A wired Ethernet connection offers a fast, stable, and dependable network connection for work, gaming, streaming, video conferencing, and other online activities. If you're setting up a new desktop or troubleshooting connectivity issues, the steps below will help you establish the connection, verify that it's working correctly, and resolve common network problems.

Before you begin, confirm that your desktop computer has an Ethernet (RJ-45) port. If it does not, connect a compatible USB-to-Ethernet adapter.

Method 1: Connect the Ethernet Cable

1. Turn on your desktop PC.
2. Locate the Ethernet (RJ-45) port, which is typically found on the back of the computer.
3. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to your computer.
4. Connect the other end of the cable to an available LAN port on your router, modem, network switch, or wall network outlet.
5. Wait a few moments while Windows detects the wired connection automatically.
6. Check the network icon in the Windows taskbar to verify that the Ethernet connection is active. The icon may vary depending on your version of Windows, but it should not display any warning symbols.
7. Open a web browser and visit several websites to make sure your internet connection is working.

Method 2: Verify the Connection in Windows

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select Network & Internet.
3. Click Ethernet.
4. Verify that the connection status shows Connected.
5. Review the connection details, including:
   • IP address
   • Connection speed
   • Network profile
   • DNS server information

Method 3: Test Internet Access

1. Open your preferred web browser.
2. Visit multiple websites to confirm internet access.
3. If the pages do not load, restart the browser and try again.
4. If the problem continues, proceed to the troubleshooting section below.

If your Ethernet connection is unavailable, intermittent, or slower than expected, work through the following troubleshooting steps.

Basic Troubleshooting

1. Make sure the Ethernet cable is securely connected at both ends.
2. Check the activity lights beside the Ethernet port. A solid or blinking light typically indicates an active connection.
3. Try a different Ethernet cable to rule out a faulty cable.
4. Connect the cable to another LAN port on your router or network switch.
5. Restart your desktop PC.
6. Restart your modem and router.
7. Test the same Ethernet cable with another computer to determine whether the issue is with your PC or the network.

Advanced Network Diagnostics

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Check that the Ethernet adapter is enabled and does not display any warning icons.
4. Update or reinstall the network adapter driver if necessary.

Renew the IP Address

If your computer is not receiving a valid network address, renew the IP configuration.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator, then run:

Wait for both commands to complete successfully.

Flush the DNS Cache

If websites are not loading correctly, clear the local DNS cache by running:

Reset the TCP/IP Stack

To restore Windows networking settings to their default configuration, run:

Restart your computer after the command completes.

Review Network Configuration

Display your current network configuration by running:

Verify that your Ethernet adapter has received:

• A valid IP address
• Subnet mask
• Default gateway
• DNS server

Test Network Connectivity

First, test internet connectivity:

Then test DNS resolution:

If the first command succeeds but the second fails, the issue is likely related to DNS resolution.

Reset Windows Network Settings

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Network & Internet.
3. Click Advanced network settings.
4. Select Network reset.
5. Restart your computer after the reset is complete.

• Ensure the Ethernet cable is firmly connected before beginning any troubleshooting.
• Replace damaged or worn Ethernet cables if necessary.
• If your computer does not include an Ethernet port, use a compatible USB-to-Ethernet adapter.
• Administrator privileges may be required to update drivers or reset network settings.
• Restart your computer after updating or reinstalling network drivers.
• If your network uses a static IP address or other custom settings, record the current configuration before performing a network reset.
• Avoid restarting shared networking equipment if other users are actively connected.
• If you are connected to a business or managed network, consult your IT administrator before changing network settings.

Connecting your desktop PC to an Ethernet network provides a reliable, high-performance internet connection for everyday use. If you've completed the connection, verification, and troubleshooting steps and the issue persists, contact Swazzy Support for further assistance with diagnosing and resolving the problem.