so test briefly if disabling them resolves the problem.
- Test Ethernet connection on another device: This helps isolate whether the issue is with your PC or the network hardware.
Final Thoughts
Ethernet connection issues on Windows 11 can feel frustrating, but with patience and the right troubleshooting steps, they’re often easy to fix. Remember: start simple — check cables and restart devices — and then move on to software-related fixes. If your Ethernet problem persists, it could be a hardware fault, so consider consulting a professional or your device manufacturer’s support.
We hope this guide helped you get connected again! If you have any questions or tips, feel free to share them below.
Keywords: Windows 11 Ethernet connection not working, fix Ethernet issues Windows 11, Ethernet adapter problem, Windows 11 network troubleshooting, Ethernet slow or no connectivity, Windows 11 network drivers update.
If you want a printable PDF version or additional screenshots for each step, just ask!
