If your Ethernet connection shows as active (or even just "connected" without internet access), but nothing actually loads, the cause is most often the cable, the port, an IP configuration issue, or something on the router's side — fewer moving parts than WiFi troubleshooting, which makes this usually quicker to resolve.
Step 1: check the physical connection
- Confirm the cable is firmly plugged in at both ends (computer and router/switch/wall port)
- Check the small status lights on your network port (on your computer, where the cable plugs in) — typically a solid or blinking light indicates an active physical connection; no light at all suggests a cable, port, or hardware issue
- Try a different Ethernet cable if you have one, to rule out a damaged cable
- Try a different port on your router or switch, if available, to rule out a faulty port
Fix 1: release and renew your IP address
- Press Windows key, type
cmd, right-click → Run as administrator - Type
ipconfig /release, press Enter - Type
ipconfig /renew, press Enter - Check if internet access is restored
Fix 2: check that the network adapter isn't disabled
- Go to Settings → Network & internet → Ethernet, or Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings
- Confirm your Ethernet adapter shows as Enabled, not disabled or greyed out
- If disabled, right-click it and select Enable
Fix 3: update the Ethernet adapter driver
- Right-click Start → Device Manager
- Expand Network adapters, find your Ethernet adapter
- Right-click → Update driver → "Search automatically for drivers"
Fix 4: check the actual negotiated link speed
Click your Ethernet connection in Settings and check the reported link speed. If it shows an unexpectedly low speed (or "Unidentified network"), this can point to a cable issue, a port mismatch, or a problem on the switch/router side rather than your computer's configuration.
Fix 5: try the cable on a different device
If you have another computer or device that supports Ethernet, swap the same cable and port over to it. If the other device also can't get internet on the same cable/port, the issue is upstream (cable, port, or router) rather than your original computer.
If it's specifically a "Limited connectivity" message
This specific phrasing means your computer connected to the network but isn't getting proper internet access through it — usually a DHCP or IP addressing issue on the router's side rather than your computer. Try restarting your router, and if that doesn't help, manually setting a static IP address temporarily (matching your router's subnet) can help determine whether it's specifically a DHCP service issue on the router.
If it's affecting multiple wired devices
If several Ethernet-connected devices all lose internet at the same time, the problem is more likely your router, modem, or ISP rather than anything specific to one computer — restart your router and modem (unplug both for 30 seconds, modem first to power back on, then router), and contact your ISP if the issue persists across all wired devices.