Wired Ethernet connection not working: how to fix it

There is no internet, or no connection at all, even though your computer is plugged into the router with a network (Ethernet) cable. Check the cable, the router port and your computer's settings, one at a time.

Before you start

A wired connection has few parts, which makes faults quick to track down: the cable, the port on the computer, the port on the router, and the router itself. Set aside about 12 minutes. If you have a second cable, or a second computer or phone for testing, keep them nearby.

Try these fixes in order

Fix 1: Check the cable and both ends

1. Press the plug firmly into the computer's Ethernet port until it clicks. Do the same at the router end.
2. Look at the plug. The small plastic latch should be intact. A broken latch lets the plug work loose.
3. Check the cable for kinks, crushed sections or damage near the plug.
4. If you have a second cable, swap it in. Microsoft suggests this to find out whether the first cable is faulty.

Many Ethernet ports have small lights beside them. Their meaning varies by device, so check the manual, but lights that stay off with a cable plugged in may mean the cable or a port is not working.

Fix 2: Use a LAN port, not the Internet port

Most routers have one port for the cable from the modem and several for your own devices. Plugging a computer into the wrong one can cause this problem.

1. Look at the back of the router. Find the port labeled Internet or WAN, and the group of ports labeled LAN, or numbered 1 to 4.
2. Make sure the computer's cable is in a LAN port. The modem's cable belongs in the Internet (WAN) port.
3. If a LAN port seems dead, try another LAN port.

Fix 3: Restart the computer, router and modem

1. Restart the computer. Choose Restart, not Shut down.
2. Unplug the router and, if it is a separate box, the modem. If the modem has a backup battery and its lights stay on, remove the battery.
3. Wait at least 30 seconds (2 minutes is safer).
4. Plug the modem in and wait until its lights stop blinking. Then plug the router in and wait a few minutes.
5. Check again. More detail is in restarting your router the right way.

Fix 4: Check the status in Settings

1. Open Settings then Network & internet.
2. Look at the Ethernet entry. On Windows 11 it should say Connected. On Windows 10 it should say You're connected to the Internet.
3. If it says Action needed, select Ethernet to see its settings and follow what is shown.
4. If there is no Ethernet entry at all, the computer may not see the port. Go to Fix 5.
5. Optionally, run the troubleshooter. On Windows 10, open Settings then Network & internet then Status then Network troubleshooter. On Windows 11, Microsoft points to the Get Help app.
6. To tell whether the cable or the network is at fault, turn on Wi-Fi and see if that works. If Wi-Fi works, the fault is in the cable path. If not, the fault is in the router or your internet service, so see Wi-Fi connected but no internet.

On a Mac using a USB or Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter, make sure the adapter is firmly seated, then open System Settings then Network and check that the adapter is listed. On earlier macOS, use System Preferences.

Fix 5: Reset Windows networking and the adapter

These steps follow Microsoft's order for Ethernet problems on Windows 11 and Windows 10. They take about 10 minutes.

1. Select the search box on the taskbar and type Command Prompt. Right-click it, select Run as administrator, then select Yes.
2. Type this command and press Enter.

   netsh winsock reset

3. Type this command and press Enter.

   netsh int ip reset

4. Type this command and press Enter.

   ipconfig /release

5. Type this command and press Enter.

   ipconfig /renew

6. Type this command and press Enter, then restart the PC and test.

   ipconfig /flushdns

1. Right-click Start and choose Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters and find your Ethernet adapter.
3. Right-click it and select Uninstall device. Tick Attempt to remove the driver for this device only if you have the maker's driver ready, then select Uninstall.
4. Restart the PC. Windows should find and install the driver again. If it does not, install the driver you saved. See fixing driver problems in Device Manager.

As a last resort, use network reset: Settings then Network & internet then Advanced network settings then Network reset on Windows 11, or Settings then Network & internet then Status then Network reset on Windows 10. Select Reset now, then Yes. It removes installed network adapters and their settings, and you may need to set up VPN software again. See flush DNS and reset network settings.

If it still does not work

• Test the same cable and port with another computer, using a USB-to-Ethernet adapter if it has no port. If that computer also fails, the cause is more likely the router or your internet service than your computer.
• If another computer works with the same cable, your computer's Ethernet port or adapter is the likely cause. Use the computer maker's support website.
• If a wired connection works but is slow, see how to check your internet speed. Some old cables and router ports limit speed.
• If the router's Internet light is off or looks different from usual, use the support page on your internet provider's website.

Frequently asked questions