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How to Install Ethernet on a Laptop

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Dedicated Ethernet connections are no longer included on the majority of current laptops because they are just too large to fit into the thin machines we have gotten accustomed to. For the most part, they rely on contemporary Wi-Fi networks to stay connected. There are several reasons to choose a wired connection, though. Most significantly, wired connections are typically quicker and more reliable. Fortunately, there are several adapters that enable you to attach an Ethernet connection to a USB port.

Picking a USB to Ethernet adapter requires keeping in mind a few fundamental factors. The majority of applications probably won’t care that USB 2.0 adapters have a lower maximum throughput than adapters that use USB 3.2 Gen 1 or Gen 2, though. For the majority of daily applications, USB 2.0’s maximum transmission rate of 480 megabits (60 gigabytes) per second is more than sufficient.

Related: 6 Things Slowing Down Your Wi-Fi (And What to Do About Them)

Gigabit speeds are supported via USB 3.2 Gen 1 at the same cost, though. Get a USB 3.2 Gen 1 adapter instead, unless you need to use USB 2.0 for a specific application.

Reminder: Even though the nomenclature has officially changed to USB 3.2 Gen 1, many of the USB to Ethernet adapters you can get online or in physical locations still bear the “USB 3.0” designation. Don’t stress over it.

Unless you’re purchasing a docking station, you shouldn’t buy a Thunderbolt to Ethernet adaptor. The bandwidth provided by Thunderbolt 3 or 4 substantially outperforms the bandwidth provided by the majority of Ethernet connections, but they are also more costly than USB 3.0 or 4.

USB-A Adapters

If you want a simple way to connect your laptop to an Ethernet wire, you probably need a basic USB-A to an Ethernet adapter. They are accessible, affordable, and compact. Most laptops still have one or two USB-A connections as of May 2022, and most Windows and Linux laptops will likely continue to have them for the foreseeable future.

Since 2015, Apple has stopped including USB-A ports on its laptops, so if you’re using a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, you’ll likely need to get a USB-C Ethernet adapter.

If you have a gigabit Internet connection, this TP-Link adapter may handle it since it uses USB 3.1, which is a fast data transfer protocol. On the majority of current operating systems, it ought to be plug-and-play.

USB-C Adapters

Only a few minor variations separate USB-C to Ethernet adapters from any USB-A adapters. You probably won’t find a USB 2.0 to Ethernet converter with a USB-C port because USB-C is a more recent standard. Additionally, unlike USB-A connectors, USB-C to Ethernet adapters may be inserted into any Thunderbolt port on your laptop.

All contemporary Android smartphones use the USB-C standard as well. Depending on your phone, you might be able to connect a USB-C to Ethernet converter to your router and use it to tether your complete home network to your phone. It’s unlikely to be effective, but it could come in handy.

This TP-Link USB-C to Ethernet adapter belongs to the same line as the USB-A adapter we suggested. Additionally, it offers gigabit connection rates and is a USB 3.1 device.

Docking Stations with Ethernet Ports



The most feature-rich choice if you wish to provide your laptop with an Ethernet port is a docking station (dock). The majority of docks contain connectors for TV, audio, Ethernet, and additional USB ports, and they connect through USB-C. It is worthwhile to purchase the quickest dock you can, either Thunderbolt 4 or USB 3.2 because docks enable so many more devices besides simply Ethernet.

For their laptops, certain manufacturers, like Microsoft, offer customized docks. They typically demand a high price. A dock is something to think about if you want to use your laptop primarily in the same spot and you require a wider variety of connections. If not, stick with the USB to Ethernet adapters; you’ll save a ton of money.

What If It Doesn’t Work After Plugging It In?

Nowadays, the majority of USB adapters are plug-and-play, so they should function right out of the box with no hassle. But occasionally, something isn’t quite right. Try downloading the manufacturer’s drivers if the adapter isn’t allowing your laptop to connect. If you’re using one of the products we suggested, TP-Link offers a convenient website where you can enter the model number and get the appropriate drivers.

That’s really all there is to it; thanks to plug-and-play compatibility, adding a USB accessory to your laptop has never been simpler (or, as we just saw, a network connection).

Read: 2022’s Best Gaming Laptops

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