Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your router and the other into your PC’s Ethernet port. Windows 11 connects on its own. To check it, go to Start > Settings > Network & internet and look for Connected under Ethernet.
Applies to: Windows 11. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 29, 2026.
Connect the cable
- Plug the cable into one of the numbered Ethernet (LAN) ports on your router, not the port marked Internet or WAN.
- Plug the other end into your PC’s Ethernet port until it clicks. If your PC has no port, a USB-to-Ethernet adapter works too.
Check the connection
- Select Start > Settings > Network & internet.
- At the top, Ethernet should say Connected.
- Select Ethernet to see more details.
The Ethernet page shows the network profile type, how the PC gets its IP address (usually Automatic (DHCP)), and details such as link speed and IPv4 address.
If it says not connected
- Make sure both ends are pushed all the way in, and try another cable if you have one.
- Restart your modem and router: unplug them, wait 30 seconds, plug the modem in, wait for its lights to settle, then plug in the router.
- Open the Get Help app and run the Network and Internet troubleshooter.
- As a last step, reset your network settings.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to turn off Wi-Fi?
No. When both are connected, Windows normally prefers Ethernet. You can turn Wi-Fi off in Network & internet if you like.
How do I remove an old Wi-Fi network?
See how to forget a network on Windows 11.
To see your network adapter’s hardware address, see how to find your MAC address in Windows 11.
To go back to wireless, see how to switch from Ethernet to Wi-Fi in Windows 11.
Microsoft’s reference is Fix Ethernet connection problems in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
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