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

By / September 13, 2025

If your Wi-Fi keeps dropping, your Ethernet won’t connect, or websites are loading painfully slow, your network settings might be the problem. Luckily, Windows 11 has a built-in option to reset all network components and start fresh.

This guide will show you step-by-step how to reset network settings in Windows 11, explain what happens when you do it, and what to do afterward to get back online.

What Does Resetting Network Settings Do?

When you reset network settings in Windows 11, the following happens:

  • Network adapters are reinstalled (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth).

  • Saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords are deleted.

  • Custom DNS, VPN, and proxy settings are removed.

  • IP settings are restored to default (DHCP enabled).

  • Your PC restarts to apply changes.

Think of it as a “factory reset” for everything network-related.

When Should You Reset Network Settings?

You might want to reset your network settings if you’re facing:

  • Wi-Fi not connecting despite being available.

  • “No Internet” message even when connected.

  • Network adapters missing from Device Manager.

  • Problems with VPNs, proxies, or custom DNS setups.

  • Extremely slow or inconsistent network speeds.

If basic fixes like rebooting your router or running the network troubleshooter don’t work, a reset can save you hours of frustration.

Method 1: Reset Network Settings Using Settings App

This is the easiest and most recommended method for most users.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Network & Internet from the left-hand menu.

  3. Scroll down and click Advanced network settings.

  4. Under More settings, click Network reset.

  5. Click Reset now next to “Network reset.”

  6. Confirm when prompted.

Your PC will restart automatically, and all network components will be reset.

Method 2: Reset Network Components Using Command Prompt

If you want more control, you can manually reset network components using commands.

Steps:

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

  2. Enter these commands one by one (press Enter after each):

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

  1. Restart your PC to apply changes.

This method manually resets the TCP/IP stack, refreshes IP addresses, and clears DNS cache.

Method 3: Reset Network Adapters in Device Manager

Sometimes just reinstalling network drivers fixes the problem.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

  2. Expand Network adapters.

  3. Right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and choose Uninstall device.

  4. Restart your PC — Windows will automatically reinstall the adapter.

Method 4: Use Windows PowerShell

PowerShell offers another quick way to reset network adapters.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, search for PowerShell, and choose Run as administrator.

  2. Run this command:

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

This will restart all network adapters instantly.

What to Do After Resetting Network Settings

After your PC restarts, you’ll need to:

  • Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Open the Wi-Fi menu, select your network, and enter the password.

  • Reconfigure VPNs: Add back any VPN or proxy connections you were using.

  • Reapply Custom Settings: If you were using custom DNS or static IP addresses, set them again.

  • Update Drivers (Optional): Go to Device Manager and check for driver updates.

Troubleshooting If Network Still Doesn’t Work

If a network reset didn’t solve your issue:

  • Run Windows Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Network Adapter.

  • Update Windows: Install the latest updates from Windows Update.

  • Reset Router/Modem: Your issue might be on the network side, not your PC.

  • Check for Malware: Viruses can interfere with network connectivity.

  • System Restore: Roll back to an earlier restore point if the problem started recently.

Precautions Before Resetting

  • Write down your Wi-Fi passwords (you’ll need them after reset).

  • Note any special network settings (VPN, DNS) if you want to reapply them.

  • Save any unsaved work before restarting — network reset forces a reboot.

Conclusion

Resetting network settings in Windows 11 is one of the most effective ways to solve stubborn connectivity issues. Whether you use the Settings app, Command Prompt, or Device Manager, you can bring your network back to its default state in minutes.

Just remember to reconnect to your Wi-Fi and reconfigure any special settings after the reset.

FAQs

Q1: Will resetting network settings delete my files?
A: No, it only affects network-related configurations — your personal files remain safe.

Q2: How long does a network reset take?
A: The reset takes less than 5 minutes including the automatic restart.

Q3: Do I need admin rights to reset network settings?
A: Yes, administrative privileges are required for a full reset.

Q4: Can network reset fix slow internet speeds?
A: It can if the slowness is caused by corrupted network drivers or bad configurations.

Q5: Can I undo a network reset?
A: Not directly, but you can manually reconfigure your previous network settings (Wi-Fi, DNS, VPN).

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