To reset network settings in Windows 11, open Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset, select Reset now, and confirm by choosing Yes. Windows will remove and reinstall your network adapters, restore their default settings and restart the computer.
A network reset can resolve persistent Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN, DNS and connectivity problems. However, Microsoft recommends using it as a final troubleshooting step because it removes saved network configurations.
Windows 11 Network Reset: Quick Steps
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select Network & internet.
- Open Advanced network settings.
- Select Network reset.
- Click Reset now.
- Select Yes to confirm.
- Save your work and wait for Windows to restart.
- Reconnect to Wi-Fi after the restart.
You will need your Wi-Fi password after completing the reset.
What Does a Network Reset Do in Windows 11?
A Windows 11 network reset removes installed network adapters and reinstalls them after the computer restarts. It also restores many networking components to their default configuration.
The reset can affect:
- Wi-Fi adapters
- Ethernet adapters
- VPN adapters
- Virtual network adapters
- Saved Wi-Fi networks
- Wi-Fi passwords
- Custom DNS configurations
- Manually configured IP addresses
- Proxy settings
- Network profiles
- VPN software
- Hyper-V virtual switches
After restarting, Windows should automatically detect and reinstall the required network adapters.
Microsoft warns that you may need to reinstall or reconfigure VPN clients, Hyper-V virtual switches and other networking software after performing a reset. Microsoft Support recommends treating a complete network reset as a final troubleshooting step.
When Should You Reset Network Settings?
Consider resetting the network configuration when common troubleshooting methods have failed and your Windows 11 computer continues to experience:
- Wi-Fi connected but no internet
- Wi-Fi option missing
- Frequent Wi-Fi disconnections
- Ethernet not working
- “No Internet, secured” message
- VPN connection failures
- Incorrect or unavailable IP address
- DNS-related website errors
- Network problems after a Windows update
- Inability to access shared network drives
- Network adapter configuration errors
- Internet working on other devices but not the computer
A network reset is unlikely to fix an internet outage, damaged router, disconnected broadband cable or failed network adapter.
What Should You Do Before Resetting the Network?
Before continuing, prepare for the settings that may be removed.
Save Your Wi-Fi Password
Network reset can remove saved Wi-Fi profiles. Make sure you know the password for the network you want to reconnect to.
You can view the password for a connected Wi-Fi network through Windows Settings:
- Open Settings.
- Select Network & internet.
- Select Wi-Fi.
- Open your connected network’s properties.
- Find the Wi-Fi security key option.
- Select View if available.
The exact wording can vary by Windows 11 version.
Record Custom Network Settings
If your computer uses a custom network configuration, record the following before resetting:
- Static IP address
- Subnet mask
- Default gateway
- Preferred DNS server
- Alternate DNS server
- Proxy address and port
- VPN server details
- Work or school network settings
This information may need to be entered again after the reset.
Save Your Work
Windows will schedule a restart after you confirm the network reset. Save documents and close important applications before proceeding.
Download a Network Driver
If you suspect a driver problem, download the correct Wi-Fi or Ethernet driver from your laptop or motherboard manufacturer before resetting.
Keep the driver installer on the computer or a USB drive in case Windows does not automatically reinstall the adapter.
How to Reset Network Settings in Windows 11 Using Settings
This is the simplest and safest method for most users.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
Press:
Windows + I
You can also open the Start menu and select Settings.
Step 2: Open Network & Internet
Select Network & internet from the left sidebar.
This section contains settings for:
- Wi-Fi
- Ethernet
- VPN
- Mobile hotspot
- Proxy
- Dial-up connections
- Advanced network options
Step 3: Select Advanced Network Settings
Scroll down and open Advanced network settings.
You should see your installed Wi-Fi, Ethernet and virtual network adapters.
Step 4: Open Network Reset
Scroll to the More settings section and select Network reset.
Windows will explain that the feature removes and reinstalls all network adapters and restores their settings to the original defaults.
Step 5: Select Reset Now
Click the Reset now button.
Windows will display a confirmation message asking whether you are sure that you want to reset the network settings.
Step 6: Confirm the Reset
Select Yes.
Windows may display a message stating that the computer will shut down or restart shortly.
Step 7: Restart and Reconnect
After Windows restarts:
- Select the network icon in the taskbar.
- Turn on Wi-Fi if necessary.
- Select your Wi-Fi network.
- Enter the password.
- Choose whether the computer should be discoverable on the network.
Your adapters should now be operating with their default settings.
How to Back Up Wi-Fi Profiles Before a Network Reset
Windows allows you to export saved Wi-Fi profiles through Command Prompt.
Step 1: Create a Backup Folder
Create a folder in a secure location. For example:
C:\WiFiBackup
Step 2: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Open the Start menu.
- Search for Command Prompt.
- Select Run as administrator.
- Approve the User Account Control prompt.
Step 3: Export the Wi-Fi Profiles
Run:
netsh wlan export profile folder=”C:\WiFiBackup” key=clear
Windows will create an XML file for each saved Wi-Fi profile.
Security Warning
The key=clear parameter exports Wi-Fi passwords in readable form inside the XML files. Anyone with access to the backup folder may be able to view your network passwords.
Protect the folder and delete the exported files securely when they are no longer required.
If you do not need to export passwords, use:
netsh wlan export profile folder=”C:\WiFiBackup”
How to Restore Wi-Fi Profiles After the Reset
After Windows restarts, open Command Prompt as administrator and use:
for %f in (“C:\WiFiBackup\*.xml”) do netsh wlan add profile filename=”%f”
This command imports each Wi-Fi profile stored in the backup folder.
If you are running the command inside a batch file rather than directly in Command Prompt, use two percentage signs:
for %%f in (“C:\WiFiBackup\*.xml”) do netsh wlan add profile filename=”%%f”
This difference is important. %f is used directly in Command Prompt, while %%f is required inside a .bat or .cmd file.
Try These Fixes Before a Complete Network Reset
A complete reset can remove several important configurations. Try these simpler solutions first.
Restart Wi-Fi
- Select the network icon in the taskbar.
- Turn Wi-Fi off.
- Wait approximately 10 seconds.
- Turn Wi-Fi on again.
- Reconnect to the network.
You can also enable Airplane Mode briefly and then disable it.
Restart the Router and Modem
- Disconnect the router and modem from power.
- Wait at least 30 seconds.
- Reconnect the modem first.
- Wait until its connection lights become stable.
- Reconnect the router.
- Wait a few minutes and test the connection.
Do not press the router’s physical factory-reset button unless you intend to erase its settings.
Forget and Reconnect to the Wi-Fi Network
- Open Settings.
- Select Network & internet → Wi-Fi.
- Open Manage known networks.
- Select the affected Wi-Fi network.
- Click Forget.
- Reconnect using the correct password.
This removes only one saved Wi-Fi profile instead of resetting the entire network configuration.
Disable and Re-enable the Network Adapter
- Open Settings.
- Go to Network & internet.
- Select Advanced network settings.
- Find the affected adapter.
- Click Disable.
- Wait a few seconds.
- Click Enable.
This can restart the adapter without removing its driver or configuration.
Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter
Depending on your Windows 11 version, open:
Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters
Run the available troubleshooter for network and internet connections.
Newer Windows versions may open the Get Help application to diagnose connectivity problems.
Reset the Windows Networking Stack Using Commands
If you want to repair networking components without immediately performing a full network reset, use Microsoft’s recommended commands.
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run these commands in order:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
Restart the computer after the commands finish.
What Each Command Does
| Command | Purpose |
| netsh winsock reset | Resets the Winsock catalogue |
| netsh int ip reset | Resets TCP/IP configuration |
| ipconfig /release | Releases the current DHCP-assigned IP address |
| ipconfig /renew | Requests a new IP address |
| ipconfig /flushdns | Clears the local DNS resolver cache |
Microsoft lists these commands as troubleshooting steps for Windows connectivity problems.
Important Note About Static IP Addresses
If your computer uses a manually configured static IP address, document it before running reset commands. Resetting TCP/IP settings may remove or alter custom network configurations.
How to Fix “Wi-Fi Connected but No Internet”
If Windows connects to the router but cannot access the internet, try these checks.
Test Another Device
Connect a phone or another computer to the same Wi-Fi network.
- If no device has internet access, the router, modem or internet provider is likely responsible.
- If other devices work normally, the problem is probably limited to your Windows computer.
Renew the IP Address
Run Command Prompt as administrator:
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
If Windows receives an address beginning with 169.254, it usually means the computer could not obtain a valid IP address from the router’s DHCP service.
Clear the DNS Cache
Run:
ipconfig /flushdns
This can fix problems caused by outdated or incorrect locally cached DNS information.
Check Proxy Settings
Open:
Settings → Network & internet → Proxy
Turn off Use a proxy server unless your company, school or network administrator requires it.
Do not disable a managed proxy on a work computer without permission.
What to Do if Wi-Fi Is Missing After Network Reset
If the Wi-Fi option disappears, check whether the adapter is enabled.
- Right-click the Start button.
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Find the wireless network adapter.
- Right-click it.
- Select Enable device if that option appears.
If the adapter has a warning symbol, reinstall its driver.
Restart WLAN AutoConfig
- Press Windows + R.
- Enter:
services.msc
- Press Enter.
- Find WLAN AutoConfig.
- Right-click it.
- Select Restart.
- Confirm that its startup type is set to Automatic.
WLAN AutoConfig manages wireless-network discovery and connections in Windows.
Reinstall the Network Adapter Driver
If resetting the network does not help, the driver may be damaged.
Before removing the driver, download a backup copy from the computer manufacturer.
Then:
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click the Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter.
- Select Uninstall device.
- Read the confirmation options carefully.
- Select Uninstall.
- Restart the computer.
Windows should attempt to reinstall the adapter automatically.
Avoid selecting an option that permanently removes the driver package unless you already have the correct replacement driver available.
Why Is the Network Set to Public After Resetting?
A network reset may classify previously known connections as public networks.
A public profile makes the computer less discoverable to other devices. This is generally safer when using Wi-Fi in hotels, airports or cafés.
For a trusted home network:
- Open Settings.
- Select Network & internet.
- Choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Open the connected network’s properties.
- Select Private network.
Use the private profile only on a network you trust.
Does Network Reset Remove VPN Software?
Network reset can remove VPN adapters and their configurations. Some VPN applications may need to be repaired, reinstalled or configured again.
Before resetting, save:
- VPN server address
- Account information
- Authentication method
- Certificates
- Custom DNS settings
- Split-tunnelling rules
For a company-managed VPN, contact the organisation’s IT administrator instead of changing the settings independently.
Does Network Reset Delete Personal Files?
No. A network reset does not delete personal documents, photographs, videos or installed Windows applications.
However, it may remove or reset:
- Wi-Fi profiles
- Network passwords
- VPN adapters
- Proxy configurations
- Static IP settings
- Custom DNS settings
- Virtual network components
It is a networking reset, not a Windows factory reset.
Network Reset Not Working: Additional Checks
If the computer remains offline after resetting the network:
Check for an ISP Outage
Test the connection on another device or contact your internet service provider.
Use Ethernet
Connect the computer directly to the router using an Ethernet cable.
If Ethernet works but Wi-Fi does not, the problem is probably related to the wireless adapter, driver, signal or router configuration.
Check Windows Update
Go to:
Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates
Install available network-driver and Windows updates, then restart the computer.
Check the Adapter’s Power Settings
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click the Wi-Fi adapter.
- Select Properties.
- Open Power Management.
- Clear Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
This can help when Wi-Fi disconnects after sleep or during battery use.
Run a Malware Scan
Malware can modify DNS, proxy and network settings.
Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection and run a scan. Use an offline scan if you suspect a persistent infection.
Consider Hardware Failure
The Wi-Fi adapter may be failing if it:
- Frequently disappears from Device Manager
- Cannot detect any network
- Produces repeated driver errors
- Disconnects regardless of the router used
- Works only after restarting
- Stops working when the laptop moves or heats up
A USB Wi-Fi adapter can be used temporarily to determine whether the internal wireless hardware is responsible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset network settings in Windows 11?
Open Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset. Select Reset now, confirm with Yes, and allow the computer to restart.
Will a network reset delete my Wi-Fi password?
It can remove saved Wi-Fi profiles, which means you may need to enter the network password again.
Does Windows 11 network reset delete files?
No. It does not remove personal files. It resets network adapters and networking configurations.
Should I use network reset for slow internet?
Try restarting the router, testing another device, disabling VPNs and checking signal strength first. Use a full reset only if simpler troubleshooting does not work.
Will network reset fix “No Internet, secured”?
It may help if the error is caused by a corrupted adapter, TCP/IP configuration, DNS setting or network profile. It cannot fix an ISP outage or faulty router.
Does network reset reinstall Wi-Fi drivers?
Windows removes the adapters and should reinstall them after restarting. If it cannot find the appropriate driver, you may need to install one from the computer manufacturer.
Will network reset remove my VPN?
It may remove or reset VPN adapters. You may need to reinstall the VPN client and enter its configuration again.
What is the command to reset networking in Windows 11?
Common commands include:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
Run them from an administrator Command Prompt and restart Windows afterward.
Why can’t I find Network Reset?
Use Windows Search and enter network reset. You can also navigate through Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings.
How long does a Windows 11 network reset take?
The reset itself usually takes only a few minutes, but Windows may schedule a restart. Reinstalling VPN software or restoring custom settings can take longer.
