How to Reset Network Settings in Windows 11

To reset network settings in Windows 11, open Settings, select Network & internet, choose Advanced network settings, and then select Network reset. Confirm the reset and restart the PC when Windows prompts you.

A network reset can fix Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or internet problems caused by damaged network settings. Because the process removes saved connection details, make sure you have the information needed to reconnect before starting.

What does a network reset do in Windows 11?

A network reset removes and reinstalls the network adapters detected by Windows 11. A network adapter is the hardware or software component that lets the PC connect through Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or another type of network.

The reset also returns important networking components to their default settings. This includes TCP/IP, the set of rules Windows uses to communicate over a network, and Winsock, the Windows component that applications use to access network services.

A full Windows 11 network reset may remove or change:

• Saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords.
• VPN connections and related settings.
• Custom settings assigned to network adapters.
• Virtual network adapters installed by VPN or virtualization software.
• Network identification settings, such as whether a connection is treated as public or private.

Personal files and ordinary Windows account information are not erased. However, network-related software may need to be configured or installed again.

What will I lose when I reset network settings in Windows 11?

Before you reset network settings in Windows 11, find the password for the Wi-Fi network you plan to use. Windows may no longer remember that password after the reset.

Also record any VPN information supplied by an employer, school, or VPN administrator. If the PC uses special Ethernet settings, a proxy, a fixed IP address, or custom DNS servers, save those details before continuing.

Prepare for these changes:

• The PC must restart to finish the reset.
• The internet connection will be interrupted during the process.
• Wi-Fi networks may have to be joined again manually.
• VPN connections may need to be recreated or reconfigured.
• Shared printers and network drives may need to be connected again.
• A trusted home or work network may initially be classified as a public network.

If the PC is managed by an employer or school, contact its administrator before resetting custom network settings.

How do I reset network settings in Windows 11 using Settings?

1. Save open work and close programs that need an internet connection.
2. Open Settings from the Start menu, or press the Windows key and I together.
3. Select Network & internet in the left pane.
4. Select Advanced network settings.
5. Under More settings, select Network reset.
6. Read the warning, then select Reset now.
7. Select Yes to confirm.
8. Follow the restart prompt. If Windows does not restart automatically, save your work and restart the PC from the Start menu.

After Windows starts again, it detects and reinstalls the network adapters. Wait for the desktop to finish loading before testing Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

How do I reset the Windows 11 network stack with Command Prompt?

Command Prompt can reset TCP/IP and Winsock without performing the full Settings-based network reset. This approach is useful when the Settings page will not open or when you want to repair the network stack without deliberately removing every saved network profile.

1. Open the Start menu and type Command Prompt.
2. Select Run as administrator, then approve the permission prompt.
3. Type netsh winsock reset and press Enter.
4. Type netsh int ip reset and press Enter.
5. Type ipconfig /release and press Enter.
6. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
7. Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter.
8. Restart the PC.

The release or renew command can report an error for an adapter that is disconnected or does not use automatic IP settings. Restart the PC and test the active Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection before deciding that the reset failed.

How do I reconnect after resetting Windows 11 network settings?

1. Select the network, sound, and battery area on the taskbar.
2. Turn on Wi-Fi if it is off.
3. Select the correct Wi-Fi network and choose Connect.
4. Enter the Wi-Fi password carefully. The password is case-sensitive.
5. Open a page or another internet-connected service to test the connection.

For a VPN, reopen the VPN software or return to the VPN area in Windows Settings and enter the required connection details. A work or school VPN may require settings from its administrator.

If a shared printer or network drive is missing, make sure the PC is connected to the correct network first. Then add the printer again through Windows Settings or reconnect the network drive through File Explorer. Change the network profile to private only when the network is trusted and device sharing is required.

What should I do if the Windows 11 connection still does not work?

If resetting network settings does not restore the Windows 11 connection, check whether the problem affects only one PC. If every device has lost access, restart the modem or router using its normal power controls and wait for it to finish starting before testing again.

If other devices connect normally, try these checks on the Windows 11 PC:

• Open Windows Update and check for available updates, including relevant optional driver updates.
• Open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, and check whether the active adapter shows an error.
• Run the built-in network troubleshooter from the troubleshooting area of Windows Settings.
• For Ethernet, reconnect the cable at both ends and try another available router port.
• For Wi-Fi, turn airplane mode on and then off, confirm Wi-Fi is enabled, and reconnect to the correct network.
• Temporarily disconnect unnecessary VPN connections or proxy settings, then test again.

If the network adapter is missing after a restart, use another device to obtain the correct driver from the PC or adapter manufacturer. Avoid installing drivers from an unknown source.