How to Reset Network Settings in Windows 11

To reset all network settings in Windows 11, go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset, then select Reset now. Windows will remove and reinstall your network adapters, and your PC will restart.

Network Reset can fix persistent Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN, DNS, and adapter problems. However, it also removes saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords, and some custom network settings, so use it only after trying simpler fixes.

What Does Network Reset Do in Windows 11?

A network reset restores Windows networking components to their default state.

It can:

• Remove and reinstall Wi-Fi and Ethernet adapters
• Remove saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords
• Reset networking settings to default values
• Remove VPN adapters and some virtual network adapters
• Reset custom DNS, proxy, and IP settings in many cases
• Restart your computer to complete the process

It does not delete your personal files, apps, photos, documents, or Windows user account.

Before You Reset Network Settings

Save or note down these details first:

• Your Wi-Fi network name and password
• VPN login details and setup information
• Custom DNS addresses, if you use them
• Static IP address settings
• Proxy settings
• Work or school network configuration details

After the reset, you may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi and set up your VPN or other network tools again.

How to Reset All Network Settings in Windows 11

1. Click the Start button.
2. Open Settings.
3. Select Network & internet from the left sidebar.
4. Click Advanced network settings.
5. Under More settings, select Network reset.
6. Click Reset now.
7. Choose Yes to confirm.

Windows will show a message that your computer is about to restart. Save your open work and wait for the restart to finish.

What to Do After a Windows 11 Network Reset

After Windows restarts:

1. Click the network icon in the taskbar.
2. Select your Wi-Fi network.
3. Click Connect.
4. Enter the Wi-Fi password.
5. Test your internet connection by opening a website.

If you use Ethernet, reconnect the cable and wait a moment for Windows to detect the connection.

If you use a VPN, reinstall or reconnect it and enter the required account details.

When Should You Use Network Reset?

Use Network Reset when other fixes have not worked and you are facing problems such as:

• Wi-Fi does not connect even with the correct password
• Ethernet is connected but has no internet
• The network adapter disappears or keeps failing
• Windows shows “No internet, secured”
• VPN or proxy settings are causing connection issues
• DNS changes have created browsing problems
• You cannot connect to any known network
• A recent driver or software change disrupted networking

It is a useful last-resort troubleshooting tool, not the first thing to try.

Try These Fixes Before Resetting Network Settings

Restart Your PC and Router

Restart your computer first. Then turn off your router, wait around 30 seconds, and turn it back on.

This can resolve many temporary connection problems without removing saved Wi-Fi networks.

Check Airplane Mode

1. Open Settings > Network & internet.
2. Select Airplane mode.
3. Make sure it is turned off.

Also check that Wi-Fi is enabled.

Forget and Reconnect to the Wi-Fi Network

If only one Wi-Fi connection is failing:

1. Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi.
2. Click Manage known networks.
3. Select the Wi-Fi network.
4. Click Forget.
5. Connect again and enter the password.

This is less disruptive than resetting every network setting.

Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot.
2. Select Other troubleshooters.
3. Run the relevant network or internet troubleshooter.

Windows may identify adapter, IP, DNS, or configuration problems automatically.

Update the Network Adapter Driver

1. Right-click the Start button.
2. Select Device Manager.
3. Expand Network adapters.
4. Right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter.
5. Choose Update driver.
6. Select Search automatically for drivers.

You can also download the latest driver directly from your laptop or motherboard manufacturer’s support website.

How to Reset Only the Wi-Fi Adapter

If the issue affects only Wi-Fi, you may not need a full Network Reset.

1. Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
2. Find your Wi-Fi adapter.
3. Select Disable.
4. Wait a few seconds.
5. Select Enable.

Then try reconnecting to Wi-Fi.

Will Network Reset Delete My Wi-Fi Password?

Yes. Network Reset removes saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords. You will need to select your network and enter the password again after the computer restarts.

Will Network Reset Remove My VPN?

It can remove VPN adapters and reset related network settings. Your VPN app may need to be reinstalled, repaired, or configured again.

If you use a work VPN, note down the setup details or ask your IT team before resetting the network.

Will Network Reset Fix “No Internet, Secured”?

It can fix the issue if it is caused by broken adapter settings, incorrect DNS, corrupted network configuration, or a faulty VPN/proxy setting.

However, if the problem is caused by your router, internet provider, account status, or a wider outage, Network Reset may not help.

Test another device on the same Wi-Fi network before resetting your PC. If every device has no internet, the issue is likely with the router or internet service provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to reset network settings in Windows 11?

Yes. Network Reset is a built-in Windows troubleshooting feature. It does not delete personal files, but it removes saved Wi-Fi, VPN, and custom network settings.

How long does a network reset take?

The reset itself takes only a few minutes. Windows then restarts the PC, after which you need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.

Does Network Reset delete my apps or files?

No. It only resets network adapters and network-related settings.

Why is my Wi-Fi not working after Network Reset?

Reconnect to your Wi-Fi network and enter the correct password. If the adapter is missing, restart the PC again and update or reinstall the Wi-Fi driver through Device Manager.

Should I use Network Reset for a slow internet connection?

Not usually. First test your internet speed, restart the router, move closer to Wi-Fi, close background downloads, and test other devices. Use Network Reset only if the issue appears to be caused by Windows network configuration.

Final Thoughts

Windows 11 Network Reset is a helpful last-resort fix for stubborn Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN, and adapter issues. It removes and reinstalls your network adapters, but it also erases saved Wi-Fi passwords and custom configurations.

Try restarting your router, forgetting the Wi-Fi network, and updating the network driver first. If those do not work, use Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset and reconnect after the restart.