Restart your router and computer to resolve temporary DHCP or network handshake issues. 2. Run the Network Troubleshooter to automatically detect and fix common network problems. 3. Renew IP address and flush DNS by running ipconfig /release, ipconfig /renew, ipconfig /flushdns, netsh winsock reset, and netsh int ip reset in Command Prompt as administrator, then restart the computer. 4. Check Ethernet adapter settings by ensuring "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically" are selected for IPv4. 5. Update or reinstall the network driver through Device Manager, either by updating automatically or uninstalling and letting Windows reinstall it on reboot. 6. Temporarily disable security software that may interfere with network identification. 7. Check for and install Windows Updates, as patches may fix underlying network stack bugs. 8. Reset network settings as a last resort, which reinstalls all network adapters and clears configurations, requiring re-entry of Wi-Fi passwords. Most unidentified network issues stem from IP/DHCP or driver problems, and following these steps systematically typically restores proper network identification and internet access.

If your Ethernet connection shows an "unidentified network" in Windows, it means the computer can't get a proper IP address or network configuration from the router or network source. This issue often prevents internet access even though the cable is connected. Here’s how to fix it step by step.

1. Restart Your Router and Computer

Before diving into complex fixes, try the simplest solution first:

• Unplug your router and modem for 30 seconds, then plug them back in.
• Restart your computer after the router is fully booted.
• Wait a minute and check if the network is now identified.

This often resolves temporary DHCP or network handshake issues.

2. Run the Network Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in tool that can detect and fix common network problems.

• Right-click the network icon in the system tray.
• Select "Troubleshoot problems".
• Follow the prompts and let Windows attempt a fix.

It may detect issues like IP conflicts or DHCP failures and resolve them automatically.

3. Renew IP Address and Flush DNS

If the computer isn’t getting a valid IP, manually refresh the network settings.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator (search for cmd, right-click > Run as administrator), then run these commands one at a time:

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

After running these:

• Restart your computer.
• Check if the network is now recognized.

Note: ipconfig /renew forces your PC to request a new IP from the router. If this fails, the issue might be with the router’s DHCP or the cable.

4. Check Ethernet Adapter Settings

Misconfigured network settings can cause the "unidentified network" error.

• Press Win R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
• Right-click your Ethernet connection > Properties.
• Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
• Make sure "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically" are selected.
• Click OK and close.

If you previously set a static IP, revert to automatic unless required by your network.

5. Update or Reinstall Network Driver

Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause.

• Press Win X > Device Manager.
• Expand Network adapters.
• Right-click your Ethernet adapter (e.g., Realtek, Intel, etc.) > Update driver.
• Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software".

If that doesn’t help:

• Right-click the adapter again > Uninstall device.
• Restart your computer — Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

Alternatively, download the latest driver from your motherboard or PC manufacturer’s website.

6. Disable Security Software Temporarily

Sometimes firewalls or third-party antivirus programs interfere with network identification.

• Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall (especially if it includes network monitoring).
• Restart the network connection or reboot.
• Check if the network is now identified.

If it works, adjust the security software settings or consider switching to a less intrusive option.

7. Check for Windows Updates

Microsoft often releases patches for network-related bugs.

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Install any pending updates.
• Restart if needed.

Some users report this fixes the issue after a cumulative update resolves a network stack bug.

8. Reset Network Settings (Last Resort)

If nothing else works, reset all network configurations.

• Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
• Scroll down and click Network reset.
• Click Reset now > Confirm.

This removes and reinstalls all network adapters and sets everything back to default.

Note: You’ll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords, but it often resolves deep configuration issues.

Most "unidentified network" issues are caused by IP/DHCP problems or driver glitches. Start with restarting the router and renewing the IP, then move to driver and system resets if needed.

Basically, it's not usually hardware — just a hiccup in how Windows talks to the network.

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