Ethernet cables offer uninterrupted internet signals, unlike Wi-Fi, which can be disrupted by interference from walls or other obstacles. However, a common issue is Ethernet not working while Wi-Fi works fine. If you’re facing this challenge, don’t worry. This guide will outline possible causes and provide effective solutions. What’s occurring is your wireless connections are functioning normally, but your wired (Ethernet) connection is not. Various factors can disrupt Ethernet functionality, including software or hardware issues. Even minor physical damage can affect Ethernet due to its wired nature. Here are some common causes of Ethernet malfunctions.
Cable Damage: Physical damage to the Ethernet cable can stop data flow, causing issues. Wi-Fi remains unaffected.Hardware Issues: Faulty Ethernet ports or network cards can disrupt Ethernet connectivity, though router malfunctions may affect both Ethernet and Wi-Fi.Virus/Malware: Infections can alter network settings, block internet traffic, and damage network components, disrupting Ethernet connectivity.MAC Address Issues: Incompatible MAC addresses can cause connectivity problems in Ethernet or Wi-Fi connections.Incorrect Network Configuration: IP address, subnet mask, or gateway settings might be incorrectly configured.Network Adapter Problems: The network adapter might not be enabled, or drivers could be outdated.Network Congestion: Too many devices connected to the network can cause congestion and disrupt connectivity.
Here are the detailed steps to help resolve your Ethernet connection problems when Wi-Fi is operational:
1. Check the Ethernet Cable and Port
If you suspect your Ethernet cable is faulty, replace it with another to confirm. If the new cable works, the original is likely defective. If you don’t have a spare cable, test the suspect cable on a different computer. The Ethernet port on your router might also be malfunctioning. Routers usually have multiple ports, so try another port to see if the issue resolves.
2. Ensure Your Ethernet Adapter Is Enabled
3. Check the Ethernet Connection Status
If your Ethernet connection is problematic while Wi-Fi is operational, checking your network status in your computer settings can help diagnose issues. You will be directed to a page with detailed information about your Ethernet connection, including your connection status and IP address. Look for error messages or warnings that could suggest the issue. Common problems might involve IP conflicts, network adapter issues, or connectivity errors. If prompted, follow any suggested actions like “Repair” or “Reset Network.”
4. Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter
The Network Adapter Troubleshooter is a Windows feature that scans for network adapter issues and attempts to resolve them automatically. Once the troubleshooter finishes, verify whether your Ethernet starts working.
5. Temporarily Turn off Antivirus and Firewall
Antivirus software and firewalls on your PC might interfere with your Ethernet connection. You can confirm this by disabling them temporarily and reconnecting the Ethernet.
↪ Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus
With the antivirus temporarily disabled, try connecting to the internet again. After testing, ensure you re-enable Real-time protection to maintain your computer’s security.
↪ Turn off the Windows Defender Firewall
Test your internet connection after disabling the firewall. Remember to re-enable the firewall to secure your PC against network threats.
6. Set Ethernet as the Preferred Network Connection
If both Ethernet and Wi-Fi are available, you might want to prioritize Ethernet for its speed and stability. To set Ethernet as your preferred connection in Windows, follow these steps: Setting the interface metric to 1 ensures that Ethernet is used preferentially whenever it’s connected, making it the primary path for internet and network traffic.
7. Reset Your Network Adapter
If Ethernet issues persist while Wi-Fi remains functional, resetting your network adapter may help. This reset will restore your network adapter’s default settings, resolving most Ethernet-related issues.
8. Change Your Ethernet Adapter’s MAC Address
Updating the MAC address of your Ethernet adapter may resolve connectivity issues, particularly if network restrictions or MAC address conflicts are involved. Here’s how to adjust it on a Windows PC:
9. Renew IP Address and Flush DNS Cache
If your Ethernet connection is faulty on Windows, renewing your IP address and flushing the DNS cache may help resolve network issues by refreshing your network settings. Here’s how to perform these actions using Command Prompt with administrative rights: After executing these commands, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
10. Reinstall the Ethernet Network Adapter Driver
If previous solutions haven’t resolved your Ethernet connection issues, uninstalling and reinstalling the network adapter driver may help. This is especially valuable if problems began after recent updates. After uninstalling the driver, restart your computer by clicking “Start,” then “Power,” and “Restart.” Windows should attempt to automatically reinstall the driver upon reboot. If not, manually install it using a USB flash drive.
11. Get Professional Help
If none of these solutions resolve the problem, consulting a professional might be necessary. A qualified technician can diagnose and fix difficult-to-resolve network issues. You might also consider contacting your ISP, as they are familiar with your connection and may offer solutions before involving external experts.
