Hi Waqar Zafar,
Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A Forum. I understand that your Windows 11 PC shows “Ethernet cable is not plugged in” even after changing cables, resetting network settings, and restarting the router, and you are also seeing a DirectAccess-related message during troubleshooting.
Please make sure you already tried the Q&A Assist steps. I’d like to narrow this down a bit to better understand the scope:
1, Does the Ethernet adapter appear in Device Manager without any warning icon, or is it missing entirely?
2, Are you using a desktop PC with a built‑in Ethernet port or a USB Ethernet adapter?
In the meantime, you can try these steps:
1, Check Ethernet status in BIOS or UEFI
- Restart the PC and enter BIOS or UEFI setup
- Look for onboard devices or network settings
- Make sure the onboard LAN or Ethernet option is enabled
- Save changes and restart Windows
2, Power drain the system
- Shut down the PC completely
- Unplug the power cable from the PC
- If it is a laptop, also disconnect the battery if possible
- Hold the power button for 30 seconds
- Reconnect power and start the PC
3, Reinstall the Ethernet adapter
- Open Device Manager
- Expand Network adapters
- Right‑click the Ethernet adapter and select Uninstall device
- Restart the PC and allow Windows to reinstall the driver automatically
4, Check Ethernet port activity
- Plug the Ethernet cable into the PC and router
- Check if the Ethernet port LEDs turn on or blink
- If there are no lights at all, this may indicate a hardware or firmware‑level issue
5, Disable DirectAccess detection
- Open Control Panel
- Go to Network and Internet
- Open Network and Sharing Center
- Select Change adapter settings
- Right‑click the Ethernet adapter and select Disable
- Wait a few seconds, then Enable it again
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