Here we are going to discuss one of the most common issues related to WiFi. People are facing the problem that their WiFi is not working while their Ethernet is still working.
However, there is nothing to worry about because besides being a common issue, it has some common solutions too. We have pointed out the perfect solution to this issue for you.
Now, let’s find the causes behind this problem and fix it.

The Reasons Behind the Issue- ‘Why Ethernet is Working but WiFi Not’
As your Ethernet is working, it means the functional settings with the Ethernet cable are all good. Now, the problem is probably with the WiFi settings. Again, there are possibilities that the connection between the LAN and router has some faults.
To identify and fix the issue you need to go through some easy queries step by step.
The Solution to the Problem – ‘Wifi Not Working, but Ethernet Is’
The reasons for having this issue and the way to fix it are described below. The details instructions along with the marked pictures are provided here at your convenience.
1. Router Checkup
To fix this issue, you need to start with the router first. Follow the below instructions step by step.
- Turn your router off, wait for a few minutes, and turn it on again.
- Turn on the physical switch of your router.
- Hard reset your router by pressing and holding the physical little button of your router.
- Connect your PC with the router through an Ethernet cable. If this works, then your router is unable to provide wireless internet. Change the router.
- Update the firmware of your router.
2. Try Troubleshooter from Windows
If the above method fails to fix the problem, then it is your PC that is causing it. Try to find the possible solution and fix automatically using the windows troubleshooter.
- Open Settings by pressing Win + I key.
- Then go to Update & Security.

- After that, click the Troubleshoot from the menu.

- Then go to Additional troubleshooter.

- Next, click Internet Connections.
- Now click on Run the Troubleshooter.

The troubleshooter now will search for the problem and will fix it automatically if it finds any issue that is related to the driver or the windows.
However, if no problems are found and the issue still exists, then it is not related to your system. In this case, try the next method to fix this problem.
3. Domain Name System Flush
Domain Name System (DNS) is the naming system on the web. It can be the reason for this problem as it collects caches and stores those. Clearing cache can fix this problem. You need to flush DNS in this case. But for this, you need to use the command prompt and several commands to process this flush. Follow the steps below to flush your DNS:
- Run the command prompt as Administrator

- Copy and paste the commands below and press enter:
ipconfig / release
ipconfig / renew
- After this, put this command and press enter
ipconfig / flushdns

- Now close the command prompt and reconnect the WiFi
4. IP Stacks and Winsock Reset
Winsock is the core of the communication between your PC and the internet. Resetting Winsock and Protocols (TCP/IP) can clear the blockage between your PC and the internet. To reset the Winsock and IP stacks both IPv4 and IPv6, follow the steps below:
- Open the command prompt as Administrator
- Copy and paste the following command:
netsh Winsock reset the directory
- To reset the IPv4 & IPv6, use these commands:
netsh int ipv4 reset reset.log
netsh int ipv6 reset reset.log
- Close the command prompt and restart your PC
Hopefully, it will fix your problem. If not, then you can try other methods below.
5. Use Another Frequency
The modern router uses dual-band technology. This means you can use any frequency between 2.4GHz and 5GHz. 5GHz band is faster but some PCs can’t adopt this and block the signal flow. You can switch the band to any frequency between 2.4 and 5 and check if the WiFi is working or not.
Also, there are several WiFi channels, you can switch among them. 1,6, and 11 are the best channels to switch.
Here is the instruction to switch the band:
- Go to the control panel and select Network and Internet.

- Now, go to Network and Sharing Center.

- Then, click on Change adapter settings from the menu.

- After that, right-click on Wi-Fi and go to its properties.

- Now, click Configure.

- Here, open the Advanced tab and find WZC IBSS Chanel Number.
- Then, select the Value 11(20MHz).

After doing everything from the steps above, restart your PC. If you found the problem is remaining, then follow the next method.
6. Reinstall Driver
If the methods that are described above fail to fix your problem, then you can try to reinstall your driver to fix this problem. Follow the instructions below to reinstall your driver:
- Open Device Manager by right-clicking on Start.

- Then, open the Network Adapter.
- Now, right-click on Wireless Network Adapter, update it, and restart your PC.
- After that, again go to Wireless Network Adapter and open the properties.
- Next, go to the Details tab and select the Hardware Ids from the dropdown menu.
- Then, copy the first line and search it on your browser.
- From there, download the driver from the official website of OEM support.
- Finally, install the driver and restart your PC.
A Bonus Tip
If you are a laptop user and tried all the above methods that couldn’t fix this issue, then you must try this trick:
One of my colleagues has faced the same problem. He accidentally turned off the WiFi button which was on the right side of his laptop. The problem was solved simply by turning it on. So, if you have any button on the side of your laptop, then press that button to see if it is re-enabling the Wi-Fi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Do I Enable Ethernet Connection?
Enabling Ethernet Connection:
- Go to Settings and click on Network & Security.
- Click on Status > Change adapter option.
- Right-click and enable the option from the network adapter.
How Do I Switch from Ethernet to WiFi?
- Turn the router ON.
- Configure the router.
- Unplug the Ethernet cable from your PC and go to the wireless network.
- Find the wireless network provided by your router and click connect.
- Enter the password and enjoy the WiFi.
Conclusion
You don’t have to be an IT expert to fix the problem related to any issue where the Ethernet works but the WiFi does not. You can fix this problem simply by following a few steps that are mentioned above.
Sometimes this issue is caused by the router. If the router contains any flaw in it, your WiFi won’t work. What you can do in this situation is you may change your router. But if your router is fine then you will surely get a good result by following the described methods.
In case you are unable to fix this issue by following the methods, you need to contact your ISP’s tech support because you have tried all the possible solutions and there is nothing in your hand now.
Thanks for reading. Give us your precious feedback in the comment section below and let us know by which method you will have fixed this problem.
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