Computer freezes when Ethernet cable is plugged in

Some users experience freezing issues with their Windows 11/10 computer when they connect it to an ethernet cable. The problem does not occur when the computer is connected to the WiFi network. This article shows what you can do if your computer freezes when an ethernet cable is plugged in.

Computer freezes when Ethernet cable is plugged in

Use the suggestions if your Windows 11/10 computer freezes when an ethernet cable is plugged in.

Preliminary fixes
Run the Network and internet troubleshooter
Update or reinstall the network adapter
Test your RAM
Update BIOS and chipset driver
Reset your network
Restore your system
Hardware fault

All these fixes are explained below in detail:

1] Preliminary fixes

Before proceeding, try some preliminary fixes:

If your computer has more than one ethernet port, connect the ethernet cable to another port and see if your computer freezes this time. If this fixes the issue, your ethernet port is faulty.
The issue may also be associated with your ethernet cable. Replace the cable and see if the issue persists.
The problem may also be with your router. You can check this by connecting another computer to the same router via the ethernet cable.

2] Run the Network and internet troubleshooter

The Network and internet troubleshooter fixes internet-related issues on a Windows computer. Run this troubleshooter. You can also launch this troubleshooter through the Get help app.

3] Update or reinstall the network adapter

One possible cause of this problem is the corrupt network adapter. Reinstalling the network driver can help. Follow the steps provided below:

Open the Device Manager.
Expand the Network adapters branch.
Right-click on your network adapter and select Uninstall device.
Restart your computer.

Windows will automatically install the missing driver on restart. If this does not help, download the latest version of your network driver from the official website of your computer manufacturer and install it manually.

4] Test your RAM

A faulty RAM causes many problems on a computer. Your RAM might be faulty. To confirm this, you can use the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool.

5] Update BIOS and chipset driver

A BIOS update improves hardware compatibility and system stability, so it is necessary. Check if a BIOS update is available. Visit the official website of your computer’s manufacturer and check if a BIOS update is available. If yes, download and install the update.

Note that your computer should have a continuous power supply during the BIOS update process. If you have a laptop, connect it to the charger during the BIOS update even if it is fully charged. Interrupting the power supply during the BIOS update can damage the motherboard. You can check the current version of the BIOS in the System Information app of Windows 11/10.

I also suggest you update the chipset driver to the latest version. You can download its latest version from your computer manufacturer’s official website.

6] Reset your network

You can also try a network reset and see if it helps. A network reset on Windows fixes the network-related issues by reinstalling the network adapters and resetting the networking components to the default. Before performing this action, save your pending work because Windows will restart automatically during the Network Reset.

7] Restore your system

System Restore takes your system to the previous point in time. You can use this tool to fix problems on your computer by restoring it to the previous working state. Restore your system. While performing the System Restore, select the restore point created on the date before which your system was working normally.

8] Hardware fault

If none of these fixes worked, there may be a hardware fault on your computer. The Ethernet port may be faulty or the problem may be with your computer motherboard. Take your computer to a professional computer repair technician for further assistance. If your computer is under warranty, you can contact the manufacturer.

That’s it. I hope this helps.

Why does my computer freeze when using the internet?

There can be many reasons why your computer freezes when using the Internet. The most common cause is a corrupt network card driver. Download the latest version of the network driver from the official website and install it. You can also reset your network.

How to fix the PC ethernet port?

If the ethernet port of your PC is faulty, you cannot fix it. Take your PC to a computer repair shop to get it replaced. However, the problem may be with the network card driver if the ethernet port is not faulty. Moreover, it is also possible that the problem is with your computer motherboard.

Read next: WiFi working but Ethernet not working.