Ethernet Suddenly Not Working – 13 Solutions With Guidance

Last Updated on July 25, 2022

After struggling with the slow connection issues for a long time, I switched to Ethernet from WiFi. Honestly, I was utterly satisfied with the outcome. But then, last night, I saw that my Ethernet was suddenly not working. 

A few measures can be beneficial when the Ethernet shows problems like not working suddenly. Some of those are: 

• Turning The WiFi And Network Off
• Rebooting the router 
• Using A Different Ethernet Cable, Or Port
• Updating the driver 
• Turning the Antivirus Or Firewall Off
• Disabling the VPN
• Resetting the adapter 

If none of these work, the culprit might be your computer’s hardware or OS. However, I have figured out more information in detail. So let’s see what you can do! 

Ethernet Suddenly Not Working: Solutions At A Glimpse

Problem Area	Solution
WiFi, Network	Turning The WiFi And Network Off
Router	Reboot The Router
Cable Damage	Replacement
Port Issues	Trying Another Port
Drivers	Update The Driver
Ethernet Adapter	Resetting The Ethernet Adapter

What Is Ethernet, And Why Is It Used?

Ethernet is a wired local area connection. Unlike WiFi, you must use a network cable to connect your device to the Ethernet. The fast approach to data is the main reason people love Ethernet over any other network connection.

Upsides Of Ethernet

• User-friendly 
• Cost-effective 
• Well compatibility 
• Faster data transportation 
• Reliable and secure 

Downsides Of Ethernet

• Only for a restricted area usage 
• Lacks mobility 
• Requires Ethernet cable to connect 
• Tracing any problem is difficult

Ethernet Suddenly Not Working: 13 Best Possible Fixes 

Ethernet can be super flexible to use. But once it starts showing disruptions, you have to go through much trouble to find out where the actual problem is. So I took the time to figure out all the causes that might work behind your Ethernet connection problem. Let’s check those out! 

1. Turning The WiFi And Network Off

Sometimes, there might be network mismatches that cause Ethernet problems. In that case, the most straightforward bet is to proceed as follows: 

• Go to the Notification area 
• Right-click on the WiFi icon
• Go to “Open Network and Internet Settings”
• Visit the WiFi tab and turn it off

2. Reboot The Router 

The second gateway is to restart the router. If your WiFi still works but the Ethernet fails, rebooting might help solve the issue. In this case, unplugging the router for one minute and then replugging it might solve your problem. 

While the router is rebooting, you can flush the DNS. To do so, you have to: 

• Open your PC Command
• Type IPCONFIG /FLUSH DNS

By then, once the reboot of the WiFi router is complete, your Ethernet wired connection should be back in the game again. 

3. Try A Different Ethernet Cable

Sometimes the problem might rely on the cable connection. In this case, trying another cable to check if the problem remains the same is a good idea. 

4. Use Another Ethernet Port 

Like the cable, there can be issues relying on your router port. In this case, trying another Ethernet port is the best thing to try.

5. Update The Driver 

A few days ago, I faced another issue due to an outdated driver. So, I applied that knowledge when my Ethernet showed issues and updating the driver solved the issue. So you can try updating the driver to see if the problem goes away. If not, then you can move to the next solution. 

How To Update The Driver? 

As the Ethernet is not working, you can use the wireless network to update the driver. However, you can also use the Driver Easy Offline Scan feature if you are not in any network connection. 

If you use Driver Easy, the whole network adapter driver updating process will require less time and effort. Therefore, you can save much time. Here are the detailed steps: 

• Install Driver Easy on your PC.
• Enter the program and click “Scan Now.” It will scan your device for any problematic drivers. 
• Now click on “Update” to download and update the driver. Then you will have to install the driver.  

6. Re-Check The Network Center

Often, we might accidentally press something that disables different functions in our PC. However, if you have accidentally disabled the Ethernet adapter from the network center, it will not work. So, go to your network center and check whether the adapter is disabled. 

To check the network adapters, you have to go to your Device Manager and notice if the network adapters are showing “not found/yellow” text or not. If that’s the case, you must solve the adapters issue to make the Ethernet work again. 

7. Reset the Ethernet Adapter

Sometimes, resetting the adapter can restore your Ethernet internet access. Here’s how to do that:

• Go to the Settings (Press Windows Key + I)
• Click on Network & Internet

• Now click on Status in the left-hand menu

• Under that section, you will find the Network Reset option

• Click on “Reset Now”

After that, restart your PC to check if that works to fix the Ethernet or not. 

8. Turn Off The Antivirus Or Firewall 

Antivirus or Firewall software can sometimes mess up the Ethernet network causing a network problem. While using any Antivirus or Firewall software, and your Ethernet is not working- try turning them off to see if they are causing the issue. 

9. Get Help From Network Troubleshooter

Running the network troubleshooter of your Windows will solve the issue if it is automatically resolvable. In such case, follow the below-mentioned steps: 

• Open the Setting (Press Windows + I)
• Click on Update & Security

• Select Troubleshoot

• You will find the Internet Connections under the Troubleshoot 
• Click on it and run the troubleshooter
• Reboot the PC

10. Local Devices Problem

The local area connection can disrupt your Ethernet as well. So, if nothing works, you can check the internet service provider service for any underlying issues. Check if your ISP is active and working correctly or not. You must check the router, the wired connecting connection, and other related components. 

11. A Virus Can Be The Culprit

Another big reason can be a computer virus that may trouble the Ethernet connection. In that case, scan using your antivirus software to look through the PC for potential threats. 

12. Disable The VPN 

Sometimes, using any unauthorized VPN service can also mess up the network connection. Disabling the VPN will solve the network problem in such a case. 

13. The Final Check: Hardware Vs. Operating System Issues

This is your last rescue call if nothing else seems to work. The problem might be due to your computer’s hardware or OS in such scenarios. 

Setting up a Live Linux disc and booting can help when the OS is problematic. However, reinstalling the Ethernet drivers will solve the problem if the problem is due to any hardware. 

Solve The Connection Issues: Best Cables To Use For Ethernet 

As I have talked with many tech geeks, the Ethernet connection issues mostly appear due to a faulty cable connection. Therefore, you must ensure that you use the best cable for an uninterrupted experience. A suitable cable can also increase the Ethernet connection speed. 

Here are the top 3 best cables to use for Ethernet:

UGREEN Cat 7 Ethernet Cable

Why Did We Pick This One?

• This cable can transmit unbelievably faster than any other cable with the 10 GBPS data transmission. 
• The flat and thin design is perfect for complex installation without creating a mess and won’t get torn easily. 
• Also, its durability is extraordinary because it is built out of 100% pure copper wire and gold-plated connectors. 
• Moreover, the mechanism drastically reduces the data transmission, giving you an upper hand. 

Amazon Basics RJ45 Cat 7 High-Speed Gigabit Ethernet Patch Internet Cable

Why Did We Pick This One?

• While looking for a compatible cable for your servers and printers, this is the one.
• With the extended bandwidth of up to 600MHz and up to 10Gbps data transmission, you will get the best user experience. 
• Moreover, as it is shielded with double shielded twisted pair copper wires, it offers extended protection to the wires that add up to the durability.
• The flat and bendy structure will give you an interruption-free experience. 

Cat 6 Ethernet Cable

Why Did We Pick This One?

• The best thing about this cable is it offers multi-purpose usage for you to use it for any necessity you want. 
• Also, it comes with 100% bare copper wire to reduce any noise during data transmission. 
• Again, the cable is flexible enough to suit your preferred installation.
• Lastly, the Up to 250 MHz data transmission capability acts super fast in transferring your data.

Further Queries To Comprehend:

Are Ethernet And Internet The Same?

No, they are not the same. The Internet is a wide area network, whereas Ethernet is a local network. Ethernet only works for a small region, but the internet is a global network connecting many devices. 

What Do You Need For An Ethernet Connection?

You need a few compatible devices and Ethernet cables to set the Ethernet connection. The set-up process is easy; you only need to put the cable into the port. 

What Is The Difference Between Ethernet VS. WiFi?

WiFi is the wireless network connection, whereas Ethernet is the wired connection. In WiFi, the data transmits through wireless signals, but Ethernet requires a cable to transmit the data. However, Ethernet is faster than a WiFi connection. Another thing is that the setup of Ethernet is more complex than that of WiFi. 

Can An Ethernet Cable Go Bad?

Yes, the most common reason behind your Ethernet not working is when the cable is worn and damaged. But you can easily replace the cable as there are various available options.

No More Interrupted Connection!

Ethernet suddenly not working can be a big issue, but not anymore. However, you can easily avoid the issue by taking small precautions like using good-quality cables and compatible devices. And if your drivers and adapters are updated, hopefully, you won’t face the issue anymore. 

 

Last update on 2022-07-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API