FIX: Media Disconnected error on Windows 10/11.

Are you unable to connect to the Internet and when you run the "ipconfig /all" command you get the message that the Media disconnected? If yes, continue reading this tutorial to fix the problem.

The "Media State: Media disconnected" message on a network adapter usually occurs if the adapter is disabled or if the adapter is not connected to a network (e.g. when not in use). Apart from these, the error is often due to internet connection problems or incorrect settings of your network adapter.

In this guide, we provide several methods to resolve the "Media Disconnected" error when running the "ipconfig" command.

How to fix: Media Disconnected error on Windows 10/11.*

* Notes:
1. The "Media disconnected" message in 'Media State' is normal, if the Network Adapted is not used. (At this case, this guide is not for you).
2. Before continuing to the methods below check the following:

• If you are connecting to the network through a LAN adapter, check that the Ethernet cable is properly connected between your Ethernet card and the Router and that the cable is not damaged.
• If you are connecting to the network wirelessly (Wi-FI), make sure you are connected to a wireless network.

1. Enable Network Adapter.
2. Restart Router and Computer.
3. Reset WINSOCK and IP Stack.
4. Disable Internet Connection Sharing.
5. Run Network Troubleshooter.
6. Reset TCP/IP.
7. Reset Network.
8. Reinstall Network Adapter.
9. Reset Router or Replace Network Card.

Method 1. Enable Network Adapter.

The first method to resolve the error "Media Disconnected" is to check if your network adapter is disabled and if so to enable it.

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run command box.
2. Type ncpa.cpl and press OK or hit Enter to open Network Connections.

3. Right-click on the Network Adapter you're using to connect to the network, and check that is Enabled.

Method 2. Restart your Router and your PC.

Sometimes, the "Media disconnected" error occurs because your network adapter is not communicating properly with the router. So try the following steps.

1. Turn OFF your router for 30 seconds, and then shut down the PC.

2. Turn ON the the router only and wait until all the lights are ON and stable.

3. Then, Power ON the PC and check if the problem persists. If so, try to connect to the network (Internet) from another device, to ensure that your Internet Connection (Router), is working fine and then proceed to the next method.

Method 3: Reset WINSOCK and IP Stack.

You can resolve the Local Area Connection Media Disconnected error in Windows 10/11 by simply resetting the WINSOCK and IP Stack. To do this, follow these steps:

1. In the Start search box, type cmd. Then, right-click at Command Prompt app and select Run as administrator.

2. Execute these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

• netsh winsock reset catalog
• netsh int ipv4 reset reset.log
• netsh int ipv6 reset reset.log

3. After executing the above commands, restart your computer to apply the changes. Then, check if the "Media disconnected" error has been resolved after executing the "ipconfig /all" command.

Method 4: Disable Internet Connection Sharing.

Another method to resolve the "Media disconnected" issue on a network adapter, is to disable the Internet Connection Sharing in this adapter.to do that:

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run command box.
2. Type ncpa.cpl and press OK or hit Enter to open Network Connections.

3. Right-click on the Network Adapter you're using and select Properties.

3a. In the Adapter's Properties window, go to the Sharing tab.

3b. Uncheck the box next to Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection. Click OK to save the changes and then check if the issue is resolved.

Method 5: FIX "Media Disconnected" error with Network Troubleshooter.

On your Windows 10/11 PC, you can use the built-in network troubleshooter to deal with various network connection problems, such as the "Media Disconnected".

1. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

2. In the Troubleshoot window, scroll down and click on Additional troubleshooters.

3. In the Additional troubleshooters window, locate and expand the Network Adapter section. Then click on Run the troubleshooter.

4. Let the Troubleshooter to diagnose the network problems and if problems found, click on Try these repairs as administrator.

5. Then select Apply this fix and let the troubleshooter to fix the problem(s) found.

6. When the repair is completed, check if the "Media Disconnected error" is resolved.

Method 6. Reset TCP/IP.

Resetting the TCP/IP settings has been reported as an effective way to resolve the "media disconnected" error when running the "ipconfig /all" command on Windows 10/11. To reset TCP/IP:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Now, type the following command and press Enter to execute it.

• netsh int ip reset

3. Wait for the command to complete, then restart your computer.

Method 7. Reset Network.

Another method to address the "media disconnected" issue in Windows 10/11, is to perform a Network Reset in order to restore the Network Configuration to the default settings.

1. Close all open programs and save your work.

2. Then, go to the Start menu > Settings, then select Network and Internet.

3. In network Status window, scroll down and click on Network Reset link.

4. At the Network Reset window, read the information message and then click the Reset now button. Finally, click Yes to confirm your decision.

4. Once the computer restarts and if you are connected to the Internet wirelessly, click the Network icon on the taskbar and connect to your Wi-Fi network.

5. After connecting to the network, the "Media Disconnected" error should be resolved.

Method 8. Remove and Reinstall Network Adapter/Drivers.

One of the actions of the "Network Reset" tool is to reinstall the Network Adapters. However, sometimes this does not work as expected, so it is suggested to uninstall and reinstall the network drivers manually by following these steps:

1. Right-click on the Start menu (Windows logo), and open the Device Manager.

2. Expand Network Adapters, then right-click on the network adapter you face the "Media disconnected" issue and click Uninstall device.

3. Then click Uninstall. (If in your case a checkbox appears to "Delete the driver software", leave it unchecked)

4. When the uninstall is completed, restart your computer.
5. After the reboot, the network adapter will automatically reinstall itself and return to its default settings.

Method 9. Reset Router or Replace Network Adapter.

If you still face the "Media Disconnected" error and still can't connect to the Internet/Network after following the methods above, this may indicate a problem with your network adapter or a router problem. To properly address the problem, proceed as follows:

• If other devices/computers can connect without problem to the same network that you cannot connect to with your computer, then replace your network card and see if that solves the problem. If not, I suggest to backup your files and to RESET your PC or to perform a clean Windows installation.
• If the other devices/computers can't connect also to the same network that you can't connect to, then try to reset your Router* to its factory default settings and if the problem persists speak with your ISP provider and ask him to replace your Router.

To Reset your Router, follow these steps:*

* Attention: Resetting the router to its factory default settings will erase all your custom settings and configurations, including the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) & the Wi-Fi password. For this reason, after router's reset, you have to connect to Router's default SSID using the default Wi-Fi Password. (This information usually can be found on a sticker on Router's case).

1. Locate the Reset button on the router. The reset button is usually a small button located on the back of the router, labeled "Reset"

2. Press and hold the Reset button for 10-15 seconds until the router's lights start to blink or flash. In some routers you must press the reset button using a paperclip or a similar tool.

3. Release the reset button.

4. Wait for the router to reboot: The router will now reboot and reset itself to its factory default settings. (This process may take a few minutes).

That's it! Which method worked for you?
Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.

If this article was useful for you, please consider supporting us by making a donation. Even $1 can a make a huge difference for us in our effort to continue to help others while keeping this site free:

• Author
• Recent Posts

Konstantinos Tsoukalas

Konstantinos is the founder and administrator of Wintips.org. Since 1995 he works and provides IT support as a computer and network expert to individuals and large companies. He is specialized in solving problems related to Windows or other Microsoft products (Windows Server, Office, Microsoft 365, etc.).

Latest posts by Konstantinos Tsoukalas (see all)

• FIX: Device encryption is temporarily suspended and does not resume after the computer restarts (Windows 11). - May 5, 2026
• How to Install Chrome or any 'Line of Business' app on Intune Enrolled Windows Devices. - April 29, 2026
• How to Create a DDM Update Policy for iOS Devices in Intune. - April 23, 2026