How to troubleshoot and resolve an Ethernet connection that keeps disconnecting on Windows 10/11

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to troubleshoot and resolve an Ethernet connection that keeps disconnecting on Windows 10/11. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

An unstable Ethernet connection can interrupt your work, cause dropped video calls, and slow down file transfers. This guide walks you through the most effective steps to diagnose and fix a wired connection that keeps disconnecting on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Check the physical connection

Loose or damaged cabling is the most common cause of intermittent disconnects. Ensure the Ethernet cable is securely seated in the Ethernet port on your computer and the LAN port on your router or network switch. If the cable feels loose or falls out easily, try a different cable.

Inspect the cable and ports

1. Unplug the Ethernet cable from both your computer and your router or wall socket.
2. Inspect the cable for visible damage, kinks, or frayed ends.
3. Plug the cable back in firmly until you hear a click on both ends.
4. Try a different Ethernet port on your router or switch if one is available.
5. Restart your computer and your networking equipment.

Disable power saving for the network adapter

Windows may turn off your network adapter to save power, which can cause the connection to drop.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Network adapters category.
3. Right-click your Ethernet adapter (often labelled Realtek PCIe GbE Family Controller or Intel Ethernet Connection) and select Properties.
4. Go to the Power Management tab.
5. Clear the checkbox for Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
6. Select OK to save the changes.

Update the network adapter driver

Outdated or corrupted drivers can lead to connection instability.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right-click your Ethernet adapter and select Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for drivers.
5. Follow the prompts to install any available updates.
6. Restart your computer if prompted.

If Windows cannot find a newer driver, visit your computer or motherboard manufacturer's website to download the latest Ethernet driver directly.

Reset the TCP/IP stack

Corrupted network settings can cause frequent drops. Resetting the TCP/IP stack often resolves these issues.

1. Press Windows key + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: netsh int ip reset
3. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Run the Windows network troubleshooter

1. Select Start > Settings.
2. Go to Network & internet (Windows 11) or Network & Internet (Windows 10).
3. Select Advanced network settings > Network reset (Windows 11) or Status > Network troubleshooter (Windows 10).
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and fix problems.

Check for interference and hardware faults

• Ensure the Ethernet cable is not running parallel to power cables or near large electrical appliances, as this can cause interference.
• If possible, connect a different device to the same Ethernet port and cable. If the second device also disconnects, the issue is likely with the router, switch, or cabling rather than your computer.
• If your computer connects via a USB-to-Ethernet adapter, try a different USB port or a different adapter.

Avoid using the Network reset option unless other steps have failed. This will remove all saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings, requiring you to set them up again.

If you have completed these steps and your Ethernet connection continues to disconnect, please Open a Ticket with our support team for further assistance.

Still Having Issues?