What to do if Ethernet connection keeps dropping on Windows 10/11?

Your Ethernet connection can sometimes frustrate you by disconnecting for no apparent reason on your Windows 10 or 11 PC.

Before you abandon your Ethernet connection and go wireless, try these tips to troubleshoot the problem.

1. Disconnect and reconnect the Ethernet cable

A loose or damaged Ethernet cable is one of the most common causes of this problem. Therefore, you should first disconnect the Ethernet cable and reconnect it. While you're at it, make sure to check the cable for any cuts or damage. If the cable or connector appears damaged, try using a different cable or connector.

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Another thing you should do is clean the Ethernet port on both your computer and router to make sure the cable fits snugly. If there are multiple ports, try connecting the cable to a different port and see if it solves the problem.

2. Restart the router or modem

This is another basic fix you need to try to resolve any problems with your Internet. Restarting your router or modem will help clear out any memory and other issues affecting its performance.

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While you're at it, you might also consider restarting your PC. Then, see if the Ethernet connection on your Windows 10 or 11 PC still disconnects randomly.

3. Enable automatic DHCP

If you set incorrect IP information on Windows, your Ethernet connection may be unstable and frequently disconnect. To prevent this, you can enable the Automatic (DHCP) option in Windows. Here's how to do it:

1. Press Win + I to open the Settings application.
2. Go to Network & internet > Ethernet .
3. Click the Edit button next to the IP assignment.
4. Use the drop-down menu to select Automatic (DHCP) and click the Save button .

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Once you complete the above steps, Windows will allow you to automatically obtain the IP address and other network settings from your router.

4. Run Network Adapter Troubleshooter

Running Network Adapter Troubleshooter in Windows can help fix all types of network-related problems, including this one. It will scan your system for any common problems that may be causing Ethernet to intermittently disconnect.

To run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter:

1. Press Win + I to open the Settings application.
2. In the System tab , click Troubleshoot .
3. Select Other troubleshooters .
4. Click the Run button next to Network Adapter.

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Follow the on-screen prompts to finish running the troubleshooter and check to see if the Ethernet still disconnects afterward.

5. Disable and re-enable the Ethernet adapter driver

Temporary problems with the Ethernet adapter can also cause your connection to repeatedly drop. In most cases, you can fix such problems by turning the Ethernet adapter off and back on. Here are the steps to take:

1. Right-click the Start icon and select Device Manager from the list.
2. Double-click Network adapters to expand it.
3. Right-click the Ethernet driver and select Disable device from the resulting menu.
4. Select Yes to confirm.
5. Right-click the Ethernet driver again and select Enable device .

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6. Prevent Windows from disabling the Ethernet driver

To save energy, your Windows computer turns off USB devices and Network Adapters when not in use. This may be the reason why Windows may disconnect your Ethernet connection.

To prevent this, you need to change the power management settings for your Ethernet driver. Here's how you can do this.

1. Press Win + S to access the search menu.
2. Type Device Manager in the text box and select the first result that appears.
3. Expand Network adapters.
4. Double-click your Ethernet driver to open its properties.
5. Switch to the Power Management tab .
6. Uncheck the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power check box .
7. Click OK.

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7. Update Ethernet driver

A malfunctioning Ethernet driver can also lead to such abnormalities. This usually happens when the Ethernet driver is outdated or incompatible. You can try updating the problematic Ethernet driver to see if that solves the problem. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type devmgmt.msc in the box and press Enter.
3. In the Device Manager window , expand Network adapters.
4. Right-click on the problematic driver and select Update driver .
5. Select the Search automatically for drivers option .
6. Click Search for updated drivers on Windows Update .

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After updating the Ethernet driver, check if the issue still occurs.

8. Disable VPN or proxy services

Are you using a proxy service or VPN service to hide your online activities? If so, a problem with the proxy server or VPN may be causing problems with your Ethernet connection. To test this possibility, you can temporarily turn off the proxy server or VPN connection and see if that restores normal behavior.

9. Disable anti-virus program

Many third-party antivirus programs have firewall and network protection features that can sometimes hinder your network connection. This can cause your Ethernet connection to become unstable or stop working. You can temporarily disable your antivirus program to see if this resolves the problem.

Right-click the antivirus icon on the taskbar and select Disable > Disable until computer is restarted .

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If this resolves the problem, you may need to reconfigure your antivirus program and fix any abnormalities. Alternatively, you can switch to a more reliable antivirus program. If you need help choosing a program, see our guide to the best antivirus programs for Windows.

10. Reset network settings

If the above tips don't work, you can reset your PC's network settings as a last resort. This will restore your PC's network settings to their default values, resolving any issues.

Note that this process will delete all saved WiFi networks and your custom DNS settings. If you agree with this, please refer to the guide on how to reset network settings in Windows and follow the steps outlined there.

Kareem Winters

Update 16 October 2023