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ethernet keeps disabling itself...help!

Anonymous
2021-05-26T11:22:21+00:00

This problem is driving me crazy. I recently bought a new HP Windows 10 laptop. It doesn't have an ethernet jack, so I'm plugging in via a USB adapter, through a USB hub. Problem is, ethernet disables itself periodically, and switches over to wifi. (On my old laptop, ethernet was always on unless I unplugged the cord: that's what I want).

Once it disables itself, it's a serious pain to get it enabled again.  I'll go to Network Settings and see that it's disabled, but clicking "enable" or using the troubleshooter doesn't do anything.  I have to restart, unplug/plug in cables repeatedly....it's so annoying.

The problem is hard to troubleshoot. Obviously, something I'm doing on the internet triggers the problem, but I haven't figured out the logic of it. Sometimes it'll stay stable for a week or so, but the problem always comes back eventually. I googled the problem and found some suggested fixes (update drivers, changing power options for adapter, etc.), but they were useless. Anyway: any idea why this keeps happening, and how to make the problem go away permanently?  (Not sure what additional info you'd need to help me with this.) Thanks.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Internet and connectivity

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-05-26T14:07:54+00:00

    Hi, gramasciTN

    How are you? Welcome to the Microsoft community!

    My name is Juliana, I'm an independent advisor, I'm here to help you in the best possible way.

    1. Click the Windows + X keys and select Device Manager
    2. In the network adapters menu, right click on your PC's ethernet adapter and select Properties.
    3. To open a window, click on Power Management.
    4. Uncheck> Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power <and click OK
    5. Restart your PC and verify that the Ethernet connection

    I'm waiting for news

    Hope this helps!

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  1. Anonymous
    2021-05-26T13:33:43+00:00

    That link tells me to reset my adapter (which you also told me to do: didn't work), and to update my drivers (which, as I said in my OP, does nothing...drivers are already updated).  These are dead ends.

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-05-26T12:56:45+00:00

    Thanks for the reply.  Troubleshooter does nothing, as I said in my OP.  When this happens, I don't lose my internet connection: it just switches over to wifi.  Restarting/resetting the adapter works after a few tries, but the point of my question is: I don't want to have to restart constantly!  I want my PC to stop turning off my ethernet.  If I have to restart ten times a day (as I did this morning, in the latest outbreak of this problem), then the underlying problem hasn't been fixed.

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-05-26T13:24:36+00:00

    I'm sorry if the steps mentioned above didn't work, you can try the methods provided on the link below and see if it works.

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

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  4. Anonymous
    2021-05-26T12:36:41+00:00

    Hi GramsciTN

    I'm Louie, an Independent Advisor and a fellow Windows 10 user like you. Hope you're doing well and safe there. I'm sorry that you're having trouble with your network connection.

    I would suggest first you to run network troubleshooter, use these steps:

    Open Settings.

    Click on Update & Security.

    Click on Troubleshoot.

    Under the "Recommended troubleshooting" section, click the Additional troubleshooters option.

    Under the "Get up and running" section, select the Internet Connections troubleshooter.

    Quick note: On Windows 10 version 1909 and earlier, the option is available within the Troubleshoot page.

    Click the Run the troubleshooter button.

    Select the Troubleshoot my connection to the Internet option.

    Select the Try these repairs as an administrator option (if applicable).

    Continue with the on-screen directions (if applicable).

    After you complete the steps, the troubleshooter will run and fix any connectivity issues.

    If the steps above still doesn't work, reset all the network adapters, use these steps:

    Open Settings.

    Click on Network & Internet.

    Click on Status.

    Under the "Advanced network settings" section, click the Network reset option.

    Click the Reset now button.

    Click the Yes button.

    After you complete the steps, the computer will restart automatically, and on reboot, you should now be able to connect to the internet.

    The tool will reset all the network adapters installed on your computer to their factory defaults, which means that you'll need to re-enter the password to connect to a wireless network. Also, you'll need to reconfigure other networking software, such as VPN clients, if applicable.

    I also would recommend you to follow the solutions provided on the links below and see if it works:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-ph/help/10741/...

    https://www.windowscentral.com/how-regain-inter...

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products often classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

    Hope this helps.

    Sincerely,

    Louie

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