How to Fix Ethernet Connected but No Internet on Windows 11

You connect your computer to a router using an Ethernet cable, and Windows 11 shows that the connection is active. However, when you open Chrome, websites refuse to load. Some apps may work intermittently, while others report that there is no internet connection.

This can be confusing because an Ethernet connection does not always mean you have access to the internet. Windows may detect the cable and communicate with your router even when the router cannot reach your internet provider, your computer has incorrect network settings, or DNS resolution is failing.

The good news is that you can troubleshoot most Ethernet connectivity problems without replacing your network card or reinstalling Windows.

This guide explains how to fix Ethernet connected but no internet on Windows 11. You will learn how to identify the cause, check your cable and router, repair IP and DNS settings, update network drivers, and determine when the problem requires help from your internet provider.

Table of Contents

1. Check whether the internet is down for everyone
2. Check your Ethernet cable and router
3. Restart your router and computer
4. Disable and re-enable the Ethernet adapter
5. Run the Windows network troubleshooter
6. Check your IP address and default gateway
7. Release and renew your IP address
8. Flush the DNS cache
9. Change your DNS server
10. Reset Winsock and TCP/IP
11. Disable VPN and proxy settings
12. Update or reinstall the Ethernet driver
13. Disable power-saving features
14. Reset Windows network settings
15. Determine whether the router or ISP is responsible
16. Frequently asked questions

1. Check Whether the Internet Is Down for Everyone

Before changing Windows settings, determine whether the problem affects only your computer or the entire network.

This simple test can save you from spending time troubleshooting a computer that is working correctly.

Test another device

If you have a phone or another computer connected to the same router, open a few websites on that device.

Pay attention to the results:

If Wi-Fi works normally but your wired computer does not, the internet service itself is probably working. Focus first on the Ethernet cable, router port, network adapter, and Windows configuration.

If neither wired nor wireless devices can access the internet, investigate the router and modem before making major changes to your computer.

2. Check Your Ethernet Cable and Router

A cable can appear connected even when it has damaged wires, a loose connector, or an unreliable connection. Windows may detect the physical link without being able to communicate reliably with the network.

Check the Ethernet cable

Follow these steps:

1. Make sure both ends of the Ethernet cable are firmly connected.
2. Disconnect the cable from your computer and router.
3. Reconnect both ends until they fit securely.
4. Inspect the cable for cuts, crushed sections, or damaged connectors.
5. If possible, test another Ethernet cable.

If a replacement cable fixes the problem, the original cable was likely faulty.

Try another router port

If your router has multiple Ethernet ports, disconnect the cable and connect it to another available LAN port.

Make sure you use a LAN port rather than a WAN or Internet port, unless your equipment’s instructions specifically say otherwise.

If the connection works through another port, the original port may be damaged or incorrectly configured.

Check the router’s indicator lights

Many routers have indicator lights that show whether an Ethernet link is active. The exact meanings vary by model.

A light that turns on when you connect the cable usually indicates that a physical link has been established. It does not prove that your router has internet access.

If there is no link indicator, try another cable and port. If the computer still cannot establish a physical link, investigate the Ethernet adapter or router hardware.

3. Restart Your Router and Computer

Temporary problems in the router, modem, or Windows networking components can interrupt internet access.

Restarting both devices is a useful early troubleshooting step.

Restart the router

1. Save any work that depends on the internet.
2. Turn off your router using its power button, if available.
3. If you have a separate modem, follow the manufacturer’s recommended restart procedure for both devices.
4. Wait approximately 30 seconds before powering the equipment back on.
5. Allow the router and modem to finish starting.
6. Check the Ethernet connection again.

Avoid pressing the factory-reset button. That can erase your Wi-Fi credentials and other router configuration settings.

Restart Windows 11

1. Save open files.
2. Open the Start menu.
3. Select the Power icon.
4. Choose Restart.
5. Wait for Windows to load.
6. Check whether the internet is working.

If the connection returns after restarting but fails again later, investigate the adapter driver, power settings, or router stability.

4. Disable and Re-enable the Ethernet Adapter

Windows allows you to disable and re-enable network adapters without physically disconnecting the cable.

This can help when the Ethernet adapter is stuck in an unusual state or has failed to recover properly after sleep or a network change.

Follow these steps

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select Network & internet.
3. Choose Advanced network settings.
4. Find your Ethernet adapter.
5. Select Disable.
6. Wait a few seconds.
7. Select Enable.

Once the adapter is enabled, wait for Windows to reconnect and test a website.

You can also check the adapter through Network Connections:

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Enter ncpa.cpl.
3. Press Enter.
4. Right-click Ethernet.
5. Select Disable.
6. Wait briefly, then right-click it again and select Enable.

If the adapter is already disabled, enable it and test the connection.

If the Ethernet adapter is missing from both interfaces, check Device Manager and the driver installation rather than repeatedly changing network settings.

5. Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes network troubleshooting tools that can identify certain connectivity and configuration problems.

How to run the troubleshooter

1. Open Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Select Troubleshoot.
4. Open Other troubleshooters.
5. Look for Network and Internet or Network Adapter, if available.
6. Select Run and follow the instructions.

Depending on your Windows version, troubleshooting may open the Get Help app or present a different interface.

Allow the process to finish and review any message it provides. If Windows identifies a disabled adapter or a configuration problem, follow the suggested fix.

The troubleshooter cannot resolve every router, DNS, or hardware problem. If it reports that it could not identify the issue, continue with the manual checks below.

6. Check Your IP Address and Default Gateway

One of the most useful ways to investigate an Ethernet connection is to inspect the IP address assigned to your computer.

Your computer normally receives network settings from your router through DHCP. These settings may include:

• An IPv4 address.
• A subnet mask.
• A default gateway.
• DNS server addresses.

If the computer has an invalid address or cannot communicate with the gateway, it may show an Ethernet connection without being able to reach the internet.

View your network configuration

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type cmd.
3. Press Enter.
4. Run this command:

ipconfig

Find the section for your Ethernet adapter.

Look for the IPv4 Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, and DNS Servers fields.

If the IPv4 address begins with 169.254, Windows may have assigned itself an automatic private address because it could not obtain an address from a DHCP server.

That does not prove the router is faulty, but it is a useful clue. Check the cable, router port, DHCP configuration, and adapter before continuing.

Test the default gateway

If an IPv4 default gateway is listed, you can test whether your computer can reach it.

For example, if the gateway is 192.168.1.1, run:

ping 192.168.1.1

Replace the example address with the gateway shown by your computer.

If you receive replies, your computer can communicate with the gateway. If the request times out, the gateway may be unreachable, although some routers block ping requests.

A failed ping alone does not prove that the router is broken. Use it alongside the other tests rather than treating it as a definitive diagnosis.

7. Release and Renew Your IP Address

If Windows has an incorrect or stale DHCP configuration, requesting a new IP address may restore connectivity.

This method is most suitable for computers that obtain their IP settings automatically.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt

Open Start, search for Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Release the current address

Run:

ipconfig /release

Press Enter.

Your active network connection may temporarily disconnect. That is expected while the current address is released.

Step 3: Request a new address

Run:

ipconfig /renew

Press Enter and wait for Windows to finish requesting new network settings.

Step 4: Check the connection

Run:

ipconfig

Check whether your Ethernet adapter now has a valid IPv4 address and default gateway.

Open a browser and test a website.

Important: If your computer uses a manually configured static IP address, do not blindly release and renew its settings. Check the configuration first, especially on work or business networks.

8. Flush the DNS Cache

Your computer uses DNS to translate domain names into IP addresses. If DNS resolution fails, websites may not open even when your Ethernet connection is otherwise working.

Flushing the Windows DNS cache can remove cached lookup results that may be outdated or incorrect.

How to flush DNS

1. Open Command Prompt.
2. Select Run as administrator if needed.
3. Enter:

ipconfig /flushdns

4. Press Enter.

Windows should confirm that the DNS Resolver Cache was flushed successfully.

Close the terminal and try opening the website again.

When does this fix help?

Flushing DNS may help if cached lookup information is causing a problem. However, it will not fix an incorrect IP configuration, a disconnected router, or missing DNS records on a website.

If the connection still fails, check whether the computer can resolve domain names using another DNS server.

9. Change Your DNS Server

Your router or internet provider usually supplies DNS server information automatically. If the configured resolver is unavailable or returning incorrect results, using a reputable public DNS service may help.

Two common options are Google Public DNS and Cloudflare DNS.

Choose one provider to test.

Change DNS in Windows 11

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Network & internet.
3. Select Ethernet.
4. Find DNS server assignment.
5. Select Edit.
6. Change the setting to Manual.
7. Enable IPv4.
8. Enter the preferred and alternate DNS addresses.
9. Save your changes.

The exact labels may vary slightly between Windows builds.

After saving, open Command Prompt and run:

ipconfig /flushdns

Then open your browser and test several websites.

If websites begin loading, the previous DNS resolver or its configuration may have been responsible. If they still fail, restore your previous settings if necessary and continue troubleshooting.

Do not change DNS settings on a managed business network without checking with your administrator. Some networks require specific DNS servers for internal services.

10. Reset Winsock and TCP/IP

If your cable, adapter, and IP configuration appear correct but internet access still fails, resetting Windows networking components may help.

Winsock supports network communication between applications and Windows services. TCP/IP handles core network communication.

Run the reset commands

Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:

netsh winsock reset

Press Enter, then run:

netsh int ip reset

After both commands finish, restart your computer.

Reconnect to the network if necessary and test your internet connection.

These commands can repair certain Windows networking problems, but they do not fix a broken cable or an outage from your internet provider.

If your computer uses manually configured IP settings, VPN software, or specialized networking tools, be aware that a reset may require you to review or restore some settings.

11. Disable VPN and Proxy Settings

A VPN or proxy can affect how your computer routes internet traffic. If the configuration is incorrect, Windows may show an Ethernet connection even though websites do not load.

This is especially worth checking if the problem began after installing a VPN, changing proxy settings, or connecting to a work network.

Temporarily disconnect your VPN

1. Open your VPN application.
2. Disconnect from the VPN server.
3. Open your browser.
4. Test the affected website.

If the internet works with the VPN disconnected, check the VPN’s configuration and DNS settings. If you need the VPN for work or security, do not leave it disabled as a permanent workaround.

Check proxy settings

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Network & internet.
3. Select Proxy.
4. Review the manual proxy configuration.
5. If you do not use a proxy and an unexpected manual proxy is enabled, turn it off for testing.

Do not disable a proxy configured by your employer or organization without authorization.

If disconnecting the VPN or correcting a proxy setting restores internet access, investigate that configuration rather than repeatedly resetting the Ethernet adapter.

12. Update or Reinstall the Ethernet Driver

A network driver allows Windows to communicate with the Ethernet hardware. An outdated, corrupted, or incompatible driver can cause connection failures, dropped links, or incorrect adapter behavior.

If Ethernet stopped working after a Windows update, or Device Manager shows a warning icon, the driver deserves attention.

Update the driver

1. Press Windows + X.
2. Select Device Manager.
3. Expand Network adapters.
4. Find the Ethernet adapter. Its name may contain Intel, Realtek, Broadcom, or another manufacturer’s name.
5. Right-click it.
6. Select Update driver.
7. Choose Search automatically for drivers, if available.
8. Follow any instructions and restart if necessary.

Windows may not always find the newest driver.

Download the driver from the manufacturer

If the automatic update does not help, visit your computer or motherboard manufacturer’s official support website.

Find your exact model, select the correct Windows version, and download the Ethernet or LAN driver.

If your computer has no internet connection, download the installer using another device and transfer it with a USB drive.

Avoid driver-download websites that do not belong to the hardware manufacturer.

Reinstall the driver if necessary

If the adapter appears in Device Manager but continues to malfunction, reinstalling the driver may help.

Before uninstalling it, download the appropriate replacement driver if possible.

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right-click your Ethernet adapter.
4. Select Uninstall device.
5. Review the available options carefully.
6. Confirm the uninstall.
7. Restart Windows.

Windows may reinstall the adapter automatically. If it does not, install the driver you downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.

If the adapter is entirely missing from Device Manager, a driver reinstall through this menu may not be possible. Check hardware detection and the computer manufacturer’s documentation.

13. Disable Power-Saving Features

Some network adapters support power-management options that reduce power consumption when the computer is idle. On certain systems, these settings may contribute to connection problems after sleep or inactivity.

If Ethernet works initially but stops working after your computer wakes from sleep, this method is worth trying.

Check the adapter’s power settings

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Double-click your Ethernet adapter.
4. Open the Power Management tab, if available.
5. Look for the option that allows the computer to turn off the device to save power.
6. If it is selected, try clearing it.
7. Select OK and restart the computer.

Not every adapter has this tab, and the available options vary by driver.

If the problem occurs only after sleep, test the computer several times before deciding whether the change helped.

You can also check your computer manufacturer’s power-management guidance if the Ethernet connection continues to fail after sleep.

14. Reset Windows Network Settings

If the previous methods have not restored connectivity, Windows 11 provides a network reset option that reinstalls network adapters and restores networking components to their default settings.

Use this as a later troubleshooting step because it can remove saved network configuration and require you to reconnect or reconfigure some services.

How to perform a network reset

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Network & internet.
3. Select Advanced network settings.
4. Choose Network reset.
5. Select Reset now.
6. Confirm the action.
7. Restart Windows if prompted.

After restarting, check the Ethernet connection and test your internet access.

You may need to reconfigure VPN software, virtual network adapters, or other specialized networking tools.

A network reset will not fix a faulty Ethernet cable, damaged router port, or internet service outage. If the problem persists afterward, focus on the physical connection, hardware detection, and router or ISP.

15. Determine Whether the Router or ISP Is Responsible

If Windows shows Ethernet connected but no internet remains unresolved, the next step is to determine whether your router can access the internet.

Check the router’s status page or official app, if available. Look for its internet or WAN connection status.

If the router reports that its internet connection is disconnected, restarting your computer repeatedly is unlikely to help.

Possible causes include:

• An outage from your internet provider.
• A problem with the modem or fiber terminal.
• A damaged WAN cable.
• Incorrect router WAN settings.
• An account or service issue with your provider.

If your router has internet access over Wi-Fi but not through a particular Ethernet port, investigate that port, the cable, and the computer’s adapter.

If every device on the network has lost internet access, contact your internet provider and explain that the router is powered on but the internet connection is unavailable.

If only your Windows computer is affected and the router works for other devices, tell the technician that the problem is isolated to the wired computer. That detail can help narrow the investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Windows 11 say Ethernet is connected but there is no internet?

Windows may detect a physical Ethernet link without having a working route to the internet. The cause may be an ISP outage, router problem, incorrect IP configuration, DNS failure, or network driver issue.

Why does Wi-Fi work but Ethernet does not?

If Wi-Fi works on the same router, the internet service is probably available. Check the Ethernet cable, router LAN port, Windows adapter settings, and wired network driver.

Will flushing DNS fix Ethernet connected but no internet?

It may help if the problem involves cached DNS results. It will not fix a disconnected router, an invalid IP address, or a damaged Ethernet cable. Check the connection and network configuration if flushing DNS does not help.

How do I know if my Ethernet cable is faulty?

Inspect the cable, reconnect both ends, and test another cable and router port if possible. If a replacement cable restores the connection, the original cable was likely defective.

Should I change my DNS server?

Changing DNS can help when the configured resolver is causing problems. However, it is not a universal fix. If your computer cannot reach the router, troubleshoot the physical connection and IP configuration first.

Can a network reset fix Ethernet problems?

A network reset can resolve some Windows networking configuration issues. It also resets networking components and may require you to reconnect or reconfigure VPN and virtual adapters. It cannot repair faulty hardware or an ISP outage.

Why does Ethernet stop working after sleep?

This may be related to adapter power management, a driver issue, or a problem restoring the connection after sleep. Check the driver’s power settings and install a compatible driver from your computer manufacturer’s support page.

Do I need to replace my Ethernet adapter?

Not necessarily. First test another cable and router port, check Device Manager, and install the correct driver. Consider hardware replacement only after software and connection problems have been ruled out.

Conclusion

When Ethernet is connected but there is no internet on Windows 11, start by checking whether other devices can access the internet. Then inspect the cable and router port, restart the equipment, and confirm that Windows has a valid IP address and default gateway.

If the physical connection appears healthy, try renewing the IP address, flushing DNS, checking the DNS server, and repairing the Windows networking components. Driver updates and network resets are useful later steps when simpler fixes fail.

The key is to narrow down where the connection stops working. If other devices also have no internet, investigate the router or internet provider. If only your Windows computer is affected, focus on its Ethernet adapter, driver, and network configuration.