Ethernet not working on Windows 11? 6 fixes to try

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Check that the cable clicks into place at both ends and sits in a LAN port of the router, not the port for the modem. Try another cable. Then unplug the router and modem for 30 seconds and start the modem first. If that fails, reset the network under Settings, Network & internet.

A wired connection has fewer things that can go wrong than Wi-Fi: the cable, the two ports, the router and the network settings of the PC. Microsoft's checklist goes through them in that order.

These steps are for Windows 11. The pictures are simplified diagrams, not screenshots, so colours and spacing on your PC look a little different.

Step by step

  1. Check the cable at both ends

    Push the plugs in until they click. On the router, the cable must be in one of the LAN ports. The port marked Internet or WAN is for the line to the modem. Small lights next to the port show that a link exists.

  2. Try another cable and port

    Cables break at the clip and inside the plug. Swap the cable, and try a different LAN port on the router.

  3. Restart modem and router in order

    Unplug the power of the router, then of the modem. If the modem has a backup battery and its lights stay on, take the battery out. Wait at least 30 seconds. Plug in the modem first and wait until its lights stop blinking. Then plug in the router and give it a few minutes.

  4. Reset the network commands

    Right-click the Start button and choose Terminal (Admin). Type these commands one after the other, pressing Enter after each: netsh winsock reset, then netsh int ip reset, then ipconfig /release, then ipconfig /renew, then ipconfig /flushdns. Restart the PC.

  5. Reinstall the network adapter driver

    Open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click the Ethernet adapter and choose Uninstall device. Tick Attempt to remove the driver for this device and restart. Windows installs the driver again. Have a Wi-Fi connection or the driver on a USB stick ready in case it does not.

  6. – ▢ ✕SettingsSystemBluetooth & devicesNetwork & internetAppsAccountsTime & languageAccessibilityWindows UpdateNetwork & internetWi-FiEthernetVPNAdvanced network settings

    Last step: network reset

    Open Settings, Network & internet, Advanced network settings, Network reset and click Reset now, then Yes. This removes and reinstalls all network adapters and sets everything back to the original state. Wi-Fi passwords and VPN connections have to be entered again.

Good to know

To see what Windows thinks of the connection, open Settings, Network & internet, Ethernet. Connected with No internet means that the cable and adapter work and the problem is at the router or the provider.

A laptop without a network port needs a USB or USB-C adapter. If that adapter is not recognised, try another USB port and see USB-C not working on Windows 11: what each message means.

For the wireless side: Windows 11 Wi-Fi not working: 8 fixes to try.

In short: Cable seated in a LAN port, other cable, modem then router restart, network commands, reinstall the adapter, Network reset.

Sources
  • Microsoft Support: Fix Ethernet connection problems in Windows

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