Unable to connect to ethernet

Mark C 0 Reputation points
2026-09-08T16:15:39.93+00:00

My PC keeps defaulting to a Wi-Fi that is a wifi booster. How can I get it to default to Ethernet

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Internet and connectivity
0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest

  1. AI answer

    2026-09-08T16:16:02.44+00:00

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Check the Ethernet connection first
      • Make sure the Ethernet cable is firmly connected to both the PC and the router.
      • On the router, confirm the cable is connected to an Ethernet/LAN port, not the Internet port.
      • If available, try a different Ethernet cable.
    2. Confirm Windows sees the wired connection
      • Open Settings > Network & internet.
      • Check the Ethernet status at the top.
      • It should show You're connected to the Internet or Connected under the Ethernet connection.
      • If it shows Action needed, select Ethernet to review the connection settings.
    3. Test whether the issue is the PC or the network
      • If possible, connect another Windows PC to the same Ethernet network.
      • If the other PC also cannot connect, the issue is likely with the router, ISP, adapter, or cable rather than Windows choosing Wi-Fi.
    4. Run the Network troubleshooter
      • Go to Start > Settings > Network and Internet.
      • Select Status.
      • Scroll down and select Network troubleshooter.
      • Follow the on-screen steps.
    5. Reset the network stack
      • Open Search, type Command prompt.
      • Select Run as administrator > Yes.
      • Run these commands in this order: 
             netsh winsock reset
     netsh int ip reset
     ipconfig /release
     ipconfig /renew
     ipconfig /flushdns
    6. Restart the modem and router
      • Unplug the router power.
      • Unplug the modem power.
      • Wait at least 30 seconds.
      • Plug the modem back in and wait for the lights to stop blinking.
      • Plug the router back in and wait a few minutes.
      • Try Ethernet again.
      • Note: this temporarily disconnects everyone using that network.
    7. Reinstall the Ethernet adapter driver
      • This is most useful if Ethernet stopped working after an update.
      • Before uninstalling, download a backup driver from the PC manufacturer on another device if needed.
      • Open Device Manager.
      • Expand Network adapters.
      • Right-click the Ethernet adapter > Uninstall device > check Attempt to remove the driver for this device > Uninstall.
      • Restart the PC.
      • Windows will try to reinstall the adapter driver automatically.
    8. Use Network reset as a last step
      • Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
      • Select Reset now > Yes.
      • Restart the PC.
      • Warning: this removes and reinstalls network adapters and resets their settings. VPN software or virtual switches may need to be set up again.

    If Ethernet connects successfully, Windows should show the wired connection as connected. If Ethernet never becomes connected in Settings, the problem is the wired connection itself rather than Wi-Fi preference.

    References

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  2. David-M 125K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-08T16:51:23.8433333+00:00

    Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

    To be able to assist you better, please share a screenshot of the network adapters in the Control Panel.

    • Press "Windows + R", type ncpa.cpl and press Enter.

    A window will open with the network adapters installed on the system. Send a screenshot of this window.

    Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

    Looking forward to your reply.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.