Computer doesn't recognize Ethernet cable (Windows)

Maybe this is a temporary issue which should be resolved after you restart the computer.

If your computer doesn't recognize ethernet cables, it is possible that the network card/adapter (or Ethernet) is disabled.

If you are not sure how to enable it, check out the don't know how to enable/disable the network adapter solutions to learn how to enable the network card/adapter.

Maybe the network card is disabled in the Device manager. In order to enable it, follow the steps below:

1. Go to the start menu and type Device Manager (in the search box - If you use Windows 7)
2. Expand the Network adapters section and locate the network card.
3. Right-click on the network card and select Enable.

If the computer's Ethernet port is dirty, it won't detect the Ethernet cable you plugged in. All you need to do is to take a small piece of cotton (or a cotton bud), pour some isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol on it and clean the Ethernet port.

If you don't have the appropriate network card driver installed in your computer, the ethernet port won't work, i.e. your computer won't recognize the ethernet cable which is plugged in it. All you need to do is to to install the appropriate driver and the problem should be resolved.

If you don't know how to find, download and install appropriate drivers, check out the don't know how to download and install drivers guide.