Plug in your Ethernet cable and nothing happens? Windows doesn't even recognize that you have a wired connection. Here's how to get your Ethernet working again.

Why Isn't Windows Detecting Your Ethernet Connection?

You've plugged your Ethernet cable into your computer and router, but Windows acts like nothing is connected. No network icon change, no notification, nothing. It's like your Ethernet port doesn't even exist.

This problem can stem from several causes: disabled network adapters, outdated drivers, faulty cables or ports, or Windows settings that need adjustment. Let's work through solutions from simplest to most advanced.

Quick Fix: Check the Obvious First

Before diving into software fixes, verify these physical issues:

Make sure the Ethernet cable is firmly seated in both your computer and router/modem
Look for LED lights near your computer's Ethernet port - they should light up when a cable is connected
Try the cable in a different port on your router if available
If possible, test with a different Ethernet cable to rule out cable damage
Check if the Ethernet port works on another device (laptop, gaming console, etc.)

If another device works fine with the same cable and port on your router, the issue is definitely with your Windows PC.

🔧Detailed Step-by-Step Solutions

Solution 1: Enable the Ethernet Adapter in Device Manager

Your Ethernet adapter might be disabled in Windows:

Right-click the Start button and select "Device Manager"
Expand the "Network adapters" section
Look for your Ethernet adapter (usually contains "Ethernet," "LAN," or the manufacturer name like "Realtek" or "Intel")
If you see a down arrow icon on the adapter, it's disabled
Right-click the adapter and select "Enable device"
Wait a few seconds for Windows to activate it
Check if your Ethernet connection is now detected

Solution 2: Update or Reinstall Ethernet Drivers

Corrupted or outdated drivers are the most common cause of Ethernet detection failures:

Open Device Manager (right-click Start > Device Manager)
Expand "Network adapters"
Right-click your Ethernet adapter
Select "Update driver"
Choose "Search automatically for drivers"
If Windows finds an update, install it and restart

If that doesn't work, try completely removing and reinstalling the driver:

In Device Manager, right-click your Ethernet adapter
Select "Uninstall device"
Check the box for "Delete the driver software for this device" if available
Click "Uninstall"
Restart your computer
Windows should automatically reinstall the driver on startup

Alternatively, download the latest driver directly from your computer manufacturer's website (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) or the motherboard manufacturer if you built your PC.

Solution 3: Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in tool that can detect and fix common network adapter problems:

Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
Find "Network Adapter" and click "Run"
Select "Ethernet" when prompted
Follow any recommendations the troubleshooter provides
Restart your computer after completion

Solution 4: Reset Network Settings

A complete network reset can resolve configuration issues preventing Ethernet detection:

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings
Scroll down and click "Network reset"
Click "Reset now"
Confirm when prompted
Your computer will restart automatically

Important: This will remove all network adapters and reset networking components to their original settings. You'll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks afterward.

Solution 5: Check BIOS Settings

Sometimes the Ethernet adapter is disabled at the BIOS level:

Restart your computer
Press the BIOS key during startup (usually F2, F10, Delete, or Esc - watch for on-screen prompts)
Navigate to "Integrated Peripherals," "Onboard Devices," or similar section
Look for "Onboard LAN," "Integrated NIC," or "Ethernet Controller"
Make sure it's set to "Enabled"
Save changes and exit (usually F10)

Warning: Be careful when changing BIOS settings. Only modify the Ethernet-related setting unless you know what you're doing.

If That Didn't Work

If Windows still doesn't detect your Ethernet connection, try these additional steps:

Check for Windows Updates: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install all available updates, including optional ones
Disable Fast Startup: Search for "Power Options," click "Choose what the power buttons do," uncheck "Turn on fast startup"
Test with a USB Ethernet Adapter: If a USB-to-Ethernet adapter works, your built-in port may be faulty
Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as admin and run sfc /scannow to repair corrupted system files

📞When to Call a Professional

Some Ethernet issues require professional diagnosis and repair:

Your Ethernet adapter doesn't appear in Device Manager at all, even after reinstalling drivers
You see a "Code 10" or "Code 43" error in Device Manager that persists after driver updates
A USB Ethernet adapter also fails to work properly
You suspect physical damage to your Ethernet port or motherboard
You're not comfortable accessing BIOS settings or running command-line tools

These symptoms often indicate hardware failure, which requires component replacement or motherboard repair.

Hardware Issues? We Can Help

If your Ethernet port has failed or you're dealing with driver problems that won't resolve, our technicians can diagnose the issue and get you back online - whether that means repairing hardware or optimizing your network setup.

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How to Fix Ethernet Not Detected at All in Windows