Solving the Ethernet Not Working But Wi-Fi is Fine Issue on Windows 11

Are you facing the frustrating scenario where your Ethernet connection fails to work, yet your Wi-Fi functions perfectly? You’re not alone. Numerous Windows 11 users experience this perplexing issue, which can interrupt productivity and game-playing sessions alike. This article will guide you through understanding the problem and provide practical, step-by-step solutions to restore your Ethernet connection while maintaining the convenience of your Wi-Fi.

Understanding the Problem

Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to grasp what may cause your Ethernet connectivity issues. The factors can range from hardware problems to software settings and even driver issues. Let’s explore some common causes:

Hardware Issues

  1. Faulty Ethernet Cable: The cable itself may be damaged or defective. If you suspect this, try using a different Ethernet cable to see if that resolves the issue.
  2. Port Issues: Sometimes, the Ethernet port on your computer or router can malfunction. Check for any visible damages or debris in the ports.

Software and Driver Issues

  1. Network Adapter Drivers: Outdated or corrupted drivers can result in Ethernet connectivity failures. Windows often updates drivers automatically, but sometimes manual intervention is necessary.
  2. Configuration Settings: Incorrect network settings or configurations on Windows 11 can also lead to this problem.

How to Diagnose the Issue

The first step in resolving the Ethernet connection problem is to diagnose the issue accurately. Follow these steps:

1. Check the Physical Connections

Ensure that:
– Your Ethernet cable is securely attached to both your computer and router.
– The lights on your Ethernet port indicate an active connection. A solid or blinking light usually indicates a successful connection.

2. Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter designed to help diagnose and fix common networking issues:
1. Click on the Start Menu and select Settings.
2. Navigate to Network & Internet.
3. Click on Network Troubleshooter under the Advanced Network Settings.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to let the troubleshooter diagnose the problem.

3. Test Your Ethernet Connection

To further investigate:
– Connect your device using the Ethernet cable to a different router or modem.
– Try a different device on the same Ethernet connection to see if it can access the internet.

If your Ethernet connection works with another device but not with yours, the issue likely resides in your computer’s settings or hardware.

Solutions to Fix Ethernet Connectivity Issues on Windows 11

Now that we’ve diagnosed the issue, let’s move on to the solutions.

1. Update or Reinstall Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated drivers can lead to various connectivity problems. Here’s how to update or reinstall your network adapter drivers:

Updating Drivers

  1. Right-click on the Start Menu 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. Follow any prompts if updates are available.

Reinstalling Drivers

If updating doesn’t work, reinstalling might help:
1. In the Device Manager, right-click on your Ethernet adapter and select Uninstall device.
2. Confirm the uninstallation and restart your computer. Windows should automatically reinstall the driver upon reboot.

2. Reset Network Settings

Sometimes, resetting your network settings can resolve configuration issues. Here’s how to reset your network settings:

  1. Open Settings and navigate to Network & Internet.
  2. Scroll down and click on Advanced Network Settings.
  3. Select Network Reset and then click on Reset now.
  4. Your computer will restart, and you may need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network afterward.

3. Change the Ethernet Network Adapter Settings

Sometimes, tweaking your network adapter settings can solve connectivity problems:

  1. Go to Control Panel and select Network and Internet.
  2. Click on Network and Sharing Center and then Change adapter settings.
  3. Right-click on your Ethernet connection and select Properties.
  4. Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and then click Properties.
  5. Ensure that Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are selected. Click OK to apply the changes.

4. Disable Power Saving Features for the Network Adapter

Windows sometimes disables devices to save power, which may stop your Ethernet connection from working. Here’s how to disable this feature:

  1. In Device Manager, right-click on your Ethernet adapter and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Power Management tab.
  3. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
  4. Click OK to save the settings.

Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

If basic troubleshooting steps fail, you may need to consider more advanced techniques.

1. Check IP Configuration

An incorrect IP configuration can hinder your Ethernet connection. You can check your IP settings through the command prompt.

  1. Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:

ipconfig /all

Look for your Ethernet adapter and ensure it has valid IP and DNS configurations.

2. Flush DNS Cache

If your DNS cache is corrupted, the Ethernet connection may fail. To flush the DNS, follow these steps:

  1. In the Windows Terminal, type:

ipconfig /flushdns

  1. Press Enter. This will clear the DNS cache and may resolve connection issues.

3. Perform a System Restore

If everything else fails, restoring your system to a previous state might be an option:

  1. Search for Create a restore point in the Start Menu and select it.
  2. Click on System Restore and follow the prompts to restore your system to a working state.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried all of the above solutions and continue to experience Ethernet issues, it might be time to consult a professional. Consider factors such as:

  • A failing network interface card (NIC)
  • Problems with your router or modem
  • Provider issues unrelated to your hardware

Conclusion

In conclusion, experiencing an Ethernet connection failure while still enjoying a stable Wi-Fi connection can be frustrating. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can diagnose and potentially resolve your Ethernet issues on Windows 11. Whether it involves checking hardware, updating drivers, resetting network settings, or using advanced troubleshooting techniques, various methods can help restore your connection.

Remember to tackle each step methodically and seek professional assistance if the problem persists. With these tips in mind, you’ll hopefully be back to enjoying smooth online experiences again in no time!

What should I do first if my Ethernet is not working on Windows 11?

If you find that your Ethernet connection is not working while Wi-Fi operates normally, the first step is to check your physical connections. Ensure that the Ethernet cable is securely plugged into both the computer’s Ethernet port and your router or modem. It’s also a good idea to inspect the cable for any visible damage. If possible, try using a different Ethernet cable to determine whether the problem lies with the original cable.

If the connection issues persist, navigate to the Network Troubleshooter tool in Windows 11. This tool can automatically detect and fix common networking problems. To access it, go to Settings > Network & internet > Status, and click on “Network troubleshooter.” Follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose the issue further and apply any suggested fixes.

How can I reset my network settings in Windows 11?

Resetting network settings can often resolve stubborn connectivity issues. To reset your network settings in Windows 11, head to the Settings via the Start Menu. From there, select “Network & internet,” scroll down to find “Advanced network settings,” and click on “Network reset.” This will remove all network adapters and reset all network configurations back to their default settings.

Keep in mind that after a network reset, you will need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi networks and possibly re-enter any VPN or proxy settings you were using. This process will also clear any customized network settings, so ensure that you note any important configurations beforehand.

Why does my Ethernet disconnect while my Wi-Fi remains stable?

There can be various reasons why an Ethernet connection drops while Wi-Fi remains stable. One common cause is driver issues, where outdated or corrupt Ethernet adapter drivers can hinder connectivity. To resolve this, open Device Manager, find your network adapters, right-click on your Ethernet adapter, and select “Update driver.” You can choose to search automatically online for updated driver software.

Another possible reason for frequent disconnections could be related to hardware issues, such as a faulty network adapter or problems with your router. To diagnose this, you can test the Ethernet connection on another device, if available, to see if it works properly. Conversely, if the issue persists across multiple devices, consider rebooting your router or replacing the Ethernet cable.

How can I check if the Ethernet adapter is enabled?

To verify whether your Ethernet adapter is enabled, right-click the Start button and select “Device Manager.” Look for “Network adapters” and expand the list. Find your Ethernet adapter in the list, and make sure it is not disabled. If it’s showing a grayed-out icon, right-click on the adapter and select “Enable device.”

Alternatively, you can check network settings via the Control Panel. Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections. Here, you will see all available network connections; right-click on your Ethernet connection and ensure that “Enable” is selected. If it’s already enabled but still doesn’t work, consider troubleshooting further through Windows settings or checking the hardware connection.

What firewall settings should I check if Ethernet is not connecting?

Firewall settings can sometimes block your Ethernet connection inadvertently. To check your firewall settings on Windows 11, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection. Ensure that your firewall is not set to block Ethernet connections. You might need to allow specific apps or ports for your Ethernet connection to function properly.

Additionally, consider temporarily disabling your firewall to see if it resolves the issue. If the Ethernet connection works normally with the firewall disabled, this suggests that adjusting the firewall settings or creating rules allowing Ethernet access may be necessary. However, re-enable the firewall immediately after testing to maintain your system’s security.

Should I consider changing the network adapter settings?

Yes, changing the network adapter settings can sometimes improve your Ethernet connection. To start, navigate to Settings > Network & internet > Ethernet, and click on “Hardware properties.” Here, you can view and modify settings such as IP assignment and DNS settings. Switching from automatic to manual settings allows for customization that may yield better connectivity.

Moreover, you may want to access the properties of your Ethernet adapter via Device Manager. Right-click on your Ethernet adapter, select “Properties,” and check the Advanced tab for any specific settings that may impact performance, such as speed and duplex settings. Modifying these advanced settings might help resolve any compatibility issues and improve your connection stability.

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