How to Reset Network Settings on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you facing Wi-Fi drops, slow internet, or network errors on your Windows 11 PC? Sometimes, the easiest fix is to reset your network settings. This will restore your network configurations to their default state, removing glitches that cause connection problems.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to reset network settings in Windows 11 step by step, along with when to use it and what happens after the reset.

Table of Contents

Why Reset Network Settings?

Here’s when a network reset can help:

Wi-Fi not connecting properly
Frequent disconnections or slow speeds
Bluetooth or hotspot issues
Problems after a Windows update
Misconfigured network settings or drivers

Think of it as hitting the “refresh” button for your internet setup—it wipes out the mess and starts clean.

What Happens When You Reset Network Settings?

Before you proceed, know what will change:

All saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords will be deleted
VPN and proxy settings will be removed
Ethernet, Bluetooth, and hotspot configurations will reset
Network adapters will reinstall automatically

So, make sure you have your Wi-Fi password handy!

Reset Network Settings via Windows Settings

This is the most straightforward method:

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Network & internet.
Scroll down and click Advanced network settings.
Under “More settings,” select Network reset.
Click Reset now and confirm your choice.
Your PC will restart automatically.

Reset Network Adapters Using Command Prompt

For advanced users, Command Prompt offers another way:

Open Command Prompt (Admin) by pressing Windows + X and selecting it.
Type the following commands one by one:

netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew ipconfig /flushdns
Restart your computer.

This method is useful if you only want to refresh specific network components.

Reset TCP/IP Stack via PowerShell

PowerShell provides similar functionality:

Open PowerShell (Admin).
Enter:

netsh int ip reset
Restart your PC to apply changes.

When Should You Avoid Network Reset?

Avoid doing a reset if:

You are on a shared or work network with custom settings
You don’t have your Wi-Fi credentials
Your issue is caused by an ISP outage, not your PC

Troubleshooting After Reset

Sometimes, the problem may persist. Try:

Updating network drivers via Device Manager
Running the Network Troubleshooter (Settings → System → Troubleshoot)
Restarting your modem or router

Final Thoughts

Resetting network settings on Windows 11 is a quick fix for many internet-related problems. Whether you use the built-in network reset option or the command-line method, it’s like giving your PC’s connectivity a fresh start.

Just remember to back up your Wi-Fi passwords before you do it!

FAQs

1. Will resetting network settings delete my files?
No, it only resets network-related configurations, not personal data.

2. Do I need admin rights to reset network settings?
Yes, administrator access is required.

3. Will I lose my VPN configuration?
Yes, VPN and proxy settings will be removed.

4. Does this fix “No Internet Access” errors?
In many cases, yes—it resets misconfigured adapters and connections.

5. How often should I reset my network settings?
Only when you face persistent connectivity issues—not as a regular practice.