Resetting the network settings on Windows 11 – kind of a last-ditch effort, but it can fix all sorts of weird connection issues that just won’t go away. Basically, it wipes all your current network configs, removes network adapters, and resets everything back to the default state. After doing this, your PC will restart and you’ll need to re-enter things like Wi-Fi passwords or VPN info — yeah, it’s a bit of a hassle, but when nothing else works, this method often does the trick.
How to Network Reset Windows 11
If you’re seeing pages not loading or TCP/IP stack errors, or maybe your Wi-Fi refuses to connect no matter what, trying this reset might help. Here’s the rough process:
Step 1: Open Settings
Hit the Start button, then click that gear icon or just press Win + I to pull up Settings. Notepad: On some setups, this feels glitchy or slow — welcome to Windows 11, right?
Step 2: Navigate to Network & Internet
From the sidebar in Settings, click Network & Internet. This is where all the network magic happens, from Wi-Fi to Ethernet, and where you’ll find the reset option lurking.
Step 3: Select Advanced Network Settings
Scroll down a bit until you see Advanced Network Settings and click on it. If it’s not obvious, it’s probably under some dropdown or collapsible menu — Windows loves to hide things behind layers.
Step 4: Choose Network Reset
Now, find Network Reset at the bottom. Because of course, Windows has to complicate things by hiding it. Click on that link and a page opens explaining what it does. Basically, it wipes all network adapters and restores defaults.
Step 5: Click Reset Now
Once you’re there, hit the Reset now button, then confirm any prompts. Your PC will then restart — and on some setups, it might take a while or need a second restart. Note: this temporarily disconnects your internet, so be prepared with any Wi-Fi passwords or VPN info you’ll need to re-enter.
After the restart, your network will be like fresh out of the box. Sometimes, this straight-up fixes issues like slow speeds, keeps disconnects, or troubles connecting to certain networks. Not sure why it works, but on some machines this fails the first time, then works after reboot — might be worth trying again if it’s stubborn.
Tips for Network Reset on Windows 11
- Backup your Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings before hitting reset — this will erase them, and it’s a pain to remember every password manually.
- Use this only after trying simpler solutions like restarting your router or updating drivers. It’s a nuclear option, so don’t jump straight to it.
- Right after reset, head over to Device Manager and update your network drivers. Sometimes, resetting prompts driver issues or outdated versions that cause trouble.
- If you’re on a corporate or school machine, check with your IT folks before doing this. They might have policies or setups that get broken easily.
- Keep in mind: this process doesn’t fix hardware problems. If your modem or router is dead or faulty, resetting Windows won’t help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my Wi-Fi networks after reset?
All saved Wi-Fi networks are wiped out, so you’ll have to enter passwords again. Think of it like wiping the memory — annoying, but sometimes necessary.
Can it fix slow internet?
Sometimes yes, especially if the issue stems from misconfigured network settings. It’s not a magic fix, but it’s worth a shot.
Will this mess with other settings?
Nope, it only resets stuff related to network connections. Other system preferences or personal files stay intact.
Is it safe?
Generally, yes. Just make sure you have your network info saved elsewhere before starting. On some setups, it’s a quick process — on others, it can be a bit nerve-wracking, so proceed with caution.
How long does it take?
Only a few minutes, tops. The actual reset is quick, but the restart might add a couple of extra minutes depending on hardware.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Navigate to Network & Internet
- Click on Advanced Network Settings
- Select Network Reset
- Hit Reset Now and confirm
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. It’s straightforward enough once you get the hang of it, even if Windows makes it kinda frustrating to find everything. Just remember, this isn’t a fix for hardware issues — if your Wi-Fi is totally dead, it’s probably a router or modem problem. Yet another reason why the tech gods love to complicate things.