How to Fix a Faulty Ethernet Connection in Windows 10

If you are saddened by your Ethernet connection cable, follow the methods below to fix it.

If the connection is not stable, your laptop or PC can do nothing more than set a new high score in Chrome’s dinosaur game. However, when you can actually connect, the internet becomes more interesting, especially when you want to show everyone your new high score.

Let’s take a look at how to quickly fix an unstable Ethernet connection.

1. Check the Ethernet Cable and Port

If your cable is old and damaged, it may cause an unstable Ethernet connection. Fake cables have the same effect. You can try to use a replacement cable or connect the faulty cable to another laptop or PC to determine if the faulty Ethernet cable is the cause of the problem.

Next, look at the Ethernet port itself. If you connect and disconnect cables frequently, wear and tear can slowly damage the ports. Check if the port appears to be loose or full of dust or other debris. You can use a small brush or a hair dryer to clean it.

Usually a small LED light is installed next to the PC port. If the LED lights up when the cable is inserted, the connection is working properly. However, if the LED starts to flash or goes out after a period of time, the Ethernet port may be loose or not working properly. If you are sure that the port is broken, you can try a USB to Ethernet adapter.

In the final step, try to use a different port on the router or PC.

2. Run Network Troubleshooter

You can use Windows 10’s built-in troubleshooting tools to find and fix network-related issues. Here is how to use it:

Click Start, then head to Settings > Update & Security.
On the left pane menu, select Troubleshoot.
From the Find and fix other problems section, click Network Adapter > Run the troubleshooter.
Select Ethernet from the network adapters list and then click Next to start the troubleshooting process.

The network adapter troubleshooter will look for any faults that may cause an unstable Ethernet connection.

After the troubleshooter completes the analysis, a report of the detected problems will be displayed. Then all you have to do is follow the suggested instructions to fix it.

3. Update the Ethernet Adapter’s Driver

If the Ethernet adapter driver is outdated, damaged, or missing, it can cause various connection problems. Follow the steps below to update the driver of the Ethernet adapter:

In the Start menu search bar, search for Device Manager and select the Best match.
Click View > Show hidden devices.
Expand the Network adapters menu.
Right-click the Ethernet driver and select Update driver.
Click Search automatically for drivers.

How to Fix a Faulty Ethernet Connection in Windows 10

The Device Manager will search the Internet and see if there is an updated version for your Ethernet adapter. After the search is complete, it will display available updates. Next, install the driver, restart your device, and check if your Ethernet connection is stable.

4. Use Windows 10’s Network Reset Tool

If the network troubleshooter does not solve the problem, you can also try resetting the Windows 10 network. This will reinstall all network adapters and restore all network items to their default settings. Follow the steps below:

Click Start, then head to Settings > Network & Internet. Here, you can see your network status.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Network reset.
Click the Reset now button. Once Windows 10 completes the task, it will restart your device.

But please note: After using the network reset, you may need to reinstall the VPN, virtual switch, or any other network software you are using.

5. Disable Your VPN

If you are looking for a quick solution, you can try disabling any VPN software installed on your PC or laptop. Follow the steps below to delete a manual VPN connection in Windows 10:

Click Start, then head to Settings > Network & Internet.
From the left pane menu, select VPN.
Select your VPN and click Disconnect or Remove if you want to delete it.

Also, you should disable or remove any VPN extensions on your internet browser.

6. Check Power Management Settings

Windows 10 sometimes reduces some of its features to save battery life. If you are using a laptop with a low battery or have power saving mode enabled, this number of times will be doubled.

Here is how to view the power management settings:

In the Start menu search bar, search for device manager and select the Best match.
Expand the Network adapters menu.
Right-click your device’s Ethernet adapter and select Properties.
Open the Power Management tab.
The Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power option should be unchecked.
Restart your PC or laptop and check if the Ethernet connection keeps disconnecting.

7. Check Your Fixed IP Settings

Using fixed or static IP has certain advantages, such as better download and upload speeds and better levels of protection. However, if you use the wrong static IP information for Ethernet, it may cause instability.

To disable fixed IP connections on your device:

Click Start, then head to Settings > Network & Internet.
From the Network & Internet list, select Ethernet.
Check the IP settings section. There should be an Automatic (DHCP) message displayed.
If there is a Manual IP assignment message, you need to change your static IP address. Click the Edit button and select Automatic (DHCP) using the drop-down menu.
Click Save.

8. Check LAN Proxy Settings

If your PC or laptop uses a proxy server via LAN, you may encounter problems when using an Ethernet connection. To fix it, you need to disable the proxy settings. That’s it:

In the Start menu search bar, search for run and select Run as administrator.
Into the Run box, type inetcpl.cpl and click OK.
Click the Connections tab and select LAN settings.
Uncheck Use a proxy server for your LAN (These settings will not apply to dial-up or VPN connections).
Click OK to save the changes.

Fix Your Ethernet Connection

There are many reasons that can interfere with your Ethernet connection. If you run into this situation, start with the simplest solution and then look for a more complex solution from the list.

When the Internet is reset, did you know that you can adjust some Windows settings to speed up the connection? From adjusting your router’s channel to changing your DNS server, there are many things you can do to squeeze the last drops of speed out of your connection.