When to Reset Your Network Adapter

Try this when you have: no internet despite being connected to WiFi, limited connectivity warnings, frequent dropouts, DNS errors, or after failed network configuration changes. It is a safe reset that does not delete files or affect other settings.

Method 1: Command Prompt Reset (Most Effective)

  1. 1

    Open Command Prompt as Administrator

    Press Windows key, type "cmd", right-click on Command Prompt in the results and select "Run as administrator". Click Yes on the UAC prompt.

  2. 2

    Run the Winsock reset

    Type: netsh winsock reset and press Enter. This resets the Windows network socket catalogue.

  3. 3

    Run the IP stack reset

    Type: netsh int ip reset and press Enter.

  4. 4

    Flush DNS cache

    Type: ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

  5. 5

    Release and renew IP address

    Type: ipconfig /release then Enter, then ipconfig /renew then Enter.

  6. 6

    Restart your computer

    A restart is required for all changes to take effect.

Method 2: Network Reset via Settings (Windows 10/11)

  1. 7

    Open Settings → Network and Internet

    Press Windows + I to open Settings, then click Network and Internet.

  2. 8

    Scroll down to Network Reset

    On Windows 11: Advanced Network Settings → Network Reset. On Windows 10: Status → Network Reset at the bottom of the page.

  3. 9

    Click Reset Now

    Confirm. This reinstalls all network adapters and resets all network components. Your PC will restart automatically after 5 minutes.

After a full Network ResetYou will need to re-enter WiFi passwords and reconfigure any VPN or custom network settings. Your network connections list will be cleared.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Network reset only affects network settings and drivers. It does not touch your documents, photos, applications or other data.
Try: restart your router (unplug for 30 seconds), update your network adapter driver (Device Manager → Network Adapters → right-click → Update driver), or check if the issue is with your ISP rather than your computer.