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So I just got a new PC, everything works smoothly, however whenever I try to plug in my ethernet, it'll connect for a random amount of time (few hours or few days) and then mysteriously it disconnects.
I try unplugging and replugging it into my PC but with no results. Only when I remove it from the router and replug it in to a different port does it finally connect, but this is only a temporary solution.
Any ideas?
Drivers don't need updating, I've already checked.
Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.
My usual connection is: USB-C to OWC-brand Thunderbolt dock which has a proper Ethernet port.
My alternate connection for testing is: Dell USBC dongle with USB A port to Anker USB A Ethernet adaptor.
The problem is the same via either connection.
Via the latter method, the problem was not reproducible in over 12 hours of testing in a repair shop on their network.
Are you using USB C to Ethernet Adapter or USB A to Ethernet Adapter?
I wasn't sure what to do so I purchased an adapter to plug in my ethernet cable directly rather than using the dock. We'll see if it works long-term but there seems to be improvement with my connectivity issues.
I wish you luck. For me, the problem happens whether I'm using my Thunderbolt dock or a USB to ethernet adaptor.
We noticed the same issue that you had. Our set up is also very similar, except that we use a Sophos Firewall. We have not contacted Sophos support yet in regards to this issue.
However, I'm also thinking that this issue may be related to VLANs. Since I saw something about Windows 11 not supporting Intel Proset for VLANs. I also saw something about 802.1X authentication when I playing around with Windows 11 Ethernet settings. I'm leaning towards VLANs just because if I am at home and use Ethernet with my work computer. There is no issue at all. And I don't have an VLANs set up at home. (Surface Laptop 4 with Surface Dock 1)
It appears that (in limited testing) with a computer off of our domain and that setting turned off, there is no issue with Ethernet connectivity. However, when a computer on the domain is connected to Ethernet, then it starts to have problems. And for some reason the 802.1X authentication button is switched on. (Users are unable to turn this off unless they're an admin. And when you do turn it off, it turns back on within a few minutes). I wondering if it is some GPO setting that is doing this now.
Yes, I realize you are dealing with an entire organization and I am just one person! But I will keep you posted. :)
