Ethernet provides a stable and fast internet connection, but in Windows 11 you may encounter issues where Ethernet shows “No network,” “Unidentified network,” “No internet access,” or the Ethernet option is missing entirely. In some cases, the connection drops randomly or works only after restarting the PC.
In most situations, Ethernet not working in Windows 11 is caused by disabled network adapters, outdated or corrupted drivers, incorrect network settings, or Windows network service issues, not a faulty Ethernet cable or port. Follow the steps below to troubleshoot and fix the problem step by step.
How to Fix Ethernet Not Working in Windows 11
Follow the steps in order. After each step, check whether your Ethernet connection starts working before moving on.
1. Check Ethernet Cable and Router
Start with basic hardware checks.
- Make sure the Ethernet cable is firmly connected to your PC and router
- Try a different Ethernet cable if available
- Plug the cable into a different router or modem port
- Check for blinking lights on the Ethernet port
If there are no lights, the issue may be cable- or port-related.
2. Restart Your PC and Router
Temporary network glitches are very common.
- Turn off your PC
- Power off the router or modem
- Wait for 30–60 seconds
- Turn the router back on
- Start your PC and test Ethernet
This refreshes network communication.
3. Make Sure Ethernet Is Enabled in Settings
Ethernet may be disabled accidentally.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings
- Go to Network & internet
- Select Ethernet
- Make sure Ethernet is turned On
- If disconnected, click Connect
If Ethernet is missing, continue to the next steps.
4. Check Network Adapter Status in Device Manager
A disabled or faulty adapter will stop Ethernet completely.
- Right-click Start and open Device Manager
- Expand Network adapters
- Look for your Ethernet adapter
- If it shows a down arrow, right-click and select Enable device
- If there is a warning icon, driver issues are likely
If the adapter does not appear, drivers may be missing.
5. Update or Reinstall Ethernet Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause.
- In Device Manager, right-click your Ethernet adapter
- Select Update driver
- Choose Search automatically for drivers
If updating does not help:
- Right-click the adapter again
- Select Uninstall device
- Restart your PC
Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
6. Run the Network Troubleshooter
Windows can automatically detect network issues.
- Open Settings > Network & internet
- Scroll down and click Advanced network settings
- Select Network troubleshooter
- Follow the on-screen instructions
This can fix common configuration problems.
7. Reset Network Settings (Very Effective)
Resetting network settings clears broken configurations.
- Open Settings > Network & internet
- Click Advanced network settings
- Select Network reset
- Click Reset now
- Restart your PC
This removes saved Wi-Fi networks and VPNs.
8. Disable Power Saving for Ethernet Adapter
Power management can disable Ethernet unexpectedly.
- Open Device Manager
- Right-click your Ethernet adapter and select Properties
- Go to the Power Management tab
- Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
- Click OK and restart your PC
This prevents random disconnections.
9. Check IP and DNS Configuration
Incorrect network configuration can block internet access.
- Right-click Start and open Windows Terminal (Admin)
- Run the following commands one by one:
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
- Restart your PC
These commands refresh IP and DNS settings.
10. Disable VPN or Third-Party Firewall Temporarily
VPNs and security tools can block Ethernet traffic.
- Turn off any active VPN
- Temporarily disable third-party firewall or antivirus
- Test the Ethernet connection
- If it works, add exclusions or adjust settings
Re-enable security software after testing.
Final Thoughts
Ethernet not working in Windows 11 is usually caused by driver issues, disabled adapters, power management settings, or corrupted network configurations, not a bad internet connection. In most cases, updating drivers or performing a network reset fixes the problem quickly.
To avoid future issues, keep network drivers up to date, avoid unnecessary VPN usage, and restart networking equipment occasionally.
