Fix Unidentified Network on Ethernet

Problem overview

When you plug an Ethernet cable into your PC, the network icon in the system tray shows a yellow warning triangle. The connection status reads “Unidentified Network” and you have no internet access.

Common causes

• The router’s DHCP server has stopped handing out IP addresses
• The Ethernet cable is physically damaged or loosely connected
• Corrupted network adapter drivers
• A static IP address configured for a different network

Solution 1: Release and renew your IP address

1. Open the Start Menu, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Type the following command to release your current IP configuration:

   ipconfig /release

3. Type the following command to request a new IP from the router:

   ipconfig /renew

4. Check if the network is now identified.

Solution 2: Reinstall the Ethernet driver

1. Press Windows Key + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Network adapters section.
3. Right-click your Ethernet controller (e.g., Realtek PCIe GbE Family Controller) and select Uninstall device.
4. Check the box to Attempt to remove the driver for this device if prompted, and confirm.
5. Restart your computer. Windows will automatically detect the adapter and install a fresh driver on boot.

Solution 3: Check for static IP misconfigurations

1. Press Windows Key + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Right-click your Ethernet adapter and select Properties.
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
4. Ensure both Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are selected.
5. Click OK to save.

Solution 4: Disable IPv6 temporarily

1. In the Ethernet adapter Properties window, scroll down the list of items.
2. Uncheck the box for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
3. Click OK.
4. Wait 10 seconds and see if the IPv4 network identifies itself.