How to Reset Network Settings in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide in 2026

Network problems are frustrating. Your internet stops working, websites won’t load, or your Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting. Resetting network settings often fixes these issues in minutes.

This guide shows you exactly how to reset network settings in Windows 11, what happens when you do it, and when you should try it.

What Does Resetting Network Settings Actually Do?

When you reset network settings in Windows 11, the system removes all network configurations and returns everything to factory defaults.

Here’s what gets reset:

• All Wi-Fi networks and saved passwords
• Ethernet connection settings
• VPN configurations
• Bluetooth pairings
• Network adapters get reinstalled
• Firewall rules return to defaults
• Network-related registry entries clear out

Your files, apps, and personal data stay safe. Only network configurations change.

When You Should Reset Network Settings

Try resetting network settings when you experience these problems:

• Cannot connect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet
• Internet connection drops repeatedly
• Limited connectivity warnings
• DNS errors and website loading failures
• VPN won’t connect properly
• Network adapter shows errors in Device Manager
• Slow internet speeds after trying other fixes
• Problems after Windows updates

Try simpler fixes first: Restart your router, forget and reconnect to Wi-Fi, or run the Windows Network Troubleshooter. Reset network settings only when basic solutions fail.

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

Method 1: Using Windows Settings (Easiest)

This is the fastest way for most users.

Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Settings

Step 2: Click “Network & internet” in the left sidebar

Step 3: Scroll down and click “Advanced network settings”

Step 4: Under “More settings,” click “Network reset”

Step 5: Click the “Reset now” button

Step 6: Click “Yes” to confirm

Step 7: Your computer will restart automatically

After restart, your network settings are completely reset. You’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks and re-enter passwords.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt (Advanced)

Power users can reset network settings through Command Prompt. This method gives you more control.

Step 1: Right-click the Start button

Step 2: Select “Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)”

Step 3: Type these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

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

Step 4: Restart your computer

Each command does something specific:

• netsh winsock reset fixes corrupted Winsock catalog entries
• netsh int ip reset resets TCP/IP stack
• ipconfig /release releases your IP address
• ipconfig /renew gets a new IP address
• ipconfig /flushdns clears DNS cache

Method 3: Reset Individual Network Adapters

Sometimes you only need to reset one adapter instead of everything.

Step 1: Press Windows + X and select “Device Manager”

Step 2: Expand “Network adapters”

Step 3: Right-click your network adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)

Step 4: Select “Uninstall device”

Step 5: Check “Attempt to remove the driver for this device”

Step 6: Click “Uninstall”

Step 7: Restart your computer

Windows 11 automatically reinstalls the adapter with default settings on restart.

What Happens After You Reset Network Settings

Your computer restarts and network configurations return to factory state.

You’ll need to do these things:

• Reconnect to your Wi-Fi network
• Enter Wi-Fi passwords again
• Reconfigure VPN connections
• Set up network printers
• Pair Bluetooth devices again
• Adjust any custom network settings you had

Write down important network information before resetting. Save Wi-Fi passwords, VPN details, and static IP addresses if you use them.

Common Problems After Network Reset

Wi-Fi Not Showing Up

If Wi-Fi networks don’t appear after reset:

1. Press Windows + X and open Device Manager
2. Check if your Wi-Fi adapter shows errors
3. Right-click the adapter and select “Update driver”
4. Choose “Search automatically for drivers”
5. Restart if driver updates install

Still Can’t Connect to Internet

Try these steps if problems continue:

1. Update network drivers from your computer manufacturer’s website
2. Check if your router needs a restart
3. Test internet on another device to rule out router issues
4. Contact your internet service provider
5. Run Windows Update to get the latest system patches

Ethernet Not Working

For wired connection issues:

1. Try a different Ethernet cable
2. Plug cable into a different router port
3. Check Device Manager for Ethernet adapter errors
4. Update Ethernet driver manually

Network Reset vs. Other Network Fixes

Understanding different network troubleshooting options helps you choose the right solution.

Fix Type	What It Does	When to Use	Data Loss
Network Reset	Removes all network configs	Persistent network problems	Wi-Fi passwords, VPN settings
Network Troubleshooter	Detects and fixes common issues	First step for any problem	None
Adapter Reset	Reinstalls one adapter	Single adapter problems	That adapter’s settings only
Router Restart	Refreshes router connection	Connection drops, slow speeds	None
Driver Update	Installs latest adapter software	After Windows updates	None
Windows Reset	Reinstalls entire OS	System-wide problems	Everything (use keep files option)

According to Microsoft’s official Windows 11 networking documentation, network reset should be one of your last troubleshooting steps before considering more drastic measures.

Advanced Network Settings to Check After Reset

Once you reset network settings, check these configurations:

DNS Settings

Windows 11 uses automatic DNS by default. Custom DNS servers (like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS) can improve speed and security.

To set custom DNS:

1. Open Settings > Network & internet
2. Click your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
3. Click “Hardware properties”
4. Click “Edit” next to DNS server assignment
5. Select “Manual”
6. Enter preferred DNS addresses

Popular DNS options for 2026:

• Google: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
• Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
• Quad9: 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112

IP Address Settings

Most home networks use DHCP (automatic IP assignment). Static IP addresses work better for servers, printers, or specific network setups.

To set static IP:

1. Open Settings > Network & internet
2. Click your connection
3. Click “Edit” next to IP assignment
4. Select “Manual”
5. Turn on IPv4
6. Enter IP address, subnet mask, and gateway

Only use static IP if you understand your network setup. Incorrect settings break your connection.

Network Profile Type

Windows 11 has two network profiles:

• Public: More secure, limits sharing
• Private: Allows file sharing and network discovery

To change profile:

1. Open Settings > Network & internet
2. Click your active connection
3. Choose “Public” or “Private” under Network profile type

Use Private for home networks, Public for coffee shops and airports.

Preventing Future Network Problems

Keep your network running smoothly with these practices:

Update drivers regularly: Check for network adapter updates monthly. Visit your computer manufacturer’s support page for official drivers.

Keep Windows updated: Install Windows updates when they appear. Updates include network stack improvements and security fixes.

Use quality network hardware: Cheap routers and old cables cause connection problems. Invest in reliable equipment.

Document your settings: Take screenshots of custom network configurations. This helps you restore settings quickly after resets.

Monitor adapter health: Check Device Manager occasionally for warning icons next to network adapters.

When to Contact Support Instead of Resetting

Some network problems need professional help:

• Hardware damage to network ports or Wi-Fi cards
• Problems affecting all devices on your network
• ISP outages or service issues
• Network security breaches
• Complex enterprise network configurations
• Persistent problems after multiple resets

Contact your computer manufacturer for hardware issues. Call your internet provider for service problems. Enterprise users should reach out to IT support.

The Windows Community forums also provide help from experienced users and Microsoft support staff.

Backing Up Network Settings Before Reset

Windows 11 doesn’t have a built-in network settings backup. Third-party tools can save your configurations.

What you can backup manually:

• Screenshot your IP settings
• Export VPN profiles
• Write down Wi-Fi passwords (found in Wi-Fi properties)
• Note custom DNS servers
• Save network printer settings
• Document port forwarding rules

Cloud password managers automatically save Wi-Fi passwords if you use them across devices.

Network Reset on Different Windows 11 Versions

Network reset works the same on all Windows 11 editions:

• Windows 11 Home
• Windows 11 Pro
• Windows 11 Enterprise
• Windows 11 Education

The process remains identical whether you’re on version 21H2, 22H2, 23H2, or the latest 24H2 release in 2026.

Feature updates may change the Settings interface slightly, but the core reset function stays accessible through Network & internet settings.

Alternatives to Full Network Reset

Before doing a complete reset, try these targeted fixes:

Forget single Wi-Fi network: Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks > Forget

Clear DNS cache only: Open Command Prompt and run ipconfig /flushdns

Restart network adapter: Device Manager > right-click adapter > Disable > wait 10 seconds > Enable

Reset Windows Firewall: Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection > Restore firewalls to default

Use Network Troubleshooter: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Network and Internet

These targeted approaches fix specific issues without removing all your network configurations.

Conclusion

Resetting network settings in Windows 11 fixes most connection problems quickly. The process takes about five minutes and returns all network configurations to factory defaults.

Use Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset for the easiest method. Advanced users can use Command Prompt commands for more control.

Remember that network reset removes Wi-Fi passwords, VPN settings, and custom configurations. Back up important information first.

Try simpler solutions before resetting. Restart your router, run the Network Troubleshooter, or update network drivers. Use network reset when other fixes fail.

After reset, reconnect to Wi-Fi, reconfigure VPNs, and adjust network settings as needed. Most connection problems disappear after a proper network reset.

Keep your network healthy with regular driver updates, Windows updates, and quality hardware. Your internet connection stays reliable when you maintain your network properly.