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Network - Troubleshoot Wired/Ethernet

Network - Troubleshoot Wired/Ethernet

Problem

The computer has connectivity problems such as no network through a cable, no internet while plugged in, or a dock that does not pass the network connection through.

Save your work before restarting the computer or dock.

If several people in the same area have the same problem, the issue may be with the office network.

If you are using a docking station, the problem may be with the dock, the cable, or the wall jack.

Solution

Check the cable and dock

  1. Make sure the network cable is fully connected. Check both ends of the cable.

  2. If you use a dock, reconnect it. Unplug it, wait a few seconds, then connect it again.

  3. Try another cable or another network port if one is available.

  4. Restart the computer. After Windows starts again, test the connection.

See whether the problem is everything or just one app

  1. Open a different website.

  2. Try another browser.

  3. Open another work app such as Outlook or Teams.

Run the Windows troubleshooter

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

  3. Run Network and Internet. Follow the prompts on the screen.

Try these Windows fixes

  1. Install Windows updates. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.

    1. Click on Advanced Options > Optional updates and select all available updates. Then check for updates again.

      image-20260325-203944.png

  2. If IT asks you to, use Network reset. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset, then restart the PC.

Reset the Ethernet adapter

  1. Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings.

    image-20260325-203629.png

  2. Select your Ethernet adapter and choose Disable.

  3. Wait 10 seconds, then choose Enable.

  4. Test the connection again.

Do not restart shared office switches, wall equipment, or other network hardware unless IT tells you to do so.

When to contact Helpdesk

  • The cable connection still does not work after these steps.

  • Multiple users in the same office area are affected.

  • The network only works on Wi-Fi but not through the cable or dock.

  • You believe the wall jack, cable, or dock is faulty.

  • Your VPN, shared drives, printers, or internal apps still do not work.

What to tell Helpdesk

If you still need help, include the details below in your ticket or chat message.

  • Connection type: Wi-Fi or Ethernet

  • Location: Office or remote

  • What is not working: All websites, Outlook only, shared drive only, and so on

  • Exact error message: Copy the full message or attach a screenshot

  • Other devices: Say whether your phone or another computer works on the same network

  • VPN status: Connected, disconnected, or failing

  • What you already tried: Restarted PC, reconnected, ran troubleshooter