Ethernet Not Working: How to Fix Wired Internet on PC

Quick Answer

Ethernet not working on a PC is most often caused by a loose cable, an incorrect network adapter setting, a driver issue, or a faulty router port. Working through a logical sequence of checks resolves the problem in most cases without any specialist knowledge or new hardware.

Check the Physical Connection First

Before touching any software settings, inspect the physical connection. Unplug the Ethernet cable from both the PC and the router or switch, then plug it back in firmly until you hear a click at both ends. A cable that is partially seated will show as connected but deliver no traffic or an unstable link. Inspect the cable for kinks, sharp bends, or visible damage to the outer sheath. If you have a spare Ethernet cable, swap it in to rule out a faulty cable as the cause. Also try a different port on your router or switch, as individual ports can fail while others on the same device continue to work. If the LED indicators on the router port and the PC''s Ethernet socket light up after reconnecting, the physical layer is likely fine.

Check Windows Network Adapter Settings

In Windows, open Device Manager and expand the Network Adapters section. Look for your Ethernet adapter, which will typically be listed with the name of the network chip manufacturer such as Intel, Realtek, or Killer. If the adapter has a yellow warning icon, there is a driver or hardware problem. Right-click the adapter and select Enable if it is showing as disabled. If the adapter shows as working normally but there is still no connection, right-click and choose Properties, then navigate to the Advanced tab. Confirm that Speed and Duplex is set to Auto Negotiation rather than a fixed speed, as a mismatch here causes connection failures. Also check that the Link Speed Power Management or Power Saving settings are not putting the adapter into a low-power state that kills the connection.

Update or Reinstall the Ethernet Driver

An outdated or corrupted Ethernet driver is a common cause of wired connection failures, especially after a Windows update. In Device Manager, right-click your Ethernet adapter and select Update Driver, then choose Search Automatically for Drivers. If Windows does not find an update, visit the motherboard manufacturer''s support page and download the latest LAN driver directly. Install it manually by running the downloaded package and restarting your PC. If you suspect a corrupted driver, right-click the adapter in Device Manager and select Uninstall Device, restart the PC, and allow Windows to reinstall the driver from scratch on boot.

Use Windows Network Diagnostics and IP Reset

If the adapter is recognised and the driver is current but the connection still fails, use the built-in network troubleshooter. Open Settings, navigate to System then Troubleshoot, and run the Internet Connections troubleshooter. For more direct fixes, open Command Prompt as Administrator and run the following commands in sequence: netsh winsock reset, then netsh int ip reset, then ipconfig /release, followed by ipconfig /flushdns, and finally ipconfig /renew. Restart the PC after running these commands. This sequence clears corrupted TCP/IP settings and forces a fresh IP address assignment from your router, resolving most software-level connection failures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Ethernet connection work but show No Internet Access? This usually means your PC is connected to the local network but the router cannot reach the internet. Test whether other devices on the same router have internet access. If they do, the issue is specific to your PC''s network settings. If all devices are affected, the problem is with your router or ISP connection.

Can a faulty Ethernet port on the motherboard be fixed? If the onboard Ethernet port is confirmed faulty, the most practical fix is to install a PCIe network card, which plugs into a spare expansion slot on your motherboard. This bypasses the damaged onboard port and restores wired connectivity.

Does loadshedding damage Ethernet adapters or routers? Voltage spikes during power restoration after loadshedding can damage network equipment. A surge protector on your PC and router reduces this risk significantly. If your Ethernet stopped working after a loadshedding event, the adapter or router may have sustained surge damage.

Why does my Ethernet connection drop intermittently? Intermittent drops are often caused by a damaged cable, a failing router port, or a power management setting that suspends the network adapter to save energy. Disable the Allow the Computer to Turn Off This Device to Save Power option in the adapter''s power management properties.