How to fix Ethernet connection in Windows 10 2023

The Ethernet connection or the wired connection is better than WiFi, in my opinion, but like everything else, an Ethernet connection may stop working. If you do not have any other way to connect, the only solution is to repair the Ethernet connection. In this article, we'll show you what you can do when your Ethernet does not connect to the Internet in Windows 10.

How to fix the Ethernet connection in Windows 10

The Ethernet connection may be interrupted for several reasons. It can be a red driver, updating Windows causing problems or problem with the Internet itself. Let's look at several scenarios to correct network and Internet settings.

Check the Ethernet cable connection
Enable Ethernet in Windows
Make sure the internet works
Update Ethernet Drivers After Windows Update
Disable and review the firewall and VPN configuration
Use the Windows Troubleshooter
Other scenarios
- How to repair an unidentified network in Windows 10
- DHCP is not enabled? How to enable DHCP in Windows 10/8/7
- Windows could not automatically detect proxy settings for this network
- Ethernet or WiFi does not have a valid IP configuration in Windows 10
- Your connection has been interrupted, a network change has been detected.

1) Check the Ethernet cable connection

Ethernet not connected No connection available

This is one of the basic steps we ask when you can not connect to the Internet or when the Ethernet shows you limited connectivity. Previously, Windows replaced the connectivity icon in the system tray with a clear message that the Ethernet cable was not connected. The same applies to Wifi. Now all you can see is a globe icon that says "Not connected – No connection available".

This is confusing, so check if the Ethernet cable is properly connected. If it is connected to the router, make sure the router is turned on. Another way is to go to Control Panel All items in Control Panel Network Connections and check if any of the states indicate Ethernet – Disconnected network cable.

If it is connected, follow the next step.

2) Enable Ethernet in Windows to solve the problem

Enable the Windows 10 Ethernet Adapter

The same globe icon appears when the Ethernet connection is disabled in Windows 10. When I say disable, I mean that the device is disabled at the software level. Here's how to turn it on

Open Settings (Win + I) and go to Network and Internet
Click the Change Adapter Options button
It will show the list of available Ethernet connections on the computer
Check if one of the Ethernet ports is greyed out. If so, it is disabled.
Right click on it and click Activate.

It will restore work status. If it is enabled and that ethernet still does not work and displays the Globe icon, we must check if the internet is working.

3) Make sure the Internet works

Since neither the Ethernet card is disabled nor the network cable disconnected, the final basic tests are performed. Is the Internet connection working properly? You will get the same globe icon when the internet is not working.

If it is a modem, check if the supposed lights are on or if you have connected it to the router, check if you can access any web site via your mobile device when it is connected to the router. it is connected via wifi.

Contact your Internet provider to resolve the problem. The IP configuration or user name and password used to login may have changed. If this is the case, you must update accordingly.

4) Update Ethernet Drivers After Windows Update

Update Network Drivers in Windows 10

Often, the problem of the Ethernet connection occurs after a Windows update. It may be an update of features or a regular update. This usually happens when Windows wants the network drivers to be updated so that it can communicate properly. If so, you must update the network drives.

Open the Device Manager with the help of Win + X + M
Expand the Network Adapters section and locate your network hardware.
Write down the name of the Ethernet hardware. To find the exact name, right-click and select the properties. The name must be frank.
Since you can not connect to the Internet from here, use another computer to visit the OEM website and download the driver.
Copy the driver to a USB device, and then copy it to the computer where the connection is not working properly.
If the drive has an installation file, double-click to install it. If it's an INF file, follow this guide to update the driver.

Any driver problem will be resolved by updating the driver, and it should correct the Ethernet connection in Windows.

5) Disable and review the firewall and VPN configuration

The Ethernet problem may be limited to certain applications or websites. This can happen because the firewall blocks them. Follow our detailed guide on managing a firewall and allow applications to access the Internet. You should also know more about Windows network protection.

Most VPNs offer an offline mode that interrupts the connection on the device to ensure that privacy remains intact. If you selected the option, make sure the VPN is working.

At the end, you must make sure that the firewall or VPN does not block a particular application or that the website is enabled.

6) Use Network Troubleshooter Utility

Network troubleshooting

The Network Troubleshooter is an integrated solution that can solve small and medium problems on its own.

Open the settings and go to Update & Security> Troubleshooting> Network Adapter
Select and click Run the Troubleshooter button

If the problem is basic, he should be able to solve it.

7) Other scenarios to repair the Ethernet connection on Windows

Here is a list of some of the major Ethernet-related network issues we have dealt with. If any of these problems is related to your problem, learn how to solve it.

We hope the tips have been helpful in fixing the Ethernet connection in Windows 10.