Ethernet Not Working on Windows 10: Troubleshooting Guide

Is your Ethernet connection not working on your Windows 10 computer? This can be a frustrating issue, preventing you from accessing the internet or your local network. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips to help you diagnose and resolve the problem.

1. Initial Checks: The Obvious Things First

Before diving into more complex solutions, let’s rule out some common and easily fixable issues.

  • Check the Ethernet Cable:
    • Ensure the Ethernet cable is securely plugged into both your computer’s Ethernet port and your router or modem.
    • Try a different Ethernet cable to rule out a faulty cable.
    • Visually inspect the cable for any damage.
  • Restart Your Modem and Router:
    • Unplug both your modem and router from the power outlet.
    • Wait 30 seconds.
    • Plug the modem back in and wait for it to fully power on.
    • Plug the router back in and wait for it to fully power on.
  • Check the Ethernet Port LEDs:
    • Most Ethernet ports have LEDs that indicate activity and connection status. Check if these LEDs are lit or blinking. If not, it could indicate a hardware issue.

2. Windows Network Troubleshooting

Windows 10 has built-in network troubleshooting tools that can automatically detect and fix common network problems.

  • Run the Network Troubleshooter:
    1. Right-click on the network icon in the system tray (usually in the bottom right corner of your screen).
    2. Select “Troubleshoot problems.”
    3. Follow the on-screen instructions. Windows will attempt to diagnose and fix any detected issues automatically.

3. Check Network Adapter Settings

Incorrect network adapter settings can prevent your Ethernet connection from working.

  • Enable the Network Adapter:
    1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
    2. Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter. This opens the Network Connections window.
    3. Locate your Ethernet adapter. If it’s disabled, right-click on it and select “Enable.”
  • Update Network Adapter Drivers:
    1. Press Windows key + X and select “Device Manager.”
    2. Expand the “Network adapters” section.
    3. Right-click on your Ethernet adapter and select “Update driver.”
    4. Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.” Windows will search for and install the latest driver.
    5. If Windows doesn’t find a driver, visit the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Intel, Realtek) and download the latest driver for your specific network adapter and Windows 10 version. Install the downloaded driver.
  • Roll Back Network Adapter Drivers:
    • Sometimes, a recent driver update can cause problems. If your Ethernet stopped working after a driver update, try rolling back to the previous driver.
      1. In Device Manager, right-click on your Ethernet adapter and select “Properties.”
      2. Go to the “Driver” tab.
      3. If the “Roll Back Driver” button is available, click it and follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Uninstall and Reinstall Network Adapter Drivers:
    1. In Device Manager, right-click on your Ethernet adapter and select “Uninstall device.”
    2. Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver upon restart.

4. IP Address and DNS Configuration

Incorrect IP address or DNS settings can also cause Ethernet connectivity problems.

  • Obtain IP Address and DNS Server Address Automatically:
    1. Open the Network Connections window (ncpa.cpl).
    2. Right-click on your Ethernet adapter and select “Properties.”
    3. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties.”
    4. Make sure “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically” are selected.
    5. Click “OK” and then “Close.”
  • Release and Renew IP Address:
    1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (search for “cmd,” right-click, and select “Run as administrator”).
    2. Type ipconfig /release and press Enter.
    3. Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter.
    4. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
    5. Close Command Prompt.

5. Check Firewall Settings

Your firewall might be blocking your Ethernet connection.

  • Temporarily Disable the Firewall:
    1. Search for “Windows Defender Firewall” in the Start menu and open it.
    2. Click “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.”
    3. Select “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended)” for both private and public networks.
    4. Click “OK.”
    5. Test your Ethernet connection. If it works, your firewall is blocking the connection. Re-enable the firewall and create an exception for your Ethernet connection or the specific application being blocked.

6. Check for Malware

Malware can sometimes interfere with network connections. Run a full system scan with your antivirus software.

7. Reset Network Settings

As a last resort, you can reset your network settings to their default configuration. This will remove all saved Wi-Fi passwords and other network configurations, so be sure to back them up if necessary.

  • Network Reset:
    1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
    2. Scroll down and click “Network reset.”
    3. Click “Reset now” and then “Yes” to confirm.
    4. Your computer will restart.

8. Hardware Issues

If none of the above solutions work, there might be a hardware problem with your Ethernet port or network adapter. Consider contacting a computer repair technician or replacing the network adapter.

By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve most Ethernet connectivity issues on Windows 10. Remember to test your connection after each step to see if the problem is resolved.