FIX: Windows 10 Ethernet keeps disconnecting [Full Guide]

by Matthew Adams

Windows & Software Expert

Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it. He is passionate about the...

Posted at: April 30 2021

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Ethernet cable connections are supposed to be more stable, however, some users have said on forums that their Ethernet connections keep disconnecting.

For those users, Ethernet keeps disconnecting and reconnecting at regular intervals. If you need to fix a similar issue, check out these potential resolutions.

How can I fix Ethernet connection that keeps disconnecting?

1. Update your Ethernet adapter driver

You might need to fix an outdated or faulty Ethernet driver to resolve your connection issue. You can quickly and easily update drivers with driver updater software.

A driver updater utility will scan your PC and list devices you need to update drivers for.

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6. Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

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2. Open the Network adapter troubleshooter

1. Click the Type here to search button, which is by the Start button on your taskbar.
2. Input the keyword troubleshoot within the search text box.
3. Then click Troubleshoot settings to open that tab within Settings.
   
4. Next, click Additional troubleshooters to open the troubleshooter list in Settings.
   
5. Select Network Adapter in Settings, and press the Run the troubleshooter button.
   
6. Then select the Ethernet option in the Network Adapter troubleshooter, and click Next to go through any suggested resolutions.

After running the troubleshooter, check if Ethernet still keeps disconnecting on your Windows 10 PC.

3. Adjust the power management setting for your Ethernet adapter

1. First, launch the Run accessory, which you can do by pressing Windows and R keyboard keys simultaneously.
2. Type in this command and click OK: devmgmt.msc

3. Next, double-click the Network adapters category in Device Manager to expand it.
4. Right-click your Ethernet adapter listed there to select its Properties option.
   
5. Then you’ll need to select the Power Management tab shown directly below.
6. Deselect the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power checkbox.
   
7. Click the OK option to save your new setting.

Sometimes Ethernet keeps disconnecting on Windows 10 if your power settings aren’t correct, but after adjusting them, the issue should be gone.

4. Make sure Ethernet is enabled

1. Open the search tool in Windows 10.
2. Type the keyword network into the search tool’s text box.
3. Click on View network connections.
   
4. Right-click your listed Ethernet connection there to open its context menu.
5. Then select the Enable option if Ethernet is disabled.
   

5. Try a different Ethernet cable

If the Ethernet keeps disconnecting on Windows 10, check the condition of your Ethernet cable. If it’s not in OK condition, consider replacing your Ethernet cable with a new one.

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In addition, try connecting your Ethernet cable to different ports on your router and check if that helps.

6. Disable the Windows firewall

1. Press the Windows keyboard key and S at the same time to open the search utility.
2. Input firewall in the search box to find Windows Defender Firewall.
3. Click the Windows Defender Firewall applet in the search results.
   
4. Then click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off on the left side of the applet that opens.
   
5. Select both the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall options within Customize Settings.
   
6. Click OK to confirm the new settings.

If you also have a third-party antivirus utility installed, disable that software for at least a few hours.

You can usually disable a third-party antivirus utility by right-clicking its system tray icon and selecting a disable (turn off) shield setting of some description.

Note: Disabling the firewall is an unsafe practice, and if disabling the firewall fixes the problem, enable the firewall again and check which firewall setting is causing the issue.

7. Don’t use a proxy server

1. Open Windows 10’s search box.
2. Type the keyword Internet Options in the search tool’s text box.
3. Click Internet Options to open the Internet Properties window.
   
4. Select the Connections tab. Now click the LAN settings button.
   
5. Then click the LAN settings button to open a Local Area Network (LAN) Settings window.
6. Deselect the Use a proxy server checkbox if that option is selected.
   
7. Click OK to exit the Local Area Network window.

After making these changes, check if Ethernet keeps disconnecting on your Windows 10 PC.

8. Reset your network

1. Open Settings with the Windows key + I hotkey.
2. Click Network & Internet to open a Status tab in Settings.
   
3. Then click the Network reset option.
   
4. Press the Reset now button to confirm and restart your PC.

9. Disable VPN software

It’s also recommended that users disable any VPN software installed on their desktops or laptops. Our How to turn off VPN guide provides further details for how you can disable a VPN connection permanently or temporarily.

If you have a VPN browser extension enabled, make sure you disable it as well. You can do that by opening the extensions tab in your browser and toggling the VPN extension off there. Alternatively, you can completely remove the extension.

So, there are various potential resolutions that can help you fix if Ethernet keeps disconnecting on Windows 10.

If none of the resolutions stabilize your Ethernet connection, consider contacting your ISP support line for further assistance.

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