Wired connection showing but no wired cable for months - strange

When I click the Networks icon in the tray for Network Connections, it says that there was a ‘Wired connection xx minutes ago’(that number keeps increasing as long as the machine is on).

BUT this laptop has not had an Ethernet cable in it for several months.

Just a strange happening that is a bit disconcerting.

I know I can remove it from the list, but will it come back WHEN I do need to tether it?

Hi Bill. Yes, you can just remove it from NM if you desire, or directly by removing the appropriate config in the /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/ directory. The interface (eth0) will still be available to configure when you need to again.

You can confirm that with

nmcli d

OK, thanks, I just wasn’t sure. I have removed it.