If you want your internet connection to be lightning fast, the first thing to do is to have your Ethernet network properly set up and configured in Windows . Although nowadays almost everyone uses Wi-Fi, to truly take advantage of a 300, 600, or 1.000 Mbps fiber optic connection, a wired connection is still king.
Throughout this article, you'll learn how to connect your PC via Ethernet, configure it in Windows 10 and Windows 11, check the actual speed of your network card, optimize advanced settings (such as TCP/IP and power saving), and even what to look for when buying a new network card if your current one isn't powerful enough. Everything is explained step by step, in clear and straightforward language.
What is an Ethernet network and why use it in Windows?
An Ethernet network is a data connection that uses network cables and physical RJ-45 ports on the computer and router or modem. Unlike Wi-Fi, it doesn't rely on wireless coverage, making it much more stable.
This type of connection is considered fixed and very reliable , perfect for tasks where you can't afford interruptions or speed fluctuations: playing online, making video calls, live streaming, or transferring very large files between computers on the same network (or using a DLNA network ).
With the arrival of fiber optics and speeds of up to 1 Gbps or more , Ethernet has become even more important. Previously, with 20 Mbps ADSL lines, the PC's network card wasn't so critical; today, if your card only supports 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet), you're wasting your money: you're paying for a fast connection that your computer can't take full advantage of.
To get the most out of your fiber connection, you need a Gigabit (10/100/1000) network card . This will allow you to sync at up to 1 Gbps symmetrical with the router. Keep in mind that, in practice, the actual speed will be around 940 Mbps due to protocol headers, but this is perfectly normal.
How to physically connect your PC via Ethernet
The first step is to ensure that your computer and router are properly connected by a network cable in good condition . While it may seem obvious, many speed problems and disconnections stem from an old or improperly plugged-in cable.
To set up the connection, you just need to follow a very simple sequence , valid for any modern version of Windows:
- Locate the computer's Ethernet port.It is usually labeled “LAN” or “Ethernet” and the connector is wider than that of a telephone.
- Connect one end of the cable to the PCmaking sure it "clicks" and is securely attached.
- Connect the other end of the cable to the router or modem., in one of the LAN ports (they are usually numbered and have a network icon).
- Turn on the computer (or wake it up if it was in sleep mode) and wait a few seconds for it to Windows detects the wired network.
In the taskbar, at the bottom right, you'll see a network icon: if everything is properly connected, Windows will display the symbol for an active Ethernet connection with internet access . If it still appears as disconnected, you'll need to check your settings or drivers, which we'll cover later.
Accessing Network and Internet settings in Windows
Everything related to network connections in Windows is centralized in the Network & Internet section of Settings. From there you can view the connection status, change TCP/IP options, check the IP address, activate airplane mode, and much more.
There are two quick ways to access this section, in both Windows 10 and Windows 11:
- From the Start menu: Press Start, type “settings” and enter Settings> Network and Internet.
- From the network iconRight-click on the Network or Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar and choose Network and Internet Settings.
At the top of this window, you'll see the connection status : whether you're connected via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or have no internet access. From here, you can navigate to the different menus you need to fine-tune your wired network.
How to connect to an Ethernet network in Windows 11 step by step
In Windows 11, the wizard for setting up internet connections is located within the Network & Internet settings section , although the initial icon is the same as always.
To create or check a PPPoE wired connection (the typical one where the provider gives you a username and password), you can do the following:
- Right click on the icon Red from the taskbar and select Network and Internet SettingsThe icon may vary depending on whether you are offline, connected to Wi-Fi, or connected via Ethernet.
- In the side menu, enter the section Telephone access.
- Press on Set up a new connection.
- Choose the option Connect to the Internet and click Next.
- Choose Broadband (PPPoE) as a type of connection.
- Enter the username and password that your operator has provided you and tap on Connect.
If everything is working correctly, Windows 11 will show in the Network & Internet status that you have an active wired connection , and the icon will change to Ethernet. From that point on, any application will use that connection to browse the internet.
How to connect to an Ethernet network in Windows 10
In Windows 10 the process is very similar, although the name of some menus changes slightly and it relies more on the Network and Sharing Center.
To set up a PPPoE connection or check the wired connection in Windows 10, follow these steps :
- Right click on the icon Red on the taskbar and choose Open network and Internet settingsIf you don't see the icon, it may be hidden in the upward arrow.
- Within the settings, go to Center network and sharing.
- Press on Set up a new connection or network.
- Choose the option Connect to the Internet and click Next.
- Choose Broadband (PPPoE) as a type of connection.
- Write the your ISP username and password and click on Connect.
When the wizard finishes, the Network Center will display the wired network you just created , and the taskbar icon will update to indicate that you are browsing over Ethernet.
Check IP address and Ethernet connection status
In addition to connecting, it's important to know what data your network card is using: IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and other basic parameters. This is crucial when something isn't working as it should.
To view the IP address in Windows 10 and 11:
- Open the Network and Internet Settings.
- If you're on Wi-Fi, go to Wi-Fi and select the connected network; if you're using a wired connection, go to Ethernet.
- In the block of Propertieslook for the line IPv4 addressThere you will see the IP address your PC has at that moment.
On this same screen you can also see if the connection is configured as a public or private network , the profile type and other useful data to diagnose connectivity problems.
How to view the Ethernet card's sync speed
What you have contracted with your internet provider is one thing, and what your PC is capable of negotiating with the router is another. That figure is called sync speed , and it's what truly determines the performance ceiling of your local network.
To check it from Windows, you have several very simple paths :
- Click the network icon in the taskbar and enter Network and Internet Settings.
- Access the section Change adapter options (In Windows 11, it may appear within Advanced Network Settings).
- Find a Ethernet adapterDouble-click on it and a window will open with the connection details.
- There you will see a field called Speed, where it will normally show 100,0 Mbps or 1,0 Gbps.
If the card and cable are Gigabit and everything is configured correctly, you should see 1,0 Gbps . If it's stuck at 100 Mbps, something is limiting the connection.
- The card only supports Fast Ethernet (10/100).
- El network cable or port The router/PC has a physical problem (bent pins, old Cat5 cable, etc.).
- The card is incorrectly configured in terms of speed and duplex.
You can also check the card's maximum theoretical speed in Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings , where all adapters and their supported speeds are listed.
Configure the Ethernet card to 1 Gbps in Windows
When the hardware is Gigabit compatible, but only syncs at 100 Mbps, the most common cause is an incorrect speed and duplex setting in the card properties.
To change it in Windows , follow these steps:
- Go to Network and Internet Settings and enters Change adapter options.
- Right click on your Ethernet card and click on Properties.
- Inside, look for the button Setup and enter the tab Advanced.
- In the list of properties, locate the parameter Speed and duplex.
- Change it to 1.0 Gbps Full DuplexIf it was at 100 Mbps or some lower fixed value, that was the bottleneck.
After saving the changes, it's a good idea to restart your computer so the network card can re-establish its connection with the router. From then on, if the cable and router port are also Gigabit, you should see a sync speed of 1 Gbps and notice a clear improvement in downloads, uploads, and internal transfers.
Update network card drivers in Windows
Another key point for a wired network to function smoothly is keeping your network card drivers up to date . Outdated drivers can cause disconnections, loss of speed, or incompatibilities after newer versions of Windows.
To update the driver from within the system itself :
- Click the Start button and type Device administratorthen open it.
- Expand the section Network adapters.
- Right-click on your Ethernet card and select Update Driver.
- Choose whether you want Windows to search for the software automatically, or if you already have it downloaded, select the folder where the new driver is located.
If you want to be on the safe side, the best thing to do is visit the official website of your PC or graphics card manufacturer , find your specific model, and download the latest driver. If your computer doesn't have an internet connection, you can use another computer to download the driver and transfer it to a USB drive.
Another option is to check Windows Update , as firmware and network driver updates are often released through this system; it also helps maintain a healthy network infrastructure . Be sure to install everything marked as important or recommended.
If the adapter behaves strangely after an update, you can always go back into Device Manager, right-click on the card and use the Disable and re-enable options , or even uninstall the device so that Windows detects it from scratch after a restart.
Uninstall and reinstall the Ethernet adapter if it stops working
In some cases, after a Windows update or a software conflict, the network connection stops working correctly, and even a driver update doesn't fix it. In that situation, it can be helpful to completely uninstall the network adapter and let Windows reinstall it.
First of all, it is advisable to back up the drivers or have the latest driver downloaded from the manufacturer's website on hand, especially if you suspect that Windows will not recognize it properly on its own.
- Open the Device administrator from the search menu on the taskbar.
- Unfolds Network adapters and locate your Ethernet adapter.
- Right click on it and select Uninstall device. Check the box Try removing the driver for this device if you want a complete cleaning.
- Press on uninstall and wait for the process to finish.
- Restart your computer from the Start menu > Power > Restart.
When you restart, Windows will attempt to automatically detect the adapter and install the appropriate driver. If it doesn't, you'll simply need to manually install the driver you previously saved.
How to switch an Ethernet network between public and private
In Windows 11 and 10, each network you connect to, including Ethernet, can be marked as public or private . This label affects your PC's visibility on the network and your ability to share files and printers.
By default, new connections in Windows 11 are usually marked as public (recommended) , primarily for security reasons. However, you can change this depending on your location:
- Public networkIdeal for places where you don't control who connects (offices, libraries, bars, etc.). The device is hidden from the rest and you can't use it to share resources.
- Private network: designed for trusted home or work networksOther devices can see your PC and share folders or printers.
To change the profile type on an Ethernet network:
- Open the Network and Internet Settings.
- Choose Ethernet and enter the network you're connected to.
- In the section Network profile type, Mark Public o Private as it suits you.
Choosing the right setting helps maintain a balance between security and convenience when sharing resources on the local network.
Modify TCP/IP and DNS settings (DHCP and manual)
The TCP/IP protocol is responsible for how your computer and other devices on your network and the internet communicate. Your router will typically use DHCP to automatically assign IP addresses and DNS servers , which simplifies things considerably.
If you need to renew your IP address or switch between automatic and manual configuration on an Ethernet network:
- Go to the Network and Internet Settings.
- Sign in Ethernet and click on the network you are connected to.
- Find the section IP Assignment and click on Edit.
- Choose between Automatic (DHCP) o Manual.
With the automatic option, the router will assign the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS , which is usually the best option for most users. If you choose manual, you can enter all that information yourself.
In this same section, in the most recent versions of Windows, you can also enable DNS over HTTPS , which encrypts DNS queries to improve privacy. There are three main modes:
- DisabledDNS requests are sent in plain text.
- Activated (automatic template)Windows attempts to discover the correct configuration with the least possible intervention.
- Activated (manual template): You specify the DNS over HTTPS template you want to use.
Additionally, you can choose to allow "plaintext fallback ," meaning that requests will be made unencrypted if HTTPS cannot be used for any reason. Once you have everything configured to your liking, click Save to apply the changes.
Configure data limits and airplane mode
Although data usage is not usually a concern on an Ethernet network, Windows integrates a data limiting system that can also be applied to wired connections, useful if you are connected to some type of metered link.
To set a usage limit on the network you are connected to:
- Open the Network and Internet Settings.
- Select the network (Ethernet) and enter Use of data.
- Press on Enter limitChoose the type of limit (monthly, one-time, etc.), set the value and save.
Windows will warn you when you are close to and exceed that limit, helping to control data consumption on sensitive connections.
Airplane mode , on the other hand , completely disables all wireless communications: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data, NFC, etc. It doesn't affect Ethernet, as it's wired, but you can activate it from the Network, Volume, or Battery icon in the taskbar or from Network & Internet > Airplane mode , using the On/Off switch.
Disable power saving that limits the network card
If you're using a laptop, the system might be throttling network performance to conserve battery. This can cause slow speeds or intermittent disconnections , especially when you're not plugged into a power outlet.
To prevent Windows from turning off or limiting the network adapter :
- Open the Device administrator and unfolds Network adapters.
- Right-click on your Ethernet card and enter Properties.
- Go to the tab Power management.
- Uncheck the box Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
Additionally, you can review the system's power options :
- Enter in the Control Panel > Power Options.
- Press on Change plan settings along with the active plan.
- Click on Change advanced power settings.
- Adjust parameters such as PCI Express Configuration (and, if you use Wi-Fi, the wireless adapter settings) so that they are in Maximum performance.
These changes ensure that the network card is not limited by cost-saving policies , which is especially useful if you have components capable of exceeding gigabit speeds or work with very heavy traffic.
Optimize your network with TCP Optimizer
In addition to standard Windows options, there are external tools such as TCP Optimizer , which allow you to fine-tune the system's network parameters in detail based on the contracted speed.
TCP Optimizer is a free, portable application: it requires no installation ; simply run it as administrator. Once inside, you'll see several sections and a bar where you can indicate your connection speed.
The most important thing is to first select the Network Adapter you want to adjust (in this case, your Ethernet card). Then, the tool offers four basic modes:
- Windows Default: restores the factory settings that Windows sets by default.
- Current: shows the current configuration your system is using.
- Optimal: applies the values considered optimal according to SpeedGuide algorithms for your speed.
- Custom: It lets you modify each parameter manually.
For most users, the most sensible option is Optimal : select this option, adjust the speed slider to your contracted speed, and click Apply Changes . Before doing so, it's a good idea to save a backup of your current settings in case you want to revert them later.
Applying the changes will modify several internal TCP/IP parameters, and you may temporarily lose your connection while they are being updated. When finished, restart your computer to ensure all settings take effect correctly.
Choosing a good network card for your PC
If, after checking the settings, you're still not getting the most out of your connection, the problem might be with the hardware. In that case, you should consider buying a new network card that better suits your needs.
Most common types of network cards
In a desktop PC or even in some miniPCs you can mainly find two formats of expandable network card:
- PCI / PCI Express CardsThey are installed in a slot on the motherboard. They are a semi-permanent solution, designed to stay in place for a long time. Wired models add one or more Ethernet ports; Wi-Fi models include external antennas. They typically offer better performance and lower latency that many USB solutions.
- USB cardsThey connect to a USB port and can be plugged in and unplugged whenever you want. They're very convenient, ideal for laptops or devices where you don't want to open the case. They're usually Wi-Fi adapters, although other types also exist. USB-Ethernet adapters with RJ-45 port.
Before buying, it's a good idea to check what kind of slots and ports you have available and what type of connection best suits your intended use.
What features to look for
Beyond the format, there are several key points you should review before deciding on a specific model:
- Connection typeIf you're looking for maximum stability and low latency for online gaming, streaming, or large file transfers, the ideal solution is a Ethernet card for wired connectionIf you need mobility around your home or office, then you should look at a good Wi-Fi card.
- Maximum speedToday, the minimum recommended is one Gigabit Ethernet (10 / 100 / 1000)For Wi-Fi, check the standard (802.11n, 802.11ac, Wi-Fi 6, etc.) and the theoretical speed it supports. The higher the speed, the better it will handle current fiber optic internet plans.
- Physical interface: make sure your motherboard has PCIe free If you choose an internal card, or if you have USB 3.0 or higher ports if you opt for an external adapter that requires a lot of bandwidth.
- Security (on Wi-Fi)If you're going to use the card for wireless networks, check that it's compatible with at least WPA2 and, if possible, with WPA3to have modern and secure encryption.
- Expected useFor normal home use, a balanced card is sufficient, but in professional environments, servers, or demanding gaming rigs, a higher-end card is recommended. top-of-the-range card with improved queue management, remote control, VLAN, etc.
- BudgetTry to find a good balance between quality and price. There's no point in investing in an expensive card if your connection is basic or if you're not going to use its advanced features.
Choosing the right card from the start prevents you from having to change it after a few months because it falls short, and you'll notice the difference in both speed and connection stability.
10G network cards and very high-speed networks
For environments where gigabit speeds are insufficient, there are Ethernet network cards capable of reaching 10 Gbps (10G) . These solutions are designed to handle very heavy data traffic , such as large volumes of video, virtual machines, or massive backups.
10G cards are typically found in data centers, businesses, and organizations that require a very fast internal network, rather than in home environments. 10G cards can work with both fiber optic and copper cable , although fiber optic solutions generally offer greater reliability and bandwidth at a higher price.
These cards are more expensive than conventional Gigabit cards, but over time their price has been decreasing and there are increasingly more affordable models for those who need to set up a very powerful internal network (for example, between an advanced NAS and a video editing computer).
When is it advisable to add or change the network card
Although most modern motherboards already include an integrated Gigabit Ethernet card, there are situations where installing an additional card makes a lot of sense.
A typical example is when you build your own PC and choose a motherboard without Wi-Fi. If you then want to connect the computer wirelessly, you'll need a dedicated network card (PCIe or USB). Another reason is wanting to improve performance compared to the integrated card, whether in speed, stability, or configuration options.
For demanding gamers, a good network card can help reduce latency and improve stability compared to the basic solutions offered by the motherboard. Furthermore, some include management software that allows prioritizing game or streaming traffic over other applications.
It is also advisable to add a more advanced card when you need to send large amounts of data continuously , such as in high-quality live broadcasts or when working with servers and NAS that share many large files.
Having network hardware that can keep up with your connection and internal installations makes the difference between a network that "just works" and a network that gets the most out of everything your ISP and devices can offer , avoiding bottlenecks and stability problems on a daily basis.
