Ethernet connected but no internet, explained and fixed
The Ethernet connection shows as connected, yet no website loads. A wired link that is up but useless usually means the router or the internet service is down, DNS is failing, or the cable is only partly working.
The fix, in order
Check other devices. If Wi-Fi devices also have no internet, the router or the service is down, not the PC. Restart the modem and router.
Check the cable and port. Reseat the cable at both ends, try a different cable, and try a different port on the router. Watch for the port lights.
Release and renew the IP address. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew, followed by ipconfig /flushdns.
Try a different DNS server. In the adapter's IPv4 properties, set the DNS servers to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 and test again. If names still do not resolve, check them with the DNS lookup tool.
Disable Wi-Fi temporarily. If Wi-Fi and Ethernet are both on, Windows can route traffic the wrong way. Turn Wi-Fi off and test the wired connection alone.
Reset the network stack. In an admin Command Prompt, run netsh winsock reset and netsh int ip reset, then restart.
A cable that looks fine can still be faulty inside. If the port lights flicker or stay dark, suspect the cable before changing any settings.
If it still happens
If wired internet fails on this PC only, update the Ethernet driver from the computer maker's site and try a different cable and port. If every device is affected, the fault is with the router or the internet service, so contact the provider.
Common questions
Why does Ethernet say connected but have no internet? Connected only means the cable link to the router is up. Internet access needs the router to have a working connection to the provider, plus working IP and DNS, and any of those can fail while the cable link stays up.
Should I use Ethernet or Wi-Fi? Ethernet is faster and more stable when a cable is practical, because it avoids interference and distance problems. Wi-Fi is better when you need to move around.