When my MSI motherboard’s LAN suddenly stopped working, I was baffled. A quick BIOS check revealed the LAN was disabled, and updating the drivers fixed it instantly. It taught me that even small settings can cause big headaches!
Your MSI motherboard LAN might stop working due to outdated drivers, disabled LAN in BIOS, a faulty Ethernet cable, or hardware damage to the port. Checking connections, updating drivers, and ensuring LAN is enabled in BIOS can often resolve the issue quickly and effectively.
In this article, we will talk about the common reasons why the LAN might stop working on your MSI motherboard. We’ll explore troubleshooting steps, from updating drivers and checking BIOS settings to testing cables and ports, to help you restore your network connection quickly. 
Common Reasons For Lan Failures On Msi Motherboards.
LAN failures on MSI motherboards can occur due to several common issues. Here are the possible reasons:
1. Possible Reasons:
- Damaged Ethernet Cable: A faulty or improperly connected Ethernet cable may significantly disrupt the functionality of the LAN connection.
- Outdated or Corrupted Drivers: Network adapter drivers that are outdated, corrupted, or incompatible with the system can impair network functionality.
- BIOS Settings: The LAN functionality may be disabled in the BIOS settings, preventing proper network connectivity.
- Physical Damage to the LAN Port: Physical wear or damage to the LAN port can obstruct the connection, leading to connectivity issues.
- Overheating: Excessive heat can affect the performance of the LAN controller or port, potentially causing malfunctions.
- Conflicting Network Settings: Misconfigured network settings on the system may result in network failures, preventing the establishment of a stable connection.
Troubleshooting Lan Connection Problems On Msi Motherboards
To troubleshoot LAN connection problems on an MSI motherboard, start by checking the physical connections. Make sure the Ethernet cable is securely plugged into both the router and the motherboard’s LAN port. If the issue continues, access your BIOS to ensure the LAN controller is enabled. You might also need to check for any potential hardware problems with the LAN port or upgrade your network drivers.
1. Basic Checks:
1.1. Cable And Connection:
- Ensure the Ethernet cable is securely plugged into both the router and the motherboard’s LAN port.
- Try using a different Ethernet cable to rule out a faulty one.
1.2. Physical Port:
- Inspect the LAN port for any obvious debris, bent pins, or damage.
- Test another LAN port on the motherboard if available.
2. Bios Settings:
2.1. Access Bios:
- Inspect the LAN port for any obvious debris, bent pins, or damage.
2.2. Check Lan Enablement:
- Select Onboard Devices or Advanced from the menu.
- Make sure Onboard LAN Controller is turned on.
2.3. Boot Sequence:
- Check if the network adapter is properly listed in the boot sequence (if applicable).
3. Software Troubleshooting:
3.1. Network Driver Update:
- Open Device Manager and find “Network Adapters.”
- Select Update Driver with a right-click on your network adapter.
- Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
3.2. Network Diagnostics:
- To find any issues, use your operating system’s network troubleshooting tool.
3.3. Ip Address Check:
- Check if your IP address was successfully assigned by opening a command prompt and typing “ipconfig”.
4. Advanced Troubleshooting:
4.1 Bios Update:
- If there is a new BIOS update for your MSI motherboard, search for it and install it.
4.2. Router Issues:
- Ensure your router is functioning correctly and check for any network configuration problems.
4.3. Hardware Check:
- If the issue persists, consider having your motherboard inspected by a technician to rule out hardware damage to the LAN port.
How Do I Update Lan Drivers On My Msi Motherboard?
To update the LAN drivers on your MSI motherboard, follow these systematic steps to ensure optimal functionality of your network adapter:
1. Identify The Network Adapter Model:
Begin by identifying the exact model of your MSI motherboard’s network adapter. You can do this by accessing Device Manager on your Windows operating system. Under the “Network Adapters” section, locate the Ethernet or LAN adapter.
2. Visit The Msi Support Website:
Navigate to the official MSI support website (https://www.msi.com/) and search for your specific motherboard model. In the support section, locate the “Drivers” or “Downloads” tab for your motherboard.
3. Download The Latest Lan Drivers:
In the “Drivers” section, find the most recent LAN driver compatible with your operating system (e.g., Windows 10 or Windows 11). Ensure that you are downloading the correct driver version for your motherboard’s chipset and network adapter model.
4. Uninstall Old Drivers (If Necessary):
Before installing the new driver, it is recommended to uninstall any existing network drivers to avoid conflicts. You can do this by going to Device Manager, right-clicking on the current network adapter under “Network Adapters,” and selecting “Uninstall Device.” After uninstalling, restart your computer.
5. Install The New Driver:
Once the correct driver file is downloaded, open the file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. Typically, this will involve accepting the terms of the license agreement and confirming the installation.
6. Restart The Computer:
After the installation is complete, restart your computer to ensure that the new driver is properly initialized.
7. Verify The Installation:
Once the system has rebooted, go back to Device Manager to confirm that the new driver is installed and functioning correctly. You may also test your LAN connection by verifying network access.
8. Alternative Method (Windows Update):
Alternatively, you can update the LAN driver through Windows Update. Open the Settings app, navigate to Update & Security, and click Check for Updates. If an update is available for your network adapter, it will be automatically installed.
How To Enable Ethernet In Bios Msi
To enable Ethernet in the BIOS on an MSI motherboard, follow these steps:
- Start your computer and press the Delete key immediately to enter the BIOS setup.
- In the BIOS, click on Advanced.
- Next, click on Settings.
- Then, go to Advanced Integrated Peripherals.
- Look for the Onboard LAN Controller option and make sure it is set to Enabled.
- It is essential to acknowledge that the BIOS interface may differ based on the specific model of the MSI motherboard.
If your Ethernet cable is plugged in but not detected, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Unplug and replug the Ethernet cable.
- Ensure that the cable is securely connected at both termination points.
- Inspect the network port for any debris or obstructions that may impede its functionality.
- Ensure the latch on the cable port is not broken.
- Update or reinstall your network drivers if needed.
FAQ’s
1. What Causes Lan To Stop Working On An Msi Motherboard?
LAN connectivity issues on an MSI motherboard can be caused by several factors, including faulty Ethernet cables, outdated or corrupted network drivers, disabled LAN settings in the BIOS, physical damage to the LAN port, or conflicts in network configuration settings.
2. Can Bios Settings Impact Lan Functionality?
Yes, BIOS settings can impact LAN functionality. If the onboard LAN controller is disabled in the BIOS, it can prevent the Ethernet port from functioning properly, resulting in network connectivity issues.
3. Why Should I Update My Bios If The Lan Isn’t Working?
Updating the BIOS can resolve compatibility issues and enhance hardware functionality, including the LAN controller. An outdated BIOS may cause conflicts that prevent proper LAN operation, so updating it can help restore network connectivity.
4. How To Enable Lan On Msi Motherboard?
To enable LAN functionality on an MSI motherboard, access the BIOS settings during system startup by pressing the appropriate key (typically “Delete” or “F2”). Navigate to the “Advanced” or “Integrated Peripherals” section, ensure that the “Onboard LAN Controller” is enabled, and save the changes before exiting the BIOS.
5. What To Do If Both Wireless Network Wi-Fi And Wired Lan Cannot Connect?
If both wireless network (Wi-Fi) and wired LAN connections cannot connect, start by restarting the router and your computer. Then, check for any issues with the network drivers, reset the network settings, and ensure that no hardware malfunctions are affecting the network adapters.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, if your MSI motherboard’s LAN has stopped working, don’t panic—there are several straightforward solutions to try. Begin by checking your Ethernet cable, updating your network drivers, and ensuring that your BIOS settings are configured correctly.
Often, these issues can be resolved by enabling the LAN controller in BIOS or installing the latest drivers. If these steps don’t work, it’s essential to check for potential physical damage to the LAN port or other hardware problems. With a bit of troubleshooting, you’ll likely restore your network connection and get back online in no time.
