Windows 10: Ethernet connection repeatedly disconnects and reconnects

To answer your questions,

1. The entire problem is that the Ethernet does not work on my desktop computer.

2. HP model 550-a114.

3. There are no issues with internet speed on my laptop and the Ethernet works on my laptop.

4. No error message.  When I plug in the Ethernet cable, it connects for a moment, then disconnects and reconnects over and over.  It never stays connected.

5. I uninstalled both the WIFI and Ethernet drivers.  When I rebooted the computer, it reinstalled them on it's own and I still face the same issue.

I've run every troubleshooting possible with nothing found.

I just don't understand why there could be a problem connecting Ethernet with a new computer.

Hello Susan,

Thanks for the information.

Please answer the below questions to assist you better.

1. Are you using any third party security program?

2. Are you facing this issue since you started using your new desktop computer?

If you are facing this issue since the first time you started using the system, this problem might be related to hardware as well. However let’s try the troubleshooting steps to eliminate any software issue.

After uninstalling the network drivers don’t restart the system as it installs the default drivers, you may install the drivers from the manufacturer’s website and check.

If the issue still persists, if you have installed any third party security software, I suggest you to temporarily disable them and check.

Disclaimer: Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you shouldn't disable your antivirus software. If you have to temporarily disable it to install other software, you should re-enable it as soon as you're done. If you're connected to the Internet or a network while your antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks. 

Hope the information helps. Do reply if you need further assistance.

Thank you.

Hello, Susan.  I am having the exact same issue that you stated here.  Did you ever find a solution for it?

Someone suggested I try a USB to ethernet adapter.  If the enthernet worked that way, then it would confirm that the onboard NIC was bad and the replacement would be covered under warranty.  HP agreed and sent me a box to ship my computer to be repaired.  However, I was uncomfortable sending my computer off, so I've just kept using the adapter.  I've had it for months and not one connection issue.

My Ethernet connecting/disconnecting all the time drove me insane. I use windows 10/home.

This is how I eventually solved it:

• Right click the Start icon.
• Select Device Manager.
• Select Network adapters.
• Right click on  your Ethernet controller (Mine is Realtek PCle FE Family controller)
• Right click on Properties
• Click on Advanced
• Under Property click on Speed & Duplex
• Under Value you will probably find Auto Negotiation, replace it with 100 Mbps Half Duplex
• Click OK
• Close Device Manager

That did it for me.

ChristianRC,

I had to exchange my cable modem because the wifi was having connections issues. They gave me a different modem than I had and said it was the newest modem they are using now(even though I had only had my service installed 1 month earlier). The new modem would not work connected via the ethernet cable with my windows 10 laptop just constantly disconnect and reconnect. I called my ISP and they wanted to send a technician out which would likely result in me having to pay money or exchange the modem again. I went back to their store and exchanged it again only to come back home to the same problem. I reinstalled the NIC drivers and even reformatted and reinstalled windows. After the windows install it worked for about 15 minuted then right back to the same problem! I hooked the cable to my other laptop which has windows 7 and it works just fine. I found an article that said to turn off the power option that allows the computer to turn off the NIC during low power. That didn't help either. I was about ready to get rid of the computer when I found this article. This was such a simple fix and I thank you so much for posting this.