If you are getting Network cable unplugged error on Windows 11/10 in the Network Connections panel, here are some tips to fix the issue. It may appear due to various reasons, and some possible causes and solutions are mentioned here.
If your wired internet connection is causing issues or not working, you may enable or disable the adapter to troubleshoot the problem. When this happens, you may see a red X mark on the network icon. However, when diagnosing, if you receive a message stating ‘Network cable unplugged,’ you may not be able to access the internet.
Fix Network cable unplugged error on Windows 11/10
To fix Network cable unplugged error on Windows 11/10, follow these steps:
- Verify cable
- Verify Ethernet ports
- Re-enable network adapter
- Disconnect external Wi-Fi adapter
- Run Network Adapter troubleshooter
- Change Speed & Duplex
- Reset network adapter
To learn more about these steps in detail, continue reading.
1] Verify cable
It is probably the first thing you need to check before heading to the next step. If you have a faulty cable, you cannot fix this problem anyway. Therefore, you need to verify if the cable is in working condition or not. For that, you can connect this cable to another Wi-Fi router or computer and check if you can access the internet or not. If yes, go ahead with the next step. Otherwise, you have to replace the cable.
2] Verify Ethernet ports
At times, dust can cause this issue on your computer, and you end up checking everything except the port. There may be other reasons why your Ethernet ports are not functioning. However, you can verify that by connecting your computer to another Wi-Fi router with another internet source and cable.
It is recommended to check the Ethernet port of your CPU and the Wi-Fi router. If either of them has an issue, you won’t be able to access the internet on your computer.
3] Re-enable network adapter
You can enable or disable the network adapter or port on your computer using the in-built options. For that, you have to follow these steps:
- Press Win+R to open the Run prompt.
- Type ncpa.cpl and hit the Enter button.
- Right-click on your Ethernet connection.
- Select the Disable option.
- Again right-click on the Ethernet adapter and select the Enable option.
Now check if you can access the internet on your computer or not.
4] Disconnect external Wi-Fi adapter
If you have an external Wi-Fi adapter installed on your computer, it is better to disconnect it and check the Ethernet connection. At times, Wi-Fi and wired network can create conflict on Windows 11/10. That is why it is better to unplug the Wi-Fi dongle and check if you can get back your Ethernet connection or not.
5] Run Network Adapter troubleshooter
Troubleshooters help you fix common issues within moments on Windows 11/10. If there are some internet problems in the network adapter, you can fix them by running the Network Adapter troubleshooter. For that, you can do the following:
- Press Win+I to open the Windows Settings.
- Go to System > Troubleshoot if you are using Windows 11.
- Go to Update & security > Troubleshoot if you are using Windows 10.
- Click on the Other troubleshooters menu.
- Find out the Network Adapter troubleshooter and click the Run button.
- Follow the screen instructions.
It displays possible causes and solutions so that you can get rid of Network cable unplugged error on Windows 11/10.
6] Change Speed & Duplex
If you have recently changed the Speed & Duplex setting for your Ethernet connection, and the problem has started after that, you need to revert the change. In case you do not remember the default setting, you can reach out to your ISP or set it as Auto Negotiation. For that, do the following:
- Press Win+R, type ncpa.cpl and press the Enter button.
- Right-click on the Ethernet and select the Properties option.
- Switch to the Advanced tab.
- Find out the Speed & Duplex option.
- Choose Auto Negotiation from the drop-down list.
Restart your computer and check if the problem has been resolved or not.
7] Reset network adapter
By resetting the network adapter, you can restore your Ethernet connection to its original state. If there is file or driver corruption, this step may be helpful for you.
That’s all! Hope these solutions helped. However, if you are still getting some issues, it is better to call the ISP.
What action should you take if you are unable to connect to the network due to unplugged or loose cable?
If you are unable to connect to the network due to an unplugged or loose cable, check if the cable and port are functioning correctly. At times, restarting the router could also solve the Network cable unplugged issue on Windows 11/10.
What is a network cable on laptop?
The network cable is the Ethernet cable that you use to get internet access from the Wi-Fi router on a laptop. In fact, the meaning of network cable is almost the same on a desktop as well as laptop computers running Windows operating system.
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