How To Fix Ethernet Cable Connected But No Internet Issues

If you’re encountering the frustrating issue of “The Ethernet cable is plugged in but no internet,” you’re not alone. This problem can disrupt your online activities and productivity but is often fixable with a few straightforward steps. This guide will walk you through practical solutions to get your Ethernet connection back online, ensuring a stable and reliable internet experience.

Why Does My PC Say No Internet When Connected To Ethernet

The following are some of the reasons :

– Problems with the Ethernet cable

– Outdated network drivers

– Malware or viruses

– Faulty Ethernet port

– Incorrect network settings

– Loose connections between your computer and router

– Incompatible IP address

– ISP-related internet outages

– Outdated firmware on your modem or router

– Operating system needing an update

Ethernet Not Working, but Wi-Fi Is

Encountering this problem can be quite frustrating. While you still have internet access through Wi-Fi, the issue lies specifically with your Ethernet connection. This doesn’t pinpoint the exact cause, as there could be several reasons for the problem.

Potential issues include a faulty Ethernet cable, problems with the modem, computer hardware issues, or even operating system glitches. To resolve the issue, start by inspecting each of these components for problems. You could also try using another port on your PC and router. Some experts have suggested changing or inspecting the cable as well.

Fixed – Ethernet Cable Connected But No Internet Issues

Here are a few methods that can help fix this issue. We recommend that you check if the issue has been fixed after completing each method. If the issue has been resolved after a particular method, you can ignore the remaining methods and start using your PC normally.

Method 1: Power Cycle Router/Modem

Power cycling your router or modem can help resolve various connectivity issues, including the “Ethernet connected but no internet on Windows 10” issue. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Unplug the power cable from the router or modem.
Step 2: Unplug the device for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Step 3: Reconnect the power cable to the device.
Step 4: If your device has a power button, press it to turn it back on.
Step 5: Allow the device a few minutes to restart and reestablish a connection fully.
Step 6: Once the device has fully rebooted, check if your internet connection is restored and functioning correctly.

Method 2: Enable and Disable the Ethernet Cable on Your Computer

Enabling and disabling the Ethernet cable on your computer can be done through the network settings. 

Step 1: Press Win + X and select “Network Connections.”
Step 2: You’ll see a list of network adapters. Look for the one labeled “Ethernet” or something similar.
Step 3: Right-click on the Ethernet adapter and select “Disable.” The adapter will be turned off, and the Ethernet connection will be disconnected.

Step 4: To re-enable the adapter, right-click on the same Ethernet adapter and select “Enable.” This will turn the adapter back on and re-establish the connection.

Method 3: Change The Network Profile And Turn Off The Metered Connection

Step 1: Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Go to Network & Internet in the left tab and click Ethernet.
Step 3: Disable the metered connection setting and switch the network profile from Public to Private.

Step 4: Following this, reboot your computer, and ensure the Ethernet cable is securely disconnected and reconnected.

Method 4: Run The Windows Network Troubleshooter

To run the Windows Network Troubleshooter, follow these steps:

Step 1:  Press `Win + I` to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Click on `Network & Internet`.

Step 3: Click on `Status` in the left sidebar.
Step 4: Scroll down and click “Network troubleshooter” under the “Advanced network settings” section.
Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions. The troubleshooter will automatically detect and attempt to fix network problems.

Method 5: Use The Network Diagnostics Tool

Step 1: Press `Win + X` on your keyboard and select “Network Connections.”

Step 2: Check that the Ethernet option is enabled in the window that appears. If it is not enabled, right-click it and choose “Enable.” This might resolve the issue. If not, proceed to the next step.
Step 3: If the internet is still unavailable, use the diagnostic tool. Click on “Diagnose this Connection” in the top ribbon of the window.

Step 4: Wait for your computer to complete the diagnostic process. Once it provides the results, follow the recommendations to restore your internet connection.

Method 6: Check Your DNS Settings

DNS configuration is crucial for accessing the internet; issues with it could be why you’re having trouble connecting. Follow these steps to check your DNS settings:

Step 1. Press `Win + R` on your Windows computer to open the Run dialog.
Step 2. Type `ncpa.cpl` and press Enter.
Step 3. Right-click on your Ethernet connection and select “Properties.”
Step 4. Double-click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).”
Step 5. Ensure that “Obtain DNS server address automatically” and “Obtain an IP address automatically” are selected, then click “OK.”
Step 6. Check if this resolves your issue. If not, proceed to the next step.

Step 7. Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter Google’s public DNS addresses: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
Step 8. Click “OK” and check if your internet access is restored.

Method 7: Flush DNS

Flushing the DNS cache on Windows can resolve issues related to outdated or corrupt DNS entries. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Press `Win + S` to open the search bar and type `cmd` or `Command Prompt.`
Step 2: Right-click “Command Prompt” in the search results and select `Run as administrator.` This will open the Command Prompt with elevated privileges.
Step 3:  In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

ipconfig /flushdns

Step 4: You should see a message indicating that the DNS Resolver Cache has been successfully flushed.
Step 5: After you see the confirmation message, you can close the Command Prompt window.

Method 8: Update Network Card Drive

Updating your network card driver is essential for maintaining optimal performance and security. New driver updates can resolve bugs, enhance network speed, and improve compatibility with the latest software and hardware. They also address security vulnerabilities and introduce new features that can boost functionality. Regularly updating your driver helps ensure a stable, efficient, and secure internet connection, keeping your system running smoothly and protected.

The Advanced Driver Updater is a powerful tool that scans your PC for corrupt, missing, and outdated drivers and then updates them with the latest versions. We highly recommend using this app due to its ease of use and quick performance. Follow these steps to get started:

Method 9: Reset Your Network Settings

If the previous solutions don’t resolve the “Ethernet is connected to the network but no internet” error, you may need to reset your network settings. This will restore all network configurations on your PC to their default settings and could fix the issues you’re encountering.

To reset the network settings on Windows, open the Settings app, navigate to `Network & Internet` > `Advanced network settings` > `Network reset,` and click `Reset now.`

Method 10: Update Windows

Microsoft provides regular updates that can solve minor and major issues. Here is what you need to do:

Step 1: Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Click on Update & Security.
Step 3: In the Windows Update section, click on Check for updates.

Windows will search for available updates and automatically download and install them if any are found.

Method 11: Scan For Malware

Checking for malware can also help fix your PC’s “The Ethernet option is not showing on Windows 10” issue.

Step 1: Press Win + S and type “Windows Security.”
Step 2: Click on the relevant result under best match.

Step 3: Next, click on Virus & Threat Protection, followed by Scan Options.
Step 4: Click the circular button before Full Scan and then click on the Scan Now button.

Method 12: Contact Your ISP

If none of the previous solutions resolve the network connecting problem., the next step is to contact your internet service provider for further assistance. They may offer a solution you haven’t considered. You can contact them via phone or their website. A technician will contact you and inform you if ongoing maintenance affects their network. Additionally, they may send a professional to your home to inspect the problem and suggest solutions, including replacing your cable or router.

How To Set Ethernet Connection Windows

Setting up an Ethernet connection on a Windows computer is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get connected:

Step 1: Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on your computer. Plug the other end into your router or modem
Step 2: Click the Start menu (Windows icon) and select Settings (gear icon).
Step 3: Go to Network & Internet. You should see “Ethernet” in the left sidebar. Click on it.
Step 4: If the connection is active, you will see details like IP address and connection status. If it’s not connected, it might show “Network cable unplugged.”
Step 5: If there’s no connection, click on Network troubleshooter to diagnose and fix problems.
Step 6: You might need to check your cables or try restarting your router/modem.
Step 7: Under the Ethernet settings, you can also click on Change adapter options.
Step 8: Right-click on your Ethernet connection and select Properties.
Step 9: Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and then Properties.
Step 10: Here, you can set your IP address manually or ensure it’s set to obtain an IP address automatically (usually, the default is to obtain an IP address automatically).

Have You Fixed The “Ethernet Cable Connected But No Internet” Issue

You can fix this issue by ensuring proper cable connections, updating or reinstalling network drivers, and verifying IP and adapter settings. Additionally, troubleshooting network settings, resetting devices, and checking with your ISP have further ensured a stable and functional connection. Do let us know in the comments section which method helped you fix the problem.

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How to Solve The “Wi-Fi connected but no internet Connection” Problem