If your internet connection keeps dropping, websites won’t load, Wi-Fi won’t connect, or your Ethernet suddenly stops working, your network settings may be corrupted. Windows 11 includes a built-in Network Reset feature that restores all network components to their default state — fixing most Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and VPN issues instantly.
In this guide, we walk you through every method to reset network settings in Windows 11, including the full Network Reset tool, command-line resets, and adapter-specific restores.
1. Reset Network Settings Using Windows Settings (Recommended)
This is the easiest and most complete way to reset all network components in Windows 11.
- Open Settings (press Windows + I).
- Go to Network & internet.
- Scroll down and click Advanced network settings.
- Under More settings, click Network reset.
- Click Reset now.
- Confirm by selecting Yes.
What this resets:
- Wi-Fi adapters
- Ethernet adapters
- VPN connections
- Proxy settings
- Virtual switches (Hyper-V)
- Network drivers
- All network configurations
Your PC will restart automatically after 5 minutes. Once it boots back up, reconnect to your Wi-Fi by entering your password again.
2. Reset TCP/IP Stack Using Command Prompt
If only your internet protocol settings are corrupted, resetting TCP/IP can fix it without resetting everything.
- Open Command Prompt (Admin).
- Run the following command:
netsh int ip reset - Restart your PC.
This restores Windows’ networking stack to its original state.
3. Flush DNS Cache (Fixes Website Loading Issues)
If some websites won’t load or resolve incorrectly, clearing the DNS cache helps.
- Open Command Prompt (Admin).
- Run:
ipconfig /flushdns - You’ll see a confirmation: “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”
This forces Windows to fetch fresh DNS records.
4. Release and Renew Your IP Address
If your Wi-Fi or Ethernet keeps showing “No Internet,” renewing the IP address often fixes the issue.
- Open Command Prompt (Admin).
- Release your current IP:
ipconfig /release - Renew the IP address:
ipconfig /renew
This gives your PC a fresh IP from the router.
5. Reset Winsock Catalog (Fixes Network Programs That Won’t Connect)
Winsock controls how apps talk to the internet. If it becomes corrupted, apps like Chrome, WhatsApp Desktop, Steam, or Outlook may stop working.
- Open Command Prompt (Admin).
- Run:
netsh winsock reset - Restart your PC.
This fixes many stubborn connection problems.
6. Reset Network Adapters Individually
If only one adapter (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Bluetooth) is faulty, reset it instead of resetting your whole system.
- Open Settings → Network & internet.
- Click Advanced network settings.
- Under Network adapters, click the adapter you want to reset.
- Select Disable and wait five seconds.
- Select Enable.
Windows reloads the driver and refreshes the adapter.
7. Reinstall Network Drivers Manually
If your adapter is missing or acting unstable, reinstalling the driver helps.
- Press Windows + X → Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter.
- Select Uninstall device.
- Restart your PC.
Windows reinstalls the driver automatically.
For best results, download the latest driver from your laptop/PC manufacturer.
8. Reset Proxy Settings (Fixes Slow Browsing & App Issues)
If a faulty proxy setting is blocking internet access, reset it.
- Open Settings → Network & internet → Proxy.
- Turn Automatically detect settings ON.
- Turn Use a proxy server OFF.
Your apps should now connect normally.
9. Reset Firewall Settings (If Apps Cannot Access Internet)
Firewalls can block apps unintentionally.
- Open Windows Security.
- Click Firewall & network protection.
- Select Restore firewalls to default.
- Confirm.
Your app connection permissions reset to default.
Wrapping Up
Resetting network settings in Windows 11 is one of the fastest ways to resolve Wi-Fi problems, Ethernet issues, DNS errors, and app connection problems. Whether you choose the full Network Reset tool or use command-line resets like flushing DNS or resetting TCP/IP, these methods help restore stable connectivity.
Once the reset is complete, reconnect to your network and re-enter passwords. Your Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections should work smoothly again.
