iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
When a Hyper-V VM on the Default Switch or a WSL2 distribution loses internet access, first check whether Windows itself is online. Then separate a general connection failure from a DNS-only problem and identify whether the issue affects WSL, one VM, or both. Those checks help distinguish a host outage from DNS, VPN, firewall, or virtual-network configuration issues before you make disruptive changes.
Check what is actually offline
A report of a Hyper-V Default Switch problem alongside WSL trouble does not establish that the two symptoms have the same cause. Microsoft documents several possible networking layers, so start by narrowing the scope rather than assuming the switch needs resetting.
- Windows has no internet access: troubleshoot the host connection first. A guest or WSL reset cannot restore an internet connection that is already unavailable in Windows.
- Windows is online, but only one WSL distribution or VM is offline: focus on that environment’s network and DNS configuration.
- Several virtual environments fail at once: check for a shared factor, such as a VPN, firewall policy, recent Windows or network change, or host networking state.
- Only name lookups fail: test whether the environment can reach an IP address. A DNS failure is different from a general loss of connectivity.
Before changing settings, note your Windows build, WSL version, whether the computer is managed by an organization, whether a VPN or third-party firewall is active, and whether the issue began after an update or network change. Microsoft lists networking mode, DNS, VPN compatibility, firewall policy, HNS, and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) among the areas that may matter; the symptom alone does not identify which one is responsible. See Microsoft’s WSL troubleshooting guidance.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Separate DNS failure from a complete connection failure
If WSL can reach an IP address but cannot open sites by name, investigate DNS before changing the network architecture. Microsoft explains that a DNS request traveling from the WSL virtual machine to Windows can be blocked by existing network configuration. DNS tunneling provides another path: it lets WSL communicate with Windows for DNS rather than relying on the same DNS network-packet path.
#1 Best Overall
- 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐒𝐁 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 - UE306 is a USB 3.0 Type-A to RJ45 Ethernet adapter that adds a reliable wired network port to your laptop, tablet, or Ultrabook. It delivers fast and stable 10/100/1000 Mbps wired connections to your computer or tablet via a router or network switch, making it ideal for file transfers, HD video streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing.
- 𝐔𝐒𝐁 𝟑.𝟎 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬- Powered via USB 3.0, this adapter provides high-speed Gigabit Ethernet without the need for external power(10/100/1000Mbps). Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1, it ensures reliable performance across a wide range of devices.
- 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡- Easily connect your Nintendo Switch to a wired network for faster downloads and a more stable online gaming experience compared to Wi-Fi.
- 𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲- No driver required for Nintendo Switch, Windows 11/10/8.1/8, and Linux. Simply connect and enjoy instant wired internet access without complicated setup.
- 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲- Supports Nintendo Switch, PCs, laptops, Ultrabooks, tablets, and other USB-powered web devices; works with network equipment including modems, routers, and switches.
Microsoft says DNS tunneling is enabled by default on Windows 11 version 22H2 and later, and recommends enabling it for VPN scenarios in which Windows Name Resolution Policy Table (NRPT) policies need to apply to WSL DNS queries. These details depend on Windows version and configuration. Follow Microsoft’s current instructions for checking or changing DNS tunneling in its troubleshooting documentation.
If WSL cannot reach either a known IP address or a domain, DNS alone is unlikely to explain the whole symptom. Continue by checking VPN and firewall behavior, then try a WSL restart before considering targeted HNS cleanup.
Rank #2
- Connects a USB 3.0 device (computer/laptop) to a router, modem, or network switch to deliver Gigabit Ethernet to your network connection. Does not support Smart TV or gaming consoles (e.g.Nintendo Switch).
- Supported features include Wake-on-LAN function, Green Ethernet & IEEE 802.3az-2010 (Energy Efficient Ethernet)
- Supports IPv4/IPv6 pack Checksum Offload Engine (COE) to reduce Cental Processing Unit (CPU) loading
- Compatible with Windows 8.1 or higher, Mac OS
Check VPN and firewall behavior
VPNs and firewall policies can affect virtualized networking, but their presence does not prove they are the cause. Microsoft documents VPN compatibility issues and recommends considering DNS tunneling for VPN use. Mirrored networking can improve VPN compatibility, but it does not guarantee that every VPN or security product will work.
In managed environments, firewall rule-merging policy may block WSL networking. Hyper-V firewall rules can also affect WSL traffic. Microsoft’s documentation says Hyper-V firewall is on by default for Windows 11 version 22H2 with WSL 2.0.9 and later; the feature was introduced with Windows 11 version 22H2. Review the applicable rules and organizational policies with an administrator rather than turning off the firewall wholesale. See Microsoft’s Hyper-V Firewall documentation and WSL networking guidance.
Rank #3
- [Expansion Ports] The USB C to Ethernet Adapter expands the device to three USB 3.0 ports and one Gigabit Ethernet port. Provides you more peripheral ports while maintaining a stable network connection, plug and play, no driver required.
- [Gigabit Network Port] ALL-LUCKY USB Ethernet Adapter transmission rate up to 1000Mbps, also compatible with 10/100Mbps bandwidth. It allows you to enjoy a smooth and stable network connection and avoid too much lag. (Note: To reach 1Gbps, please use CAT6 or above Ethernet cable connection)
- [Convertible Connector]This usb hub with ethernet not only has USB-A connector, but also can be converted to USB-C connector, so that you can easily convert the connector according to the device port, improve the convenience of use.
- [High-Speed Data Transfer] The usb to ethernet adapter adopts USB 3.0 transmission technology, supports up to 5Gbps transmission rate, and is compatible with USB 2.0(480Gbps),USB 1.0(12Mbps), easily transfer video, files and other data for you in seconds. (Note: Maximum output current is 900mA, does not support charging devices.)
- [Widely Compatible]The usb c ethernet adapter for iMac, MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, XPS and many other devices. Compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8, Mac OS, iPad OS, Chrome OS.（Note: Driver is required on Win 7） It can be used in office, school, library and other occasions, compact and portable, easy to carry around.
Restart WSL before attempting network cleanup
A WSL shutdown is a low-impact first reset when Windows has connectivity but WSL does not. It closes running WSL instances, so save work in them first.
- Open PowerShell or Command Prompt.
- Run
wsl --shutdownto stop all running WSL distributions. - Start the affected distribution again and test both an IP address and a domain name.
This restarts WSL; it does not guarantee a fix for problems caused by DNS policy, VPN compatibility, firewall rules, or host networking. Microsoft’s recovery steps are documented in Troubleshooting Windows Subsystem for Linux.
Rank #4
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 65 million+ powered by our leading technology.
- Instant Internet: Connect to the internet instantly from virtually any USB-C 3.0 device, and enjoy stable connection speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
- Lightweight and Compact: The space-saving and portable design measures just over half an inch thick and weighs about the same as a AA battery.
- Premium Build: Features a sleek aluminum exterior and braided-nylon cable to complement the design of high-end devices.
- What You Get: PowerExpand USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, welcome guide, 18-month worry-free warranty, and friendly customer service.
Consider mirrored networking on supported Windows versions
WSL uses NAT networking by default. Microsoft recommends trying mirrored networking for its newer features and improvements. It is available on Windows 11 version 22H2 and later and can improve VPN compatibility. Microsoft’s listed benefits also include IPv6 support, multicast, and LAN access to WSL.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors- In your Windows user profile, open or create
%UserProfile%.wslconfig. - Under the
[wsl2]section, setnetworkingMode=mirrored. - Save the file, then run
wsl --shutdownand start WSL again. - Test outbound internet access separately from any inbound connection you expect other devices or applications to make.
Mirrored mode changes WSL’s networking architecture; it does not establish that the Hyper-V Default Switch is broken. Inbound access may also depend on Hyper-V firewall configuration. Check Microsoft’s current networking instructions before changing settings, especially on a managed device.
Best Value
![BENFEI USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter, USB C to RJ45 Gigabit LAN (1000Mbps) Network Adapter, Compatible with MacBook/Pro/Air, Surface Pro, Windows 11/10/8/7, Mac OS [Aluminium Shell&Nylon Cable]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41fk9DHmdwL._SL160_.jpg)
- COMPACT DESIGN - The compact-designed portable BENFEI USB A/C to Ethernet adapter connects your computer or tablet to a router,modem or network switch for network connection. It adds a standard RJ45 port to your Ultrabook, notebook or Macbook Air for file transferring, video conferencing, gaming, and HD video streaming.
- SUPERIOR STABILITY - Built-in advanced IC chip works as the bridge between RJ45 Ethernet cable and your USB A/C devices. The driver-free installation with native driver support in Chrome, Mac, and Windows OS; The USB A/C Ethernet adapter dongle supports important performance features including Wake-on-Lan (WoL), Full-Duplex (FDX) and Half-Duplex (HDX) Ethernet, Crossover Detection, Backpressure Routing, Auto-Correction (Auto MDIX).
- INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE - Supports full 10/100/1000Mbps gigabit ethernet performance over USB A/C's 5Gbps bus, faster and more reliable than most wireless connections. Link and Activity LEDs. USB powered, no external power required. Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1.✅ To reach 1Gbps, make sure to use CAT6 & up Ethernet cables.
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY - The USB A/C-Ethernet adapter is compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Mac OSX 10.6/10.7/10.8/10.9/10.10/10.11/10.12, Linux kernel 3.x/2.6, Android and Chrome OS.Compatible with IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u and IEEE 802.3ab. Supports IEEE 802.3az (Energy Efficient Ethernet).❌Do Not Support Windows RT. (NOT compatible with Nintendo Switch.)
- 18 MONTH WARRANTY - Exclusive BENFEI Unconditional 18-month Warranty ensures long-time satisfaction of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely.
Use HNS cleanup only for the documented stale DNS-rule issue
Do not delete HNS endpoints as a generic repair. Microsoft documents a specific case in which an HNS firewall rule for DNS points to an old WSL interface identifier. Its workaround involves stopping WSL, removing the stale UDP/53 HNS firewall rule and HNS endpoints, then restarting HNS or rebooting. Microsoft warns that other HNS-managed features, such as Windows Sandbox or Microsoft Defender Application Guard (MDAG), may need to be stopped first.
Removing endpoints can affect other virtual networking consumers. Use this procedure only when the documented stale-rule issue matches the symptoms, follow Microsoft’s current steps in the WSL troubleshooting guide, and check administrator policy before proceeding. If you cannot confirm that the specific stale rule is present, do not use endpoint deletion as a trial-and-error fix.
Use the result to choose the next step
| What you find | Most useful next step |
|---|---|
| Windows itself is offline | Restore the host connection before troubleshooting WSL or a VM. |
| Windows is online; WSL reaches an IP but not a domain | Investigate DNS configuration and DNS tunneling, particularly if a VPN or NRPT policy is involved. |
| Windows is online; WSL has no connectivity, and a VPN or managed firewall is active | Review VPN compatibility and firewall policy; ask the network administrator about organization-managed rules. |
WSL works after wsl --shutdown |
The restart restored WSL connectivity; monitor whether the problem recurs before attempting deeper cleanup. |
| The documented stale UDP/53 HNS rule is present | Consider Microsoft’s targeted HNS workaround, accounting for other HNS-managed features. |
| The device runs Windows 11 version 22H2 or later and NAT-related compatibility remains a concern | Evaluate mirrored networking using Microsoft’s configuration guidance. |
A 2020 Microsoft Q&A post describes a user reporting a Hyper-V Default Switch connection problem alongside WSL2 trouble, but it is an individual report, not evidence that simultaneous symptoms have a universal cause. See the discussion. Microsoft does not provide a prevalence or success-rate figure for this exact failure, so a specific fix cannot be guaranteed from the symptom alone.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
