Notification Network fiber optic cable has been unplugged

A "network cable unplugged" message usually indicates a physical disconnection or a network adapter issue, and can be resolved by checking the cable, ports, and adapter settings.

Check the Physical Connection

Ensure that the fiber optic cable is securely plugged into both your computer and the router or switch. Inspect the cable for any visible damage, fraying, or kinks, as a damaged cable will prevent connectivity. If possible, test the cable with another device to confirm it is functioning properly.

Also, check the ports on your computer and router for dust or debris that may interfere with the connection.

Restart and Reset Network Hardware

Perform a hard reboot of your computer and networking equipment. For a desktop, turn off the computer, unplug the power cable, and wait 15 minutes before reconnecting. For laptops, remove the battery if possible.

After reconnecting, enable the network adapter and plug the cable back in.

Check Network Adapter Settings

Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter to open Network Connections. Right-click your Ethernet adapter and select Disable, then right-click again and select Enable. Verify that the adapter is set to the correct duplex settings, as incorrect settings can cause intermittent "unplugged" errors.

Update or Reinstall Drivers

Outdated or corrupt network drivers can trigger this error. Open Device Manager (devmgmt.msc), expand Network Adapters, right-click your adapter, and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

If the problem persists, uninstall the driver and allow Windows to reinstall the default driver.

Additional Considerations

Test the connection with another router or switch to rule out hardware failure. If the issue is intermittent, it may be caused by software conflicts, malware, or Windows updates affecting network protocols. As a last resort, consider using the Reset PC function in Windows to perform a clean installation if software corruption is suspected.

By systematically checking the cable, ports, adapter settings, and drivers, most "network cable unplugged" issues can be resolved without replacing hardware.