Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Start with Windows Update. If it does not install a suitable Ethernet driver, download the driver for your exact PC or network adapter from its manufacturer and install it through Device Manager. If the PC is offline, download the package on another device and transfer it by USB.
Choose the right installation route
| Route | Use it when | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Update | The PC can connect to the internet and Windows Update offers a compatible driver. | Internet access; some driver updates may need to be selected under optional updates. Microsoft’s Windows Update guidance |
| Manufacturer package through Device Manager | Windows Update did not find a suitable driver, or you need to install it on an offline PC. | The exact PC or adapter model and a driver compatible with its Windows version and architecture. For an offline PC, use another connected device and USB storage. Microsoft’s Ethernet troubleshooting guidance and Device Manager instructions |
Install through Windows Update
- Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates. If View optional updates appears, open it and review the available driver updates. Select one only if it matches your Ethernet hardware; optional driver updates are not installed automatically.
- Install the update and restart if prompted. If no compatible driver appears, use the manufacturer-package method below. Microsoft explains Windows Update’s recommended and optional driver updates.
Download and install the manufacturer’s driver
Identify the exact hardware
For Ethernet built into a laptop or desktop, start at the PC maker’s official support site and find the support page for the exact model. For a separately installed network card or USB Ethernet adapter, use that adapter’s manufacturer and exact model. Check that the download supports your Windows 10 version and system architecture. A package labeled “Ethernet” is not necessarily compatible with your hardware.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Install the downloaded package
- Download the Ethernet or LAN driver from the manufacturer’s official support page. If the package is compressed, extract it to a folder you can find again.
- Open Device Manager and expand Network adapters. Locate the Ethernet adapter. If its driver is missing, it may appear under another name; Intel notes that an undriven Intel device can appear as “Ethernet Controller” with a yellow exclamation mark. That label is an Intel-specific clue, not a universal name. Intel’s manual network-driver installation guidance
- Right-click the target device and select Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers.
- Browse to the folder containing the downloaded or extracted driver, select it, and continue through the prompts.
- Restart if Windows asks, then check whether the wired connection works.
The correct package depends on the installed hardware; do not choose a driver solely by matching a generic device name.
Recommended: Update Every Outdated Driver on Your PC in One Scan - Free →Recommended: PC Feels Slow? A Free Scan Shows What's Dragging Windows Down →Recommended: Crashes or Glitches? A Free Driver Scan Usually Finds the Culprit →
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Install the driver when the PC has no internet
- On another internet-connected computer, identify the offline PC’s exact make and model—or the exact model of its separate Ethernet adapter.
- Download the matching driver from the manufacturer’s official support site.
- Copy the package to a USB flash drive, connect the drive to the offline PC, and copy or extract the package to a known folder.
- Use Device Manager’s Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers path to select that folder, then follow the prompts.
Microsoft specifically recommends downloading the driver on another PC and saving it to USB when the affected computer cannot connect. Keep the package until the Ethernet connection is working. Microsoft: Fix Ethernet connection problems in Windows
#1 Best Overall
Sale
TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter,Support Nintendo Switch,1Gbps,Plug and Play | Gigabit RJ45 to USB A 3.0 Network Adapter, Foldable & Portable Design, Compatible w/ Windows, macOS, & Linux(UE306)
- 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐒𝐁 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 - UE306 is a USB 3.0 Type-A to RJ45 Ethernet adapter that adds a reliable wired network port to your laptop, tablet, or Ultrabook. It delivers fast and stable 10/100/1000 Mbps wired connections to your computer or tablet via a router or network switch, making it ideal for file transfers, HD video streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing.
- 𝐔𝐒𝐁 𝟑.𝟎 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬- Powered via USB 3.0, this adapter provides high-speed Gigabit Ethernet without the need for external power(10/100/1000Mbps). Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1, it ensures reliable performance across a wide range of devices.
- 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡- Easily connect your Nintendo Switch to a wired network for faster downloads and a more stable online gaming experience compared to Wi-Fi.
- 𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲- No driver required for Nintendo Switch, Windows 11/10/8.1/8, and Linux. Simply connect and enjoy instant wired internet access without complicated setup.
- 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲- Supports Nintendo Switch, PCs, laptops, Ultrabooks, tablets, and other USB-powered web devices; works with network equipment including modems, routers, and switches.
If Ethernet still does not work
- Check that the Ethernet cable is firmly connected to both the PC and router. If possible, try a cable or router port known to work.
- Check whether another device can connect to the same network. If it also fails, the problem may be with the cable, router, or network service rather than the PC’s driver.
- If the problem started after a recent update, consider reinstalling the adapter driver. First download or preserve the correct manufacturer package so it is available if Windows cannot restore a working driver.
- In Device Manager, uninstall the Ethernet adapter and restart the PC. Windows will try to reinstall a driver; if it does not, install the saved manufacturer package using the manual browse steps above. Microsoft documents adapter reinstall and other Ethernet troubleshooting steps.
Windows 10 support status
Microsoft says Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft no longer provides free software updates through Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Driver availability can still depend on the PC or adapter manufacturer, so confirm support for your exact model rather than assuming a new driver will be available. Microsoft’s driver guidance and Windows 10 support notice.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When an Ethernet port is missing
If the computer has no Ethernet port, a USB-to-Ethernet adapter is one option. Check compatibility with the PC and whether the adapter needs its own driver. It is not a remedy for a missing driver when the computer already has working Ethernet hardware. Microsoft’s Ethernet troubleshooting guidance.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2
Best Value
![BENFEI USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter, USB C to RJ45 Gigabit LAN (1000Mbps) Network Adapter, Compatible with MacBook/Pro/Air, Surface Pro, Windows 11/10/8/7, Mac OS [Aluminium Shell&Nylon Cable]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41fk9DHmdwL._SL160_.jpg)
BENFEI USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter, USB C to RJ45 Gigabit LAN (1000Mbps) Network Adapter, Compatible with MacBook/Pro/Air, Surface Pro, Windows 11/10/8/7, Mac OS [Aluminium Shell&Nylon Cable]
- COMPACT DESIGN - The compact-designed portable BENFEI USB A/C to Ethernet adapter connects your computer or tablet to a router,modem or network switch for network connection. It adds a standard RJ45 port to your Ultrabook, notebook or Macbook Air for file transferring, video conferencing, gaming, and HD video streaming.
- SUPERIOR STABILITY - Built-in advanced IC chip works as the bridge between RJ45 Ethernet cable and your USB A/C devices. The driver-free installation with native driver support in Chrome, Mac, and Windows OS; The USB A/C Ethernet adapter dongle supports important performance features including Wake-on-Lan (WoL), Full-Duplex (FDX) and Half-Duplex (HDX) Ethernet, Crossover Detection, Backpressure Routing, Auto-Correction (Auto MDIX).
- INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE - Supports full 10/100/1000Mbps gigabit ethernet performance over USB A/C's 5Gbps bus, faster and more reliable than most wireless connections. Link and Activity LEDs. USB powered, no external power required. Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1.✅ To reach 1Gbps, make sure to use CAT6 & up Ethernet cables.
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY - The USB A/C-Ethernet adapter is compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Mac OSX 10.6/10.7/10.8/10.9/10.10/10.11/10.12, Linux kernel 3.x/2.6, Android and Chrome OS.Compatible with IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u and IEEE 802.3ab. Supports IEEE 802.3az (Energy Efficient Ethernet).❌Do Not Support Windows RT. (NOT compatible with Nintendo Switch.)
- 18 MONTH WARRANTY - Exclusive BENFEI Unconditional 18-month Warranty ensures long-time satisfaction of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely.
Rank #4
Sale
Anker USB C to Ethernet Adapter, Portable 1 Gbps Network Hub
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 65 million+ powered by our leading technology.
- Instant Internet: Connect to the internet instantly from virtually any USB-C 3.0 device, and enjoy stable connection speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
- Lightweight and Compact: The space-saving and portable design measures just over half an inch thick and weighs about the same as a AA battery.
- Premium Build: Features a sleek aluminum exterior and braided-nylon cable to complement the design of high-end devices.
- What You Get: PowerExpand USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, welcome guide, 18-month worry-free warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #3
USB A/C to Ethernet Adapter, 3xUSB3.0 and 1000M RJ45 Network hub for Laptop
- [Expansion Ports] The USB C to Ethernet Adapter expands the device to three USB 3.0 ports and one Gigabit Ethernet port. Provides you more peripheral ports while maintaining a stable network connection, plug and play, no driver required.
- [Gigabit Network Port] ALL-LUCKY USB Ethernet Adapter transmission rate up to 1000Mbps, also compatible with 10/100Mbps bandwidth. It allows you to enjoy a smooth and stable network connection and avoid too much lag. (Note: To reach 1Gbps, please use CAT6 or above Ethernet cable connection)
- [Convertible Connector]This usb hub with ethernet not only has USB-A connector, but also can be converted to USB-C connector, so that you can easily convert the connector according to the device port, improve the convenience of use.
- [High-Speed Data Transfer] The usb to ethernet adapter adopts USB 3.0 transmission technology, supports up to 5Gbps transmission rate, and is compatible with USB 2.0(480Gbps),USB 1.0(12Mbps), easily transfer video, files and other data for you in seconds. (Note: Maximum output current is 900mA, does not support charging devices.)
- [Widely Compatible]The usb c ethernet adapter for iMac, MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, XPS and many other devices. Compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8, Mac OS, iPad OS, Chrome OS.（Note: Driver is required on Win 7） It can be used in office, school, library and other occasions, compact and portable, easy to carry around.
Rank #2
Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Internet Adapter, Compatible with Windows and macOS, Black
- Connects a USB 3.0 device (computer/laptop) to a router, modem, or network switch to deliver Gigabit Ethernet to your network connection. Does not support Smart TV or gaming consoles (e.g.Nintendo Switch).
- Supported features include Wake-on-LAN function, Green Ethernet & IEEE 802.3az-2010 (Energy Efficient Ethernet)
- Supports IPv4/IPv6 pack Checksum Offload Engine (COE) to reduce Cental Processing Unit (CPU) loading
- Compatible with Windows 8.1 or higher, Mac OS
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
