If Wi-Fi works but Ethernet does not, the missing piece is usually one of these:
- Cable or port issue
- Make sure the Ethernet cable is firmly plugged into both the router and the PC.
- On the router, confirm the cable is in a LAN/Ethernet port, not the Internet/WAN port.
- If possible, try a different Ethernet cable. If the second cable works, the first cable is the problem.
- Windows not getting a valid Ethernet connection
- Open Settings > Network & internet.
- Check the Ethernet status at the top.
- In Windows 11, it should show Connected. In Windows 10, it should show You're connected to the Internet.
- If it shows Action needed or another error, select Ethernet to review the connection settings.
- Router-side connection problem
- Restart the modem and router:
- Unplug the router power.
- Unplug the modem power.
- Wait at least 30 seconds.
- Plug the modem back in and wait for the lights to stop blinking.
- Plug the router back in and wait a few minutes.
- Try Ethernet again.
- This temporarily disconnects everyone on the Wi-Fi network.
- Restart the modem and router:
- PC network stack issue
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Run these commands in order:
-
netsh winsock reset -
netsh int ip reset -
ipconfig /release -
ipconfig /renew -
ipconfig /flushdns
-
- Adapter or driver issue
- If the problem started after an update, uninstall the Ethernet network adapter driver and restart the PC. Windows will automatically reinstall the latest driver.
- Hardware isolation test
- Try the same router and cable with another Windows PC, or use a USB-to-Ethernet adapter if available.
- If another PC also cannot connect by Ethernet, the problem is likely the router, ISP, or adapter.
- If another PC works, the issue is likely on the original PC.
If the PC has no built-in Ethernet port, a USB-to-Ethernet adapter may be required.
References:
- [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/experience/connectivity-networking/fix-ethernet-connection-problems-in-windows#summary)
- [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/experience/connectivity-networking/fix-ethernet-connection-problems-in-windows#on-your-pc)
- [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/experience/connectivity-networking/fix-ethernet-connection-problems-in-windows#on-your-home-router)