I'm using Windows 11, and my Ethernet connection suddenly stopped providing internet access. Discord, Steam, and other applications won't connect, even though the network icon says Ethernet is connected. I tried restarting the PC and router, unplugging and checking the cables, and running `netsh winsock reset`, but nothing changed. When I ran `ipconfig /release`, Windows reported "media disconnected" for the Ethernet adapter and every other network adapter. What should I check or try next?
4 Answers
Start with the physical connection. Check whether the Ethernet port on the PC or router has blinking link lights. If there are no lights, try another router port and a different Ethernet cable. That would indicate a local link problem rather than an internet service issue.
Try pinging your router’s local IP address, usually something like `192.168.1.1` or `192.168.0.1`. If that fails, the PC isn’t communicating with the router. If it works but websites still don’t load, the problem may be DNS or the internet service itself.
If your PC can connect to the router but the router has no outside internet access, the issue may be with your internet provider. Test another device on the same network; if it also has no internet, contact the provider after checking the modem and router lights.
Run Windows’ built-in network troubleshooter and check the Ethernet adapter in Network Connections or Device Manager. You can also disable and re-enable the adapter, then restart. If the adapter still reports “media disconnected” with a known-good cable, the cable, router port, or network card may be faulty.
I already restarted the router and PC and checked the cable, but I’ll try another cable and run the router ping next.