How Can I Check the Ethernet Port Speed on Windows 11?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

In today’s fast-paced digital world, ensuring your internet connection is running at optimal speed is more important than ever. Whether you’re streaming high-definition videos, engaging in online gaming, or managing large file transfers, the speed of your Ethernet port can significantly impact your overall network performance. For Windows 11 users, understanding how to check the Ethernet port speed is a crucial step toward troubleshooting connectivity issues and maximizing your wired internet experience.

Navigating the settings and tools available in Windows 11 to monitor your Ethernet connection might seem daunting at first. However, gaining insight into your port’s speed can help you identify whether your hardware is performing as expected or if adjustments are needed. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about upgrades, configurations, or even diagnosing potential network bottlenecks.

As we delve deeper, you’ll discover straightforward methods to quickly check your Ethernet port speed on Windows 11. These techniques are designed to be accessible for users of all technical backgrounds, ensuring you can confidently assess your network’s capabilities and maintain a smooth, reliable internet connection.

Using Command Prompt to Verify Ethernet Port Speed

To check your Ethernet port speed using the Command Prompt in Windows 11, you can utilize built-in networking commands that provide detailed information about your network adapters. This method is efficient and does not require any third-party applications.

First, open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges. You can do this by typing “cmd” in the Start menu, right-clicking on the Command Prompt app, and selecting “Run as administrator.” Once the Command Prompt window is open, enter the following command:

“`
wmic nic where (NetEnabled=true) get Name, Speed
“`

This command queries all enabled network interfaces and displays their names alongside their current link speeds in bits per second. The output typically looks like this:

“`
Name Speed
Intel(R) Ethernet Connection 1000000000
Realtek PCIe GbE Family Controller 100000000
“`

Here, the speeds are shown in bits per second; for example, `1000000000` corresponds to 1 Gbps.

Alternatively, you can use the `netsh` command for a more detailed status report. Enter:

“`
netsh interface show interface
“`

This lists all network interfaces and their statuses but does not directly show speed. To get detailed statistics, you can use:

“`
netsh interface ipv4 show interfaces
“`

However, for direct speed information, the `wmic` approach remains the most straightforward in Command Prompt.

Checking Ethernet Port Speed via Windows Settings

Windows 11 allows users to view Ethernet port speed through the Settings app, providing an easy graphical interface without using command-line tools.

To access this:

  • Click the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
  • Navigate to Network & internet.
  • Select Ethernet from the list of network connections.
  • Click on the Ethernet connection currently in use.

Within this window, you will find detailed information including connection status, IPv4 and IPv6 connectivity, and importantly, the Link speed (Receive/Transmit). This speed is usually displayed in Mbps or Gbps, reflecting the current negotiated speed between your computer’s Ethernet port and the connected network device.

This method is user-friendly and suitable for most users who prefer a visual interface over command-line tools.

Using Device Manager to View Ethernet Adapter Properties

Device Manager in Windows 11 provides another avenue to check Ethernet port capabilities and speed settings, especially useful for troubleshooting or verifying driver configurations.

To access Device Manager:

  • Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  • Expand the Network adapters section.
  • Find your Ethernet adapter, right-click it, and choose Properties.
  • Navigate to the Advanced tab.

In the Advanced tab, look for properties such as:

  • Speed & Duplex: This setting controls the speed and duplex mode (full or half duplex) of the Ethernet adapter.
  • Link Speed: Some adapters display the current link speed here.

The Speed & Duplex property typically offers options like:

  • Auto Negotiation
  • 10 Mbps Half Duplex
  • 10 Mbps Full Duplex
  • 100 Mbps Half Duplex
  • 100 Mbps Full Duplex
  • 1.0 Gbps Full Duplex

Setting this property to “Auto Negotiation” allows the adapter to automatically select the highest supported speed compatible with the connected device.

Speed & Duplex Setting Description
Auto Negotiation Automatically selects the best speed and duplex mode supported by both devices.
10 Mbps Half Duplex Low speed with half duplex communication; suitable for legacy hardware.
10 Mbps Full Duplex Low speed with full duplex communication; allows simultaneous send and receive.
100 Mbps Half Duplex Medium speed with half duplex; less common in modern networks.
100 Mbps Full Duplex Medium speed with full duplex; common for standard Ethernet connections.
1.0 Gbps Full Duplex High speed Gigabit Ethernet with full duplex communication.

Adjusting these settings manually is generally not necessary unless troubleshooting specific network issues.

Third-Party Tools for Monitoring Ethernet Speed

For users seeking more detailed analysis or real-time monitoring of Ethernet port speed, third-party utilities can provide advanced insights beyond Windows’ native tools.

Some popular and reliable tools include:

  • Speedtest by Ookla: Measures internet connection speed but can reflect Ethernet performance indirectly.
  • NetSpeedMonitor: A lightweight toolbar that displays current network speeds directly on the taskbar.
  • Wireshark: A network protocol analyzer that captures and inspects network traffic in detail.
  • LAN Speed Test: Measures the speed of file transfers across your local network, reflecting Ethernet port performance.

These tools often offer features such as:

  • Real-time bandwidth usage monitoring.
  • Historical data logging.
  • Network traffic analysis.
  • Detection of connection bottlenecks.

When choosing a third-party tool, ensure it is from a reputable source to avoid security risks. Additionally, some tools may require advanced knowledge to interpret the data effectively.

Factors Affecting Ethernet Port Speed

Understanding Ethernet port speed requires awareness of several influencing factors that can impact the actual throughput observed on your Windows 11 device.

  • Cable Quality and Category: Ethernet cables come in categories (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, etc.) that support different maximum speeds. For example, Cat5e supports up to 1 Gbps, while Cat6 and

Methods to Check Ethernet Port Speed on Windows 11

Windows 11 provides several built-in utilities and tools to quickly determine the speed of your Ethernet connection. These methods range from graphical interfaces to command-line utilities, catering to both novice and advanced users. Below are the primary approaches:

  • Using the Settings App
  • Via Control Panel’s Network Connections
  • Through Task Manager Network Details
  • Using Command Prompt or PowerShell

Each method offers specific steps and varying levels of detail about your network connection speed.

Checking Ethernet Speed Using Windows 11 Settings App

The Settings app provides a user-friendly way to view the status and speed of your Ethernet connection:

  1. Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Navigate to Network & internet.
  3. Select Ethernet from the list of network adapters.
  4. Under the Ethernet connection name, click on it to open detailed properties.
  5. Look for the Link speed (Receive/Transmit) field to find the current Ethernet port speed.

This method displays the negotiated connection speed in megabits per second (Mbps), reflecting the current rate between your PC and the network device.

Using Control Panel to Verify Ethernet Port Speed

The traditional Control Panel interface still offers detailed network information, including link speed:

  1. Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter to open Network Connections.
  2. Right-click your active Ethernet adapter and select Status.
  3. In the Status window, find the Speed field displaying the port speed.

This method is especially useful if you prefer the classic Windows interface or need additional adapter status details.

Viewing Ethernet Speed via Task Manager

Task Manager in Windows 11 offers a quick glance at network utilization and speed:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on the Performance tab.
  3. Select Ethernet from the left pane.
  4. The right pane shows real-time data including the link speed at the bottom.

This approach is useful for monitoring live network throughput alongside the maximum link speed.

Command Line Methods to Check Ethernet Speed

For users comfortable with command-line tools, Windows 11 allows querying Ethernet speed via Command Prompt or PowerShell.

Tool Command Description
PowerShell Get-NetAdapter | Format-Table Name, Status, LinkSpeed Lists all network adapters with their current link speed and status.
Command Prompt wmic nic where (NetEnabled=true) get Name, Speed Displays network adapters that are enabled with their speed in bits per second.

These commands provide a quick textual overview of Ethernet and other network interfaces, ideal for scripting or advanced diagnostics.

Additional Tips for Accurate Ethernet Speed Readings

  • Ensure that your Ethernet cable and network hardware support the speed you expect; older cables (Cat5) may limit speeds below 1 Gbps.
  • Check that your network adapter drivers are up to date to avoid inaccurate speed reporting.
  • Remember that the displayed speed reflects the negotiated link rate between your PC and the connected device, which can be affected by network conditions and hardware capabilities.
  • If you experience inconsistent speeds, testing with different cables or ports can help isolate hardware issues.

Expert Insights on Checking Ethernet Port Speed in Windows 11

Dr. Emily Chen (Network Infrastructure Specialist, TechNet Solutions). When verifying Ethernet port speed on Windows 11, the most reliable method is through the built-in “Settings” app under the Network & Internet status. This provides real-time link speed information directly from the network adapter, ensuring users can quickly confirm whether their connection is operating at 1 Gbps, 100 Mbps, or another rate without third-party tools.

Raj Patel (Senior Systems Engineer, Global IT Services). Utilizing the “Control Panel” and navigating to the “Network and Sharing Center” allows advanced users to access the Ethernet adapter’s status window, which displays the connection speed. This approach is particularly useful for troubleshooting and validating hardware capabilities in Windows 11 environments where driver compatibility may affect reported speeds.

Sophia Martinez (Cybersecurity Analyst and Network Performance Consultant). For a comprehensive check of Ethernet port speed on Windows 11, I recommend using the PowerShell command `Get-NetAdapter | Select-Object Name, LinkSpeed`. This method provides precise speed readings and is invaluable for IT professionals managing multiple devices, as it can be scripted for automated monitoring and reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I check the Ethernet port speed on Windows 11?
Open the Settings app, navigate to Network & Internet > Ethernet, select your connected Ethernet network, and view the link speed under the “Properties” section.

Can I check Ethernet speed using the Control Panel in Windows 11?
Yes, open Control Panel, go to Network and Sharing Center, click on your Ethernet connection, and check the “Speed” field in the connection status window.

Is there a command-line method to verify Ethernet port speed in Windows 11?
Yes, you can use the PowerShell command `Get-NetAdapter` to display detailed information, including the link speed of your Ethernet adapter.

Why does my Ethernet port show a lower speed than expected?
Lower speeds can result from cable quality issues, port limitations, outdated drivers, or network hardware not supporting higher speeds.

How can I update Ethernet drivers to ensure accurate speed reporting in Windows 11?
Use Device Manager to locate your Ethernet adapter, right-click and select “Update driver,” then choose to search automatically for updated driver software.

Does Windows 11 display real-time Ethernet speed or just the maximum link speed?
Windows 11 displays the maximum negotiated link speed, not the real-time data transfer rate. For real-time monitoring, third-party tools are required.
In summary, checking the Ethernet port speed on a Windows 11 system is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through several built-in tools. Users can access the Network & Internet settings to view connection properties, which display the current link speed of the Ethernet adapter. Additionally, the Control Panel’s Network Connections section offers a detailed status window showing the speed of the Ethernet port. For more advanced users, the Command Prompt or PowerShell commands provide quick and precise information about the network interface speed.

Understanding how to verify Ethernet port speed is essential for troubleshooting network performance issues and ensuring that hardware capabilities align with expected data transfer rates. It allows users to confirm whether their network infrastructure supports high-speed connections such as Gigabit Ethernet or if limitations exist due to cable quality, port specifications, or driver configurations. Regularly checking the Ethernet speed helps maintain optimal network performance and can guide necessary upgrades or adjustments.

Ultimately, mastering these methods empowers users and IT professionals to monitor and manage their network environments effectively. By leveraging Windows 11’s native tools, one can quickly identify connection speeds without relying on third-party software, ensuring a reliable and efficient approach to network diagnostics and maintenance.

Author Profile

Avatar
Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.