How to Reset Network Settings in Windows

Resetting Network Settings in Windows

When troubleshooting steps do not fix your connection problems, a network reset can help. This removes all network adapters and returns settings to their defaults.

When to Reset Network Settings

Consider a network reset if:

• You cannot connect to WiFi or Ethernet
• Internet works on other devices but not your computer
• You get "No Internet" despite being connected
• VPN or proxy settings are causing problems
• Network troubleshooter cannot fix the issue
• You have tried other fixes without success

What a Network Reset Does

A network reset will:

• Remove and reinstall all network adapters
• Reset all networking components to defaults
• Clear saved WiFi networks (you will need to reconnect)
• Reset VPN software settings
• Reset firewall rules to defaults

Important: After resetting, you will need to:

• Reconnect to your WiFi network
• Re-enter WiFi passwords
• Reconfigure VPN connections
• Reinstall some network software

Windows 11 Network Reset

Step 1: Open Settings

• Press Windows + I to open Settings
• Click Network & internet in the left menu

Step 2: Advanced Network Settings

• Scroll down and click Advanced network settings

Step 3: Network Reset

• Under "More settings", click Network reset
• Click Reset now
• Click Yes to confirm
• Your computer will restart in 5 minutes

Alternative: Command Prompt

• Right-click Start button
• Click Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin)
• Click Yes if prompted
• Type: netsh winsock reset
• Press Enter
• Type: netsh int ip reset
• Press Enter
• Restart your computer

Windows 10 Network Reset

Step 1: Open Settings

• Press Windows + I to open Settings
• Click Network & Internet

Step 2: Network Reset

• Click Status in the left menu (if not already selected)
• Scroll down and click Network reset
• Click Reset now
• Click Yes to confirm
• Your computer will restart in 5 minutes

Alternative: Command Prompt

• Type "cmd" in the Start menu
• Right-click Command Prompt
• Select Run as administrator
• Click Yes if prompted
• Type these commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:

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

• Restart your computer

After the Reset

Reconnect to WiFi

• Click the WiFi icon in the taskbar
• Find your network
• Click Connect
• Enter your WiFi password
• Choose whether to connect automatically

Reinstall VPN Software

If you use a VPN:

• Check if the VPN client still works
• If not, reinstall the VPN software
• Re-enter your VPN credentials

Check Network Adapters

• Right-click Start button
• Click Device Manager
• Expand Network adapters
• Ensure your WiFi and Ethernet adapters are listed
• If any show warning icons, right-click and select Update driver

Less Drastic Options

Try these before a full network reset:

Restart Network Adapter

• Press Windows + I → Network & internet
• Click Advanced network settings
• Find your adapter (WiFi or Ethernet)
• Click Disable
• Wait 10 seconds
• Click Enable

Forget and Reconnect to WiFi

• Click WiFi icon in taskbar
• Right-click your network
• Click Forget
• Reconnect with your password

Reset TCP/IP Only

Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:

``` netsh int ip reset ```

This is less drastic than a full network reset.

Flush DNS

Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:

``` ipconfig /flushdns ```

This clears cached DNS entries without resetting adapters.

Troubleshooting After Reset

Still No Internet

• Check physical connections (Ethernet cable, router)
• Restart your router/modem
• Try a different network to confirm the computer is working
• Check if your network adapter has the correct driver

WiFi Network Not Appearing

• Ensure WiFi is turned on (check function keys on laptop)
• Check if airplane mode is off
• Move closer to the router
• Restart your router

Network Adapter Missing

• Open Device Manager
• Click Action → Scan for hardware changes
• If still missing, you may need to download drivers from the manufacturer's website

VPN Not Working

• Uninstall and reinstall your VPN client
• Download the latest version from your VPN provider
• Re-enter your credentials

For Business Computers

If your computer is managed by your organisation:

• Some network settings may be applied by policy
• VPN and proxy settings may reconfigure automatically
• Contact your IT team if issues persist after reset

Note: If you use a work VPN, make sure you have the connection details before resetting, as you may need to set it up again.

Need Help?

If network reset does not solve your connectivity issues, contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162 for assistance.