Network Cable is Not Properly Plugged or May be Broken [Fix]

Many reported A network cable is not properly plugged in or may be broken when running the troubleshooter, and this error will prevent you from accessing the Web. Luckily, we have a few fixes that might help you.

Why does it say my Ethernet cable is not plugged in?

This can happen due to network glitches, or outdated drivers. In some instances, your Ethernet cable might be damaged.

How can I fix the a network cable is not properly plugged in or may be broken error?

Before we start, if you’re not actively using an Ethernet connection, try to connect to Wi-Fi network and the error should be gone.

1. Disable the network and hard-reboot the PC

1. Right-click the network icon on the Taskbar and select the Open Network and Sharing Center.
   
2. Choose Change adapter options.
   
3. Now, right-click your network connection and select the Disable option.
   
4. If you are using a wired connection, you need to remove it and restart your PC.
5. Now, remove your PC battery or disconnect the power cable for the desktop and wait for close to 10 minutes.
6. Switch on your computer again and repeat Steps 1 to 3 to enable your network adapter again.
7. Finally, connect the internet cable again or your wireless network.

2. Update the network driver

1. Right-click the Start icon and select Device Manager.
   
2. Expand the Network adapter option and right-click the device there.
3. Now, select Update driver.
   
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers and install the latest drivers.
   
5. Alternatively, download the drivers manually from your Wi-Fi adapter manufacturer’s website.

However, the simplest and quickest solution is to use a dedicated third-party driver updater and fixer like Outbyte Driver Updater. It will scan your PC for all drivers, saving you the time you would use to visit each manufacturer by hand.

More so, it can repair the drivers you already have but are broken and filling in the ones that are missing. Most importantly, you don’t need to be an IT expert to use it since the interface is very simplistic and to the point.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

3. Change duplex settings

1. Press the Windows key + X and select the Device Manager option.
   
2. Click the arrow next to the Network adapters option and right-click your network device.
3. Now, select the Properties option.
   
4. Click the Advanced tab at the top.
   
5. Select the Speed & Duplex option from here and set its value to 100Mbps Half Duplex.
6. Finally, click the OK button and restart your PC.
   

If you are getting the network cable is not correctly plugged in or may be broken error, it might be because your duplex setting is too high. The steps above should help fix this effortlessly.

4. Reinstall your network adapter driver

1. Launch the Device Manager and expand the Network adapter option.
2. Right-click the network device and choose Uninstall device.
   
3. Now, click the Uninstall button.
   
4. Finally, click the Scan for hardware changes icon.
   

If all the solutions above fail to fix the network cable is not properly plugged in or may be broken error, you need to switch to the default network driver.

If you are facing other issues like the WiFi adapter not working on Windows 10 issue, check our detailed guide on how to fix it quickly.

We also wrote about what to do if Ethernet is not working. Many also reported that Ethernet is not working, but Wi-Fi does, and we also covered that in another guide, so don’t miss it.

Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you fix this problem in the comments below.