Unable to connect to ethernet

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

• Fix Ethernet connection problems in Windows
• Fix Ethernet connection problems in Windows
• Fix Ethernet connection problems in Windows
• Fix Ethernet connection problems in Windows
• Fix Ethernet connection problems in Windows
• Fix Ethernet connection problems in Windows