How to Reset WiFi Adapter on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 10, 2025

If your internet suddenly stops working on Windows 11, one of the quickest fixes is resetting your WiFi adapter. A faulty adapter, incorrect settings, or driver issues can cause connection problems. Luckily, Windows 11 offers multiple ways to reset your WiFi adapter and restore your connection.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll cover why you might need to reset your WiFi adapter, different methods to do it, troubleshooting tips, and how to keep your connection stable afterward.

Why Reset Your WiFi Adapter on Windows 11?

Resetting your WiFi adapter clears network settings, re-establishes drivers, and refreshes the connection. It’s useful for:

  • Fixing slow or unstable internet.

  • Resolving “No Internet” errors.

  • Repairing WiFi adapter driver issues.

  • Clearing misconfigured network settings.

  • Restoring connection after Windows updates.

Think of it like rebooting your router—it gives your adapter a fresh start.

Method 1: Reset WiFi Adapter via Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter that can reset your adapter automatically.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

  3. Under Most Frequent, find Network Adapter.

  4. Click Run.

  5. Follow on-screen instructions to reset and repair the WiFi adapter.

Best For:

Beginners who want a quick automatic fix.

Method 2: Reset WiFi Adapter Using Command Prompt

If you prefer a manual method, Command Prompt is powerful.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and choose Run as administrator.

  2. Type the following commands one by one and hit Enter after each:

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

  1. Restart your PC.

What This Does:

  • Resets network sockets.

  • Refreshes IP settings.

  • Clears DNS cache.

Method 3: Reset WiFi Adapter via Network Reset in Settings

This option resets all network adapters and restores defaults.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Network & internet > Advanced network settings.

  3. Scroll down and select Network reset.

  4. Click Reset now.

  5. Restart your computer when prompted.

Warning:

This removes saved WiFi networks and VPN settings, so you’ll need to reconnect manually.

Method 4: Disable and Re-enable WiFi Adapter

Sometimes, turning the adapter off and back on fixes issues.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.

  2. Right-click your WiFi adapter and select Disable.

  3. Wait a few seconds, then right-click it again and select Enable.

This refreshes the adapter without a full reset.

Method 5: Reinstall WiFi Adapter Drivers

Corrupt or outdated drivers can cause WiFi issues.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

  2. Expand Network adapters.

  3. Right-click your WiFi adapter and select Uninstall device.

  4. Restart your PC.

  5. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

Alternatively, you can download the latest driver from your PC manufacturer’s website.

Method 6: Reset TCP/IP Stack

Resetting the TCP/IP stack can fix deep network issues.

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.

  2. Type:

netsh int ip reset

  1. Restart your PC.

Troubleshooting Common WiFi Issues on Windows 11

Even after resetting, issues might persist. Here’s how to fix them:

1. WiFi Option Missing

  • Ensure your adapter is enabled in Device Manager.

  • Update or reinstall drivers.

2. Connected But No Internet

  • Run ipconfig /flushdns in Command Prompt.

  • Restart your router.

3. WiFi Keeps Disconnecting

  • Change power settings: Go to Device Manager > WiFi Adapter Properties > Power Management and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

4. Slow WiFi Speed

  • Switch to 5GHz Wi-Fi if supported.

  • Disable background apps hogging bandwidth.

Preventing Future WiFi Issues

To avoid constant resets:

  • Keep drivers updated regularly.

  • Use a strong WiFi signal (closer to router = better).

  • Restart your router occasionally.

  • Run Windows Updates for system stability.

  • Use a quality router if your current one is outdated.

When to Replace Your WiFi Adapter

If resets don’t help, your adapter might be failing. Signs include:

  • WiFi randomly disappears.

  • Frequent disconnects even after resets.

  • Adapter not showing in Device Manager.

In that case, consider buying a new USB WiFi adapter or replacing the internal one.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to reset the WiFi adapter on Windows 11 is a handy skill that can save you from frustrating internet problems. Whether you use the built-in troubleshooter, Command Prompt, or a full network reset, these methods help restore a stable connection quickly.

If problems persist after multiple resets, updating drivers or replacing the adapter might be the best solution.

FAQs

1. Will resetting the WiFi adapter delete saved networks?

Yes, if you use Network Reset, all saved WiFi networks will be removed. You’ll need to reconnect manually.

2. Is resetting WiFi adapter the same as restarting the router?

No. Resetting the adapter refreshes your PC’s network settings, while restarting the router refreshes your network hardware.

3. How often should I reset my WiFi adapter?

Only when needed—frequent resets aren’t necessary unless you face repeated issues.

4. Can I reset only one WiFi adapter if I have multiple?

Yes, by disabling and re-enabling the specific adapter in Network Connections.

5. What if none of the reset methods work?

Check your router, contact your ISP, or replace the WiFi adapter if it’s faulty.

Related Posts:

Scroll to Top