≈ Network Errors
Ethernet not working on Windows 11 — How to fix
Ethernet failure on Windows 11 is almost always one of: missing driver after a fresh install, disabled at BIOS / Device Manager, or a damaged cable. The order of checks below isolates each.
- Time
- 15 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Applies to
- Windows 11, Windows 10
- Updated
- May 25, 2026
Symptoms
- ▸No Ethernet adapter showing in Settings
- ▸Adapter present but stuck at 'Network cable unplugged'
- ▸Link light on the port, but no internet
Likely causes
- ▸Network driver not installed
- ▸BIOS Onboard LAN disabled
- ▸Bad cable or port on the router/switch
- ▸VPN client created a virtual adapter that overrides Ethernet
How to fix it — step by step
- 01
Check Device Manager
Look under Network adapters. If there's an unknown device with a yellow exclamation mark — install the LAN driver from the motherboard/laptop vendor.
- 02
Verify BIOS LAN setting
Reboot, enter BIOS, look for Onboard LAN / Integrated NIC. Enable it.
- 03
Test the cable
Swap to a known-good Cat 5e/6 cable. Plug into a different port on the router/switch.
- 04
Reset network
Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset.