My Ethernet Isn't Working on Windows 11 – What Should I Do?

Don't rush into a BIOS update right away; that should be more of a last resort. First, confirm whether the issue is with the Ethernet connection or something else on the network. Hover over the network icon in your taskbar to see if it's indicating a disconnection. If so, check the cable at both ends (PC and router). Also, ensure your router is powered and functioning well—if possible, try connecting the cable to another device to test it. If you see "connected, no internet access", then it might be a router configuration issue or something from your ISP’s side.

Start with the basics! Try out a different Ethernet cable or switch ports on your router. If that doesn't work, check in Device Manager to ensure the network adapter is enabled and get the latest LAN driver from the motherboard manufacturer’s site—avoid relying on Windows Update for drivers. If the adapter isn’t showing up at all, it could mean there's a problem with the port. Don’t forget to confirm if your router is powered on.

Before you think about updating your BIOS, let's start with some simpler troubleshooting steps. First, check if the Ethernet cable and port are working. You can try plugging the cable into another device to see if it connects. Also, look for any link lights on both the PC’s Ethernet jack and the router—no lights usually point to a bad cable or a failing network interface card (NIC). Make sure the Ethernet adapter is enabled in the settings. Navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings, and check if your adapter is turned off. If it’s disabled, go ahead and enable it. If you still face issues, check Device Manager under "Network adapters" for any warning icons. If you see one, right-click it, uninstall the device, and reboot your PC to let Windows reinstall the driver. Lastly, a network reset can be beneficial, which you can find in the same Advanced network settings section. Good luck!