Ethernet Connected but No Internet in Windows 11

By Iikka Isosaari · Windows 11 · Updated September 26, 2026

If Windows shows your Ethernet connection as connected but websites and apps cannot reach the internet, the cable itself may not be the problem.

The issue can come from DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP settings, drivers, VPN software, or the router.

Before changing the network: save any manual IP/DNS settings and work locally, since resets can disconnect remote sessions. Use an administrator terminal. Release/renew applies to adapters using DHCP, not static addresses; without an adapter name it affects all eligible adapters. On a managed PC, check with your administrator before resetting the network.

Check Another Device First

Try connecting another device to the same router.

If no devices have internet access, restart the router and check whether your internet provider is experiencing an outage.

If other devices work normally, continue troubleshooting Windows.

Check Your IP Configuration

Open Terminal and run:

ipconfig /all

Look for your Ethernet adapter.

You should normally see:

an IPv4 address
a Default Gateway
one or more DNS servers

If the IPv4 address starts with:

169.254

Windows likely failed to obtain an address from your router.

Try:

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

Flush DNS

Run:

ipconfig /flushdns

Then test the connection again.

Reset Winsock

Open Terminal as Administrator:

netsh winsock reset

Restart your computer afterward.

Reset TCP/IP

You can also run:

netsh int ip reset resetlog.txt

Restart Windows again.

Check the Ethernet Driver

Open Device Manager and expand Network adapters.

If you recently reinstalled Windows, download the correct Ethernet driver from your PC or motherboard manufacturer's website.

Check VPN and Proxy Settings

VPN applications can sometimes leave network filters behind.

Also check:

Settings → Network & internet → Proxy

Check for an unexpected manual proxy or setup script. Do not turn off automatic detection merely because it is enabled, and do not change an organization-managed proxy without guidance.

References

Questions about Ethernet Connected but No Internet in Windows 11

Why does Ethernet say connected when websites do not work?

The connected indicator usually describes the local network link, not successful DNS resolution or internet access. Compare another device and check the adapter's IP address, gateway and DNS settings.

When should I try a network reset?

Start with reversible checks and specific evidence. Broader Winsock or TCP/IP resets may affect network settings and can require a restart, so keep them as later steps.