How Reset Network Settings in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 18, 2025

Have you ever struggled with Wi-Fi not connecting, Ethernet dropping, or Bluetooth not pairing on your Windows 11 computer? Sometimes the simplest fix is to reset your network settings.

A network reset restores all network-related configurations — including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN, and Bluetooth — back to their default state. It’s like giving your PC’s networking system a fresh start.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn exactly how to reset network settings in Windows 11, when you should use this method, and what happens after the reset.

What Does Resetting Network Settings Do?

When you reset network settings in Windows 11, the system:

  • Removes all saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords.

  • Resets Ethernet connections.

  • Deletes any configured VPN or proxy settings.

  • Reinstalls network adapters with default drivers.

  • Resets TCP/IP stack and Winsock catalog.

  • Resets Bluetooth pairings.

👉 Think of it as wiping your PC’s network memory clean.

When Should You Reset Network Settings?

Resetting is useful when you face:

  • Wi-Fi not connecting or frequently dropping.

  • Ethernet connected but no internet access.

  • Bluetooth devices refusing to pair.

  • VPN connections not working properly.

  • Error messages like “Unidentified Network” or “No Internet, Secured.”

  • Slow internet after ruling out ISP or router issues.

Things to Know Before Resetting Network Settings

⚠️ Important reminders:

  • You’ll lose all saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords → Keep them handy.

  • VPN setups and proxy settings will be deleted.

  • You’ll need to re-pair Bluetooth devices (headphones, speakers, etc.).

  • The PC will restart automatically after the reset.

Method 1: Reset Network Settings via Settings App

This is the easiest way to reset network settings.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Network & internet.

  3. Scroll down and click Advanced network settings.

  4. Under More settings, click Network reset.

  5. Click Reset now.

  6. Confirm when prompted.

  7. Your PC will restart automatically.

👉 After reboot, all network adapters will be reinstalled with default configurations.

Method 2: Reset Network Settings Using Command Prompt

For more control, you can use Command Prompt (Admin).

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click, and select Run as administrator.

  2. Run these commands one by one:

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

  1. Restart your PC.

This resets Winsock, TCP/IP, and DNS cache — effectively refreshing network settings.

Method 3: Reset Network Settings with PowerShell

Windows PowerShell can also handle network resets.

  1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.

  2. Run:

Get-NetAdapter | Restart-NetAdapter -Confirm:$false

👉 This restarts all network adapters at once.

To fully reset TCP/IP stack:

Remove-NetIPAddress -InterfaceAlias "*" -Confirm:$false
Remove-NetRoute -InterfaceAlias "*" -Confirm:$false

Then restart your system.

Method 4: Reset TCP/IP and Winsock

Sometimes, you don’t need a full network reset — just fixing TCP/IP and Winsock may solve the problem.

  1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).

  2. Run:

netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset

  1. Restart your computer.

This is a lightweight reset compared to the full Settings app reset.

What Happens After a Network Reset?

After resetting:

  • Network adapters are reinstalled.

  • Default drivers replace custom ones.

  • All Wi-Fi networks and passwords are removed.

  • VPN and proxy configurations are deleted.

  • Bluetooth devices are unpaired.

How to Reconnect After Reset

  1. Reconnect to Wi-Fi:

    • Click the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar.

    • Select your network and enter the password.

  2. Reconnect Bluetooth devices:

    • Go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices.

    • Re-pair your headphones, keyboard, or mouse.

  3. Reconfigure VPNs or proxies if you use them.

Troubleshooting If Network Reset Doesn’t Work

If you still have issues after reset:

  • Check your router/modem — restart it.

  • Run Windows Network Troubleshooter:

    • Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Network Adapter.

  • Update your network adapter drivers (via Device Manager or manufacturer’s site).

  • Try using a different Wi-Fi band (2.4GHz vs 5GHz).

  • Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) if the issue persists.

Alternative Fixes Before Trying a Full Reset

Before going nuclear with a reset, try these lighter fixes:

  • Turn Airplane Mode on and off.

  • Forget and reconnect to Wi-Fi.

  • Restart your PC.

  • Disable/enable your network adapter.

  • Check if VPN software is interfering.

Conclusion

Resetting network settings in Windows 11 is one of the most effective ways to fix persistent internet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth issues. You can do it from the Settings app for a full reset or use Command Prompt/PowerShell for more targeted fixes.

Just remember: you’ll lose saved Wi-Fi passwords, VPN setups, and Bluetooth pairings — so keep those ready before starting.

With this guide, you now have multiple ways to get your PC’s networking back to default and working smoothly again.

FAQs

1. Will resetting network settings delete my files?

No — it only affects network configurations, not personal files.

2. Do I need admin rights to reset network settings?

Yes, you must be logged in with administrator privileges.

3. How long does a network reset take in Windows 11?

Just a few minutes, but your PC will restart automatically.

4. Will resetting network settings uninstall drivers?

Yes, but Windows automatically reinstalls the default drivers on reboot.

5. Does network reset fix slow internet?

It can fix configuration issues, but if your ISP connection is slow, it won’t help.

✅ Key Takeaway: Resetting network settings in Windows 11 wipes out all saved networks, VPNs, and adapters, giving you a fresh networking environment. Use it when troubleshooting stubborn Wi-Fi or Ethernet problems.

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