ipconfig Media disconnected in Windows 11: what it means and how to fix it

Applies to: Windows 11 and Windows 10, for Ethernet and Wi-Fi adapters.

What “Media disconnected” means

Run ipconfig /all in Command Prompt or Terminal. Each adapter gets its own block. An adapter with no link looks like this:

Ethernet adapter Ethernet:

   Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
   Connection-specific DNS Suffix  . :
   Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Realtek PCIe GbE Family Controller

“Media” is the physical connection. Windows hasn’t got an IP address on that adapter because nothing is connected at the lowest level, so commands such as ipconfig /renew can’t help until the link comes back. That’s the difference from Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration, where the link is up but the router doesn’t hand out an address.

When it’s normal

Check the adapter name and Description before you fix anything. These usually show Media disconnected and need no action:

Adapter	Why it’s disconnected
Bluetooth Network Connection	Only used when you share internet over Bluetooth
Ethernet on a laptop that’s using Wi-Fi	No cable plugged in
Wi-Fi on a desktop that’s using Ethernet	Not joined to a Wi-Fi network
VPN adapters (TAP, WireGuard, WAN Miniport)	Only connected while the VPN is on
Local Area Connection* (Wi-Fi Direct)	Used for hotspots and wireless display

If the adapter you actually use shows Media disconnected and you have no internet, use the section for that adapter below.

Fix it for Ethernet

1. Look at the port on the PC and the router. If neither light is on, there’s no link. Unplug the cable at both ends and push it in until it clicks.
2. Try a different cable and a different port on the router or switch. Cables fail more often than adapters, especially flat or very long ones.
3. Restart the router and the PC.
4. Make sure the adapter isn’t disabled: go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings. Under Network adapters, select Enable next to Ethernet if it’s off. On Windows 10, use Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
5. If the PC has a USB or Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter or dock, plug it straight into the PC rather than a hub, and update the dock’s firmware or driver from its maker.

Speed and duplex: if the link light flickers and Windows keeps switching between connected and disconnected, open the adapter in Device Manager, go to the Advanced tab and set Speed & Duplex to Auto Negotiation. If it’s already on auto, try 1.0 Gbps Full Duplex or 100 Mbps Full Duplex. Setting names vary by adapter maker.

Fix it for Wi-Fi

1. Turn off Airplane mode in Quick Settings (Win + A) or Settings > Network & internet.
2. Turn Wi-Fi on and connect to your network. A Wi-Fi adapter shows Media disconnected whenever it isn’t joined to a network, even if it’s working.
3. If your network doesn’t appear, check the router is broadcasting it (see how to find your SSID) and move closer to it.
4. On laptops with a Wi-Fi key or switch (often a function key with an antenna icon), press it once.
5. In Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings, make sure Wi-Fi isn’t disabled.

Reinstall or update the network driver

If the cable and settings are fine but the adapter still shows no link, the driver may be damaged, often after a Windows update.

1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters and right-click your Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter.
3. If the problem started after an update, choose Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver if it’s available.
4. Otherwise choose Uninstall device, leave Attempt to remove the driver unticked, and restart. Windows reinstalls the adapter at startup.
5. If that doesn’t help, download the latest driver from your PC or motherboard maker’s support page, using another device if needed, and install it.

If the adapter is missing from Network adapters entirely, select Action > Scan for hardware changes. If it still doesn’t appear, check that onboard LAN or wireless isn’t disabled in the BIOS or UEFI settings.

Stop Windows turning the adapter off

If the adapter works after a restart but drops to Media disconnected after sleep, power saving may be switching it off:

1. In Device Manager, open the adapter’s Properties and go to Power Management.
2. Untick Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power and select OK.
3. On the Advanced tab, set options such as Energy Efficient Ethernet or Green Ethernet to Disabled if your adapter has them.

Reset the network settings

As a last software step, reset the network stack. First try the commands, in an administrator Terminal or Command Prompt, then restart:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

If that doesn’t help, go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset and select Reset now. Windows reinstalls every network adapter and restarts after a few minutes. You’ll need to rejoin Wi-Fi networks and may need to reinstall VPN software afterwards. If the adapter still shows Media disconnected after this, with a known-good cable or a working Wi-Fi network, the adapter or port is probably faulty; a USB Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter is a cheap test.

Related guides

• Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration: 7 fixes
• DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG: 7 ways to fix it on Windows
• WAN Miniport: what these adapters are and how to fix them
• SSID: what your Wi-Fi network name is and how to find it

Official sources: for more detail, see Microsoft’s own pages:

• Microsoft Support: Fix Ethernet connection problems in Windows
• Microsoft Learn: ipconfig command reference

Frequently asked questions

Does ipconfig /release and /renew fix Media disconnected?

No. Those commands ask the router for a new address, which needs a working link. Fix the cable, Wi-Fi connection or driver first.

Why do I see Media disconnected but my internet works?

Another adapter is carrying your connection. Look for the adapter that has an IPv4 Address and a Default Gateway; that’s the one in use. The disconnected ones are idle.

Can I hide the disconnected adapters?

You can disable adapters you never use in Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings, and they’ll stop appearing in ipconfig. Leave Wi-Fi and Ethernet enabled if you might need them.

Is Media disconnected a hardware fault?

Usually not. A loose or damaged cable, Airplane mode or a driver problem is far more common. Suspect the hardware only if another cable, port and a fresh driver don’t help.