It’s common knowledge that Ethernet connections are better, faster, and more stable than wireless connections. An ethernet connection is more reliable because it’s insulated from interference and crosstalk, so it’s not affected by the presence of physical objects.
However, an Internet connection is susceptible to technical and hardware-related problems. Mainly, these issues arise from the motherboard ethernet port.
If you have an MSI motherboard Ethernet that’s not working, you can seek alternative methods to solve it rather than opting for a USB ethernet adapter.
Follow this article along so you can fully understand the reasons your MSI motherboard Ethernet port is not working and proven methods to fix it.
MSI Motherboard Ethernet Not Working: Causes
If your MSI motherboard is electrostatic-sensitive, there’s a chance the port will malfunction because of built-up static charges within it. It’s also possible the cable stress can break down the motherboard connectors. Beyond these reasons, below are some possible causes of your MSI motherboard ethernet not working:
- Bad power output from the network adapter
- Driver problem
- Defective network card
- Interference from security software
- Stress on the port
- Incorrect BIOS settings
- Wrong network cache
MSI Motherboard Ethernet Not Working: DIY Fixes
Since there are many possible reasons for this problem, the troubleshooting methods are many as well. The definitive fix may differ across individuals. However, we’ve provided below proven fixes to this problem. Ensure you follow along till you find the one that works for you.
1. Check Ethernet Port
This method is probably the most obvious. You must scrutinize your motherboard ethernet port to be sure it’s working correctly. Inspect for physical damages and check whether it’s not broken or imperfect. Typically, the port can break down by a specific amount of stress, especially when you insert the LAN cable forcefully.
Therefore reconnect the cable and inspect if the port is high-end or not. If it does, that indicates a functioning port. You can try to use your cable to connect to the internet on a different computer. If it doesn’t connect, then you can decide your cable is faulty.
2. Check Network Interface Card
The network interface serves as a mediator between the internet and your cable. It receives any request you make when surfing the web before being converted into electric impulses. If your network card is not working well, you’ll definitely have difficulty connecting to the internet.
Follow the steps below to scrutinize if the network card is working correctly.
- Press Windows key + R to start the run command box
- Input cmd and run it as an administrator by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Enter
- Enter the keywords below:
ping 127.0.0.1
cmd_ping
If no error prompt displays, the network card is not bad.
3. Enable Ethernet Connection
You need to check if you’ve enabled the Ethernet connection also. It might sound simple, but if the ethernet connection is disabled, it will not work. You may have disabled it by mistake during the confusion stage. You can check the status of the ethernet connection as follows:
- Press Win+R to start the Run command box.
- Input “devmgmt.msc” and press the Enter button
- The keyword will open the Device Manager. From the menu, expand the Network Adapters section
- Locate the Ethernet network device and Right-click on it.
- Click on Enable device
If you have enabled it already, read along to find out the following troubleshooting tips.
4. Use The Network Troubleshooter
Your computer windows have a network troubleshooter option that can help diagnose problems. The windows network troubleshooter automatically scans for, detects, and solves specific issues related to the internet connection. Hence, if you can’t find the proper fixes for the problem, you can employ the network troubleshooter to help you. Follow the steps below:
- Press Win + I to start the Settings menu
- Choose System from the left panel
- Select Troubleshoot, then click on Other troubleshooters
- Select Run that’s near the Network Adapter
- When prompted, select your Ethernet connection and follow other on-screen instructions to complete the process.
The network troubleshooter on windows will automatically fix the problem. If it can’t, continue with the troubleshooting steps provided below
5. Disable Antivirus Or Security Software
It’s not every security software that’s compatible with a broadband connection. Some can block the information communication between the network and your system. Consequently, inevitable glitches will occur within your computer, preventing the motherboard ethernet from working correctly.
When your system is not receiving the network signal, it can affect the ethernet port also. So, you can try to disable the Antivirus or other third-party security software on your laptop in the hope of fixing the problem. You’ll find the antivirus software on your computer on the Windows taskbar’s system tray. Just right-click on it and select Disable to turn it off.
6. Update The Network Driver
An outdated driver can cause your motherboard ethernet port not to recognize the network adapter. It’s crucial to install the latest network driver to eradicate this problem. A new update can incorporate fresh system patches on your computer so your ethernet port will function effectively.
This process is even more critical if your ethernet port usually works on an older system but doesn’t work on a newer motherboard. You will need an internet connection to update the network driver, so connect to WiFi before starting the process. You can update the network driver with the steps below:
- Press Win+R to start the Run command box
- Input devmgmt.msc and press Enter button to open the Device manager option
- Expand the Network adapters section
- Locate your Ethernet driver and Right Click on it
- Choose Update Driver and click on Search automatically when prompted
- The option will browse and automatically install the latest built network driver
Reboot your computer and retry the connection. Alternatively, you can visit your driver manufacturer’s website to download it, then install it.
7. Reset Network Settings
Resetting network settings can fix specific connection issues related to WiFi and ethernet connections. It will erase all the internet and network-related data saved on your computer. So, any error or corrupted network configuration that’s hindering the ethernet connection will be fixed. You can reset the network settings as follow:
- Press Windows + I key to open the settings
- From the left panel, click on Network & Internet
- Select Advanced Network Settings, then choose Network reset
- Select Reset Now and let the process run
After the reset is completed, reboot your computer before trying the connection again.
8. Contact Manufacturer’s Support
If you can’t find a solution to the ethernet connection problem after trying all the fixes we provided in this article, try to contact your Manufacturer’s Support for further diagnosis.