Ethernet Network Adapter Disconnects During High Usage – How to Fix

ethernetinternetnetworkingwindowswindows 10

My internet keeps randomly disconnecting throughout the day. Its a Dell (Windows 10 – Dell Precision 5770) with Network Adapter: Realtek USB Gbe Family Controller Ethernet. I tried these steps below, no resolution yet:

One thing I noticed, everytime the internet randomly disconnects, I go to Device Manager, and notice the Realtek Network Adapter has totally disappeared from the list (with no option to reenable, even after finding it in Hidden devices). It happens during high internet usage, with many Chrome tabs, and during Zoom calls.

I have to go through these two steps in this order to bring back internet.

  1. Restart Computer
  2. and then Restart Modem Router. ( I do restart modem by unplugging/plugging back in).

If the ethernet disconnects, Restarting the Modem won't work. Neither will Restarting Computer work. It has two be those two steps above in that specific order. I'm curious if having this resolution path, to understand why ethernet adapter disappears. If you can help target or specify why its occurring?

Already attempted this:
and the problem still continues

  1. Updated Dell Drivers

  2. Windows Update

  3. Network Adapter Troubleshooter
    enter image description here

  4. (a) Network Reset and (b) tried manually uninstalling/reinstalling network drivers separately
    enter image description here

  5. Tried manually downloading the software drivers at Realtek website https://www.realtek.com/en/downloads

  6. Replace cable just in case, but the other computer in home does not have internet randomly disconnect

  7. Tried:

netsh int tcp set heuristics disabled
netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled
netsh int tcp set global rss=enabled
netsh winsock reset and press Enter
netsh int ip reset and press Enter
ipconfig /release and press Enter
ipconfig /renew and press Enter
ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter

  1. Disable these three in Device Manager:
    (a) Energy Efficient Internet
    (b) Green Ethernet
    (c) Wake on Magic Packet

  2. In Device Manager, changed Power Management settings.

enter image description here

I use the modem with another computer, and no issues whatsoever, until I got a new computer.

Best Answer

I go to Device Manager, and notice the Realtek Network Adapter has totally disappeared from the list (with no option to reenable, even after finding it in Hidden devices)

Hidden devices are devices that are configured but currently not available to the system (unplugged, errors).

  • The state of the device in failing mode can be seen in the details of the device in the device manager.
  • As an error is to be suspected, the details in the system event log of Windows would be of interest. => Please integrate a log-excerpt to the question.

I have to go through these two steps in this order to bring back internet.

  1. Restart Computer
  2. and then Restart Modem Router. ( I do restart modem by unplugging/plugging back in).

If the ethernet disconnects, Restarting the Modem won't work. Neither will Restarting Computer work. It has two be those two steps above in that specific order.

As you have to restart both, computer and router a driver error is not the top hit in probability. Obviously you trigger a problem at the hardware level (ethernet or electric).

Do not forget to reset the BIOS settings.

If the error persists:

  • The RJ45 sockets often have a multi-colored LED to indicate their state (router and PC).
    Please compare the state at normal/erratic behavior.
  • Does the other computer (connected to the same router) have flawless internet connection when the Dell is in error mode?
    If TRUE: Does this change if you only disconnect the RJ45 plug of the Dell?
  • In error mode:
    1. Disconnect RJ45 and wait a few minutes. – Does the device unhide in the device manager?
    2. If 1. is TRUE: Does Internet come back when you change the RJ45 slot instead of rebooting the router?
    3. If 2. is FALSE: Leave the plug in the changed RJ45 slot. and reboot the computer. — Does the Internet come back now?

the other computer in home does not have internet randomly disconnect

By this you have the proof, the router itself is working. But you do not have the proof, the RJ45 socket at the router is flawless.

=> Please exchange the plugs between your working computer and the computer with the problems. — Now you can check:

  1. The error persists (not the RJ45)
  2. The error moves to the other computer (RJ45 at router defect)
  3. The error disappears (multiple reasons)

Edit: Meanwhile you write about a "modem router".

  • Does this device have multiple RJ45 slots? — Perhaps you publish the device name and model number.
  • Where do you have to enter the credentials to get connected to the internet?
  • Is a special software required (i.e. by the internet provider) to get connected?

I'll update, when your answers appear.

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