How to Connect to Ethernet on PC or Mac: Simple Setup Guide

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Quick steps to get a wired connection on Windows or macOS
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Do you need to connect your Windows or Mac computer to the internet? If your device doesn't have Wi-Fi capabilities, you'll need to plug an Ethernet cable (also known as LAN or CAT5/6 cable) into your computer. This cable connects from your modem or router. This wikiHow will show you how to connect to your router using an Ethernet (wired) connection, as well as how to set up your Ethernet settings in Windows and Mac.

Connecting an Ethernet Cable to a Computer

Connect your modem to the internet cord, then connect your modem to the router. Make sure your modem/router is online, then connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the port on the modem/router that’s labeled "LAN." Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to your computer and then verify the connection.

Section 1 of 3:

Connecting to Your Modem or Router

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  1. Connect the cable, DSL, or Fiber optic line from the wall to your modem .
  2. If you are using a separate wireless router, use an Ethernet cable to connect from the modem to the internet port on your router . The internet port may be labeled "Internet", "WAN", "UpLink", or "WLAN". A lot of modern modems act as a wireless router. If you are not using an external wireless router, go ahead and skip this step.
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  3. Check the lights on the front of the modem/router. The lights labeled "Power", "Internet/Online", and "US/DS" should be solid. If they are blinking, your modem/router is not connected to the internet. You may need to contact your service provider for assistance or reset your network .
  4. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the port on the modem/router that is labeled "LAN". This may also look like Ethernet followed by numbers.
  5. Your computer should have an Ethernet port on it. On laptops, it's usually on the left side or right side of the keyboard. On towers and all-in-one monitors, the Ethernet port is usually on the back of the device.
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Section 2 of 3:

Verifying Connection (Windows)

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  1. You can do this from the Start menu or by searching for "Settings" in the taskbar search bar.
  2. On Windows 10, it's the icon that resembles a globe. On Windows 11, it's the option in the left-hand sidebar that has an icon of a Wi-Fi signal.
  3. On Windows 10, it's in the column to the left. On Windows 11, it's the second option under "Wi-Fi," and it has an icon of a computer with a cable.
  4. It should say "Connected" next to the Ethernet icon at the top of the page. If it says "Not connected", try a different LAN port on your router or a different Ethernet cable. If that doesn't work, diagnose the issue and contact your service provider for assistance. [1]
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Section 3 of 3:

Verifying Connection (Mac)

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  1. On Monterey and earlier, this will be System Preferences . [2]
  2. This will be on the sidebar; you may need to scroll down. On Monterey and earlier, this is the icon that resembles a sphere with white lines arcing all over it. [3]
  3. It's in the box to the left. If your computer is connected to the internet , it should say "Connected" and have a green dot next to it. If it doesn't, your Ethernet is not connected. Try a different LAN port on your Modem or a different Ethernet cable
  4. It's in the lower-right corner of the window.
  5. It's the second tap at the top of the Advanced Window. [4]
  6. It's just below the tabs at the top. If it doesn't say "Using DHCP," select "Using DHCP " from the drop-down menu.
  7. This will ensure that you are able to access the internet while connected via Ethernet. [5]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/fix-wi-fi-connection-issues-in-windows-9424a1f7-6a3b-65a6-4d78-7f07eee84d2c
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/renew-ip-address-dhcp-server-mac-mchlp1545/mac
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/renew-ip-address-dhcp-server-mac-mchlp1545/mac
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/renew-ip-address-dhcp-server-mac-mchlp1545/mac
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/renew-ip-address-dhcp-server-mac-mchlp1545/mac

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Connect your cable/DSL/Fiber Optic cable to the modem.
      2. Connect an Ethernet cable from your modem to the WAN port on your router.
      3. Connect an Ethernet cable to the LAN port on your router.
      4. Connect the other end of your Ethernet cable to your computer.

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