How to Reset Network Settings in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Resetting network settings can be an effective solution for resolving internet connection issues, especially if you encounter persistent network errors, Wi-Fi issues, or trouble connecting devices to the network. In Windows 10 and Windows 11, you can reset network settings in several ways. This guide will cover the steps to reset network settings in each of these operating systems.

How to Reset Network Settings in Windows 10

In Windows 10, you can reset network settings through the Settings menu or using the Command Prompt. Follow the steps below for each method.

Method 1: Reset Network Settings via Settings

  1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I or through the Start menu.
  2. Go to the Network & Internet section.
  3. Select Status from the left-hand menu.
  4. Scroll down to find the Network reset section and click on it.
  5. In the new window, click Reset now and confirm the action. The system will automatically restart to complete the reset.

After restarting, all network adapters and settings will revert to their default state, which can help resolve configuration issues.

Method 2: Reset via Command Prompt

If you prefer using the Command Prompt, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Command Prompt with administrator privileges by pressing Win + X and selecting Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Enter the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

Restart your computer afterward for the changes to take effect.

How to Reset Network Settings in Windows 11

In Windows 11, the procedure for resetting network settings is similar to Windows 10, though some interface elements may differ.

Method 1: Reset Network Settings via Settings

  1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I or through the Start menu.
  2. Navigate to the Network & internet section.
  3. Find the Advanced network settings section and select Network reset.
  4. Click Reset now and confirm the action.

The system will automatically restart, and all network settings will revert to their default configuration.

Method 2: Reset via Command Prompt

Command Prompt is also available in Windows 11 for resetting network settings:

  1. Open the Command Prompt with administrator privileges by pressing Win + X and selecting Terminal (Admin).
  2. Type the following commands to reset network settings:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

Restart your computer after running these commands to complete the reset process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does resetting network settings do?

Resetting network settings removes all current network configurations, including saved Wi-Fi passwords, VPN, and proxy settings. This action will return network settings to their default state, which can help resolve connection issues.

What if resetting network settings doesn’t help?

If network reset doesn’t resolve the problem, try updating network drivers or checking hardware for issues. It’s also possible that the issue is related to your router settings or your internet service provider.

Resetting network settings is a helpful tool for troubleshooting network issues in Windows 10 and Windows 11. When used correctly, it can solve many connectivity problems without the need for complex diagnostics.