Windows 11 includes a built-in Network Reset feature that can help resolve persistent internet and connectivity problems. If Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth networking, or other network-related features are behaving unexpectedly, resetting the network configuration can often restore Windows to a clean networking state.
Network Reset is particularly useful when simpler solutions, such as restarting the router, reconnecting to Wi-Fi, or restarting the computer, have not solved the problem. It removes and reinstalls network adapters and restores important network settings to their default configuration.
Before using Network Reset, keep in mind that Windows may remove saved network information. You may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks afterward and enter their passwords again.
Method 1: Reset Network Settings From Windows 11 Settings
The easiest way to reset network settings is through the Settings app.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Click Network & internet in the left sidebar.
- Select Advanced network settings.
- Scroll down to the More settings section.
- Click Network reset.
- Review the information displayed on the Network reset page.
- Click Reset now.
- Confirm the action if Windows asks for confirmation.
- Allow Windows to restart.
After the computer restarts, Windows will reinstall its network adapters and restore the network components to their default configuration.
You will need to reconnect to your wireless network if Windows removed its saved connection information.
Network Reset should generally be used when normal troubleshooting has failed because it changes several network settings at once.
Method 2: Use the Network Reset Shortcut
You can reach the Network Reset page more quickly by using Windows Search.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + S.
- Type Network reset.
- Select Network reset settings from the search results.
- Review the available options.
- Click Reset now.
- Confirm the reset.
- Wait for Windows to restart.
This method takes you directly to the same Network Reset feature found in the Settings app.
It is useful when you do not want to manually navigate through several Settings menus.
After restarting, test both Wi-Fi and Ethernet if your computer supports both connections.
Method 3: Reset Network Components Using Command Prompt
You can also manually reset several Windows networking components from an elevated Command Prompt.
This approach is useful when you want to troubleshoot a specific networking problem without immediately performing the complete Network Reset operation.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + S.
- Search for Command Prompt.
- Right-click Command Prompt.
- Select Run as administrator.
- Click Yes if User Account Control appears.
Run the following command:
netsh winsock resetPress Enter.
Then run:
netsh int ip resetPress Enter.
Next, clear the DNS cache:
ipconfig /flushdnsYou can also refresh the IP address:
ipconfig /releaseThen:
ipconfig /renewRestart the computer after completing the commands.
These commands reset important networking components without using the complete Settings-based Network Reset.
If the problem is caused by a damaged Winsock configuration, TCP/IP configuration, or stale DNS information, these commands may resolve it.
Method 4: Reset the Network Adapter
Network problems can sometimes be caused by an adapter that has stopped responding correctly. You can disable and re-enable the adapter without resetting all Windows networking settings.
Follow these steps:
- Right-click the Start button.
- Select Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Find your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter.
- Right-click the adapter.
- Select Disable device.
- Wait several seconds.
- Right-click the adapter again.
- Select Enable device.
Windows will initialize the adapter again.
Reconnect to your network and check whether internet access has returned.
If the adapter continues to cause problems, right-click it again and select Properties. Check the General tab for any device status or error message.
You can also check for available driver updates through the adapter’s driver settings.
Method 5: Reset Wi-Fi Connections by Forgetting Saved Networks
If the problem affects only one or two wireless networks, a complete Network Reset may not be necessary.
Instead, remove the affected Wi-Fi profile and reconnect.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + I.
- Select Network & internet.
- Click Wi-Fi.
- Select Manage known networks.
- Find the problematic network.
- Click Forget.
- Open the available Wi-Fi network list.
- Select the network again.
- Click Connect.
- Enter the Wi-Fi password.
Windows will create a new connection profile.
This method is less disruptive than Network Reset because you are only removing the selected wireless profile.
Try this first when Windows connects to Wi-Fi but repeatedly loses access or refuses to authenticate to one particular network.
Method 6: Reset Network Settings When Wi-Fi or Ethernet Is Not Working
Network Reset can be useful when several networking features are malfunctioning at the same time.
For example, you may consider it when:
- Wi-Fi does not connect correctly.
- Ethernet repeatedly disconnects.
- Windows reports unusual network errors.
- Network adapters behave unpredictably.
- Previous network troubleshooting commands have not helped.
- Network settings appear corrupted.
- Multiple connections are affected.
Before performing the reset, make sure you know the passwords for important Wi-Fi networks.
Also consider whether you use specialized networking software, VPN applications, virtual network adapters, or other network-related tools. A network reset can affect these configurations and may require them to be configured again.
When ready:
- Open Settings.
- Select Network & internet.
- Click Advanced network settings.
- Select Network reset.
- Click Reset now.
- Confirm the operation.
- Allow Windows to restart.
After the restart, reconnect and test your network.
Method 7: What to Do After a Network Reset
Once Windows restarts, do not assume the reset failed if your computer is not immediately connected to the internet.
The reset restores network components, so you may need to configure the connection again.
Follow these steps:
- Open the available Wi-Fi networks.
- Select your wireless network.
- Enter the Wi-Fi password.
- Confirm that the connection works.
- Open a browser and test several websites.
If you use Ethernet, connect the network cable and allow Windows to detect the connection.
If your computer uses a VPN, virtual network adapter, or specialized networking software, check whether it needs to be configured again.
You should also check Device Manager if a network adapter is missing or showing an error.
If Windows cannot detect the adapter after the reset, the issue may involve its driver or hardware rather than the network configuration itself.
Conclusion
Resetting network settings in Windows 11 can resolve persistent Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and other networking problems by restoring important network components to their default configuration.
The simplest option is Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. Windows will reinstall the network adapters and restart the computer.
Before performing a complete Network Reset, consider less disruptive solutions such as forgetting and reconnecting to a Wi-Fi network, restarting the adapter, or resetting Winsock and TCP/IP from Command Prompt.
Remember that Network Reset can remove saved network information and affect VPNs or other network-related configurations. After the restart, reconnect to your networks and reconfigure any software that requires additional network settings.
FAQs
1. What happens when I reset network settings in Windows 11?
Windows removes and reinstalls network adapters and restores networking components to their default configuration. You may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks and reconfigure certain network software afterward.
2. Does Network Reset delete my files?
No. Network Reset is designed to reset networking components and settings. It does not delete your personal files, documents, photos, or installed programs.
3. How often should I use Network Reset?
You should not need to use it regularly. It is best reserved for persistent network problems that cannot be resolved with simpler troubleshooting methods.
4. Will I need my Wi-Fi password after a Network Reset?
You may need to enter your Wi-Fi password again because saved network information can be removed during the reset. Make sure you have important network credentials available before starting.
Quick Summary
- Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
- Click Reset now and restart Windows to restore network components.
- Try forgetting individual Wi-Fi networks or resetting Winsock and TCP/IP before performing a full reset.
- After the reset, reconnect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet and reconfigure any affected network software.