How To Reset Network Settings In Windows 10/11

Encountering network issues on your Windows 10 computer can be frustrating, especially when you’re unable to connect to the internet or experience frequent disconnections. In such cases, Resetting network settings in Windows 10 can resolve various connectivity issues, such as problems with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or even network adapter malfunctions. This process restores your network configuration to its default state, removing any custom settings or configurations that may be causing issues. In this article, we’ll explore what is Windows 10 Network Reset and step by step how to perform it.

What is Windows 10 Network Reset?

A network reset in Windows 10 is a built-in feature that allows you to restore all your network settings to their original, default configurations. This process can be extremely useful if you’re facing persistent connectivity issues, such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet not working, problems with network adapters, or any other networking-related errors.

When you perform a network reset, Windows will:

• Remove and then reinstall all network adapters on your computer.
• Set all networking components back to their default settings, including IP addresses, DNS settings, and other related configurations.
• Remove any custom network settings, such as VPN or proxy settings, that may be interfering with your connection.

Note: While a network reset can resolve many issues, it’s important to note that you will lose all previously saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords. So, if you don’t remember the Wi-Fi password that your PC regularly connects to, you should know or back up the saved Wi-Fi password before resetting network settings.

Reset Network Settings In Windows 10

If you’ve decided that a network reset is the right step to take, follow these instructions to perform the reset:

First, you’ll need to access the Windows 10 Settings app, where you can manage your network settings.

• Press Win + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app directly.
• Alternatively, you can click on the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon) from the list.
• Click on Network & Internet from the list of settings categories.
• In the left-hand menu, select Status to view the current state of your network connections.

In the Status section, you’ll see various options related to your network status. To reset your network settings:

• Scroll down to the bottom of the Status page until you find the Network reset link.
• Click on Network reset to open the reset page.

On the Network reset page, you’ll find detailed information about what the reset process will do:

• Review the explanation, which outlines that all network adapters will be removed and reinstalled, and all network settings will be reset to default.
• Click the Reset now button to begin the process.

Before the reset process begins, Windows will ask for confirmation to ensure you want to proceed:

• A confirmation dialog will appear, asking if you’re sure you want to reset your network settings. Click Yes to confirm.
• Your computer will automatically restart to complete the reset process.

Reset Network Settings in Windows 11

If you are a Windows 11 user, here’s how to reset your network settings:

• Press Win + I on your keyboard to quickly open the Settings app.
• click on Network & Internet from the left-hand menu.
• This will open the Network & Internet settings page, where you can see your current network status and related options.
• Scroll down and select Advanced Network Settings at the bottom of the page.
• Under the More Settings section, click on Network Reset.
• You’ll see a description that explains the network reset process, which includes removing and reinstalling all network adapters and resetting all network components to their default settings.
• Click the Reset Now button to initiate the network reset process.
• A confirmation prompt will appear, asking if you’re sure you want to reset your network settings. Click Yes to confirm.
• Your computer will automatically restart to apply the changes and complete the reset process.

After your computer restarts, all network settings will have been reset to their default state:

• You’ll need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi or Ethernet networks manually.
• Open the network list by clicking the network icon in the taskbar, select your Wi-Fi network, and enter the password to reconnect.
• If you were using a wired connection, ensure the Ethernet cable is properly connected, and the network should automatically reconnect.

Whether you’re facing problems with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or network adapters, Reset Network Settings in Windows 10 can help you restore your network configuration to its default state and get back online quickly.