How to Reset Network Settings on Windows 11 (Fix Internet and Wi-Fi Problems)

Network problems on Windows 11 can occur for a variety of reasons, including incorrect network configurations, corrupted TCP/IP settings, faulty network drivers, VPN software conflicts, or failed Windows updates. These issues may prevent your computer from connecting to the internet, cause Wi-Fi connections to drop frequently, or result in slow and unstable network performance.

Windows 11 includes a built-in Network Reset feature that restores networking components to their default settings. This process removes and reinstalls network adapters, resets TCP/IP configurations, and clears custom network settings that may be causing connectivity problems. In many cases, performing a network reset can quickly resolve internet and Wi-Fi issues without requiring advanced troubleshooting.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to reset network settings on Windows 11, what happens during the reset process, and how to perform a network reset on Windows 10 if you’re using an older version of Windows.

Quick Answer

To reset network settings on Windows 11, open Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset, then click Reset now and confirm the action. Your PC will restart automatically and reinstall all network adapters while restoring network settings to their default configuration.

After the reset, you’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks and reconfigure any custom network settings, VPN connections, or proxy settings.

What Does Network Reset Do in Windows 11?

The Network Reset feature in Windows 11 restores all network-related settings to their default configuration. It removes and reinstalls network adapters, resets TCP/IP settings, clears custom DNS configurations, and removes any network changes that may be causing internet connectivity problems.

A network reset can help resolve common issues such as:

• Wi-Fi not connecting
• No internet access
• Slow or unstable network connections
• DNS-related errors
• VPN or proxy connection problems
• Missing or malfunctioning network adapters

It’s important to note that a network reset does not delete your personal files or installed applications. However, Windows will forget saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, and you’ll need to reconnect to your wireless network after the reset is complete.

Because it restores networking components to their default state, a network reset is often one of the most effective ways to fix persistent internet and connectivity problems on Windows 11.

How to Reset Network Settings on Windows 11

If you’re experiencing internet connectivity problems, Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting, websites fail to load, or you have network-related issues that basic troubleshooting cannot resolve, performing a network reset may help restore normal network functionality.

• Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
• Select Network & Internet from the left pane.
• Click Advanced network settings.

• Under More settings, click Network reset.

• Review the information on the Network Reset page, then click Reset now.
• Click Yes when prompted to confirm the action.

• Windows will notify you that your PC will restart in 5 minutes. Save any open work and allow the computer to restart.

After the restart, Windows will reinstall your network adapters and restore networking components to their default settings. You’ll need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network and enter the password again if applicable.

What Happens After a Network Reset?

After a network reset, Windows removes and reinstalls all network adapters and restores networking components to their default settings. This helps eliminate incorrect configurations that may be causing internet connectivity problems.

Here are the changes you can expect after a network reset:

• Saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords are removed.
• VPN connections and proxy settings may need to be reconfigured.
• Custom DNS settings are reset to their default values.
• Network adapters are reinstalled automatically.
• TCP/IP and other networking components are reset.

A network reset does not delete your personal files, installed applications, documents, photos, videos, or other data stored on your computer.

Once the reset is complete, reconnect to your Wi-Fi network, verify your internet connection is working properly, and reconfigure any custom network settings if necessary.

How to Reset Network Settings on Windows 10

Although this guide focuses on Windows 11, Windows 10 also includes a built-in Network Reset feature that can help fix internet connectivity, Wi-Fi, and network adapter problems.

• Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
• Click Network & Internet.
• Select Status from the left pane.
• Scroll down and click Network reset.

• Review the information displayed on the screen, then click Reset now.
• Click Yes to confirm the action.

• Save your work and allow Windows to restart your computer.

After the restart, Windows 10 will reinstall your network adapters and restore networking settings to their default configuration. You’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks and re-enter saved passwords if required.

Reset Network Settings Using Command Prompt

If the Network Reset option is unavailable, or if you prefer to use command-line tools, you can reset important networking components using Command Prompt.

1. Open the Start menu and search for cmd.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. Run the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each command:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

4. Once all commands have completed successfully, restart your computer.

These commands reset the Windows networking stack, restore TCP/IP settings, obtain a new IP address from your router, and clear the DNS cache. In many cases, this can resolve internet connectivity issues without performing a full network reset.

If network problems persist after running these commands, consider using the built-in Network Reset feature described above.

Network Reset Not Working? Try These Fixes

If you’re still experiencing internet connectivity problems after performing a network reset, try the following troubleshooting steps.

Restart Your Router and Modem

Temporary issues with your router or internet service provider can prevent devices from connecting properly. Turn off your router and modem, wait 30 seconds, then power them back on and check the connection again.

Run the Network Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common network problems.

1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Click Run next to Network and Internet.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Update Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network drivers can cause connection problems even after a network reset.

1. Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right-click your network adapter and select Update driver.
4. Follow the prompts to install available updates.

Disable VPN or Proxy Connections

Some VPN clients and proxy configurations can interfere with internet connectivity. Temporarily disable them and check if your connection starts working normally.

Install the Latest Windows Updates

Microsoft frequently releases fixes for networking issues through Windows Update.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Install any available updates and restart your PC.

If the problem continues after trying these fixes, the issue may be related to your router configuration, internet service provider, or network hardware.

When Should You Reset Network Settings?

A network reset should generally be used when basic troubleshooting steps, such as restarting your computer, reconnecting to Wi-Fi, or restarting your router, have failed to resolve the problem.

Consider performing a network reset if you experience:

• Wi-Fi connected but no internet access
• Frequent network disconnections
• Slow or unstable internet connections
• DNS server errors
• Missing or malfunctioning network adapters
• Problems connecting after a Windows update
• VPN or proxy-related connectivity issues

Because a network reset restores networking components to their default settings, it can often resolve issues caused by incorrect configurations, corrupted network settings, or software conflicts.

However, remember that saved Wi-Fi networks, VPN connections, and custom network settings will be removed, so you may need to reconfigure them after the reset is complete.

Conclusion

Resetting network settings in Windows 11 is one of the most effective ways to fix persistent internet, Wi-Fi, and network connectivity problems. The process reinstalls network adapters and restores networking components to their default configuration, help resolve issues caused by incorrect settings, driver problems, or software conflicts.

While a network reset removes saved Wi-Fi networks, VPN configurations, and custom network settings, it does not affect your personal files or installed applications. If you’re experiencing ongoing network issues that basic troubleshooting cannot fix, performing a network reset is often a quick and reliable solution.

Frequently Asked Questions