To reset network settings in Windows 11, open Settings, select Network & internet, choose Advanced network settings, and click Network reset. Select Reset now, confirm with Yes, save your work, and let the PC restart.
How to Reset Network Settings in Windows 11
A network reset removes and reinstalls network adapters and returns many networking components to their default settings. It can fix persistent Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN, or adapter problems, but it also removes custom network configuration. Try ordinary troubleshooting first and use this reset when simpler fixes have not worked.
Step 1: Save Your Work and Network Details
Save open files because Windows will restart after the reset. Make sure you can retrieve your Wi-Fi password. Also record any manual IP address, DNS, proxy, VPN, or virtual-network settings that you will need to recreate.
Step 2: Open Windows Settings
Press Windows + I, or open Start and select Settings.
Step 3: Open Network & Internet
Select Network & internet in the left column.
Step 4: Open Advanced Network Settings
Scroll down and select Advanced network settings. The Windows 11 path differs from Windows 10, which places Network reset on its Status page.
Step 5: Select Network Reset
Under More settings, select Network reset. Read the explanation so you understand which adapters and settings Windows will remove.
Step 6: Confirm the Reset
Select Reset now, then choose Yes. Windows schedules a restart. Save anything else that is still open and allow the restart to finish.
Step 7: Reconnect and Test
After signing back in, reconnect to Wi-Fi if necessary and test a website. Reapply any custom DNS, static IP, proxy, VPN, Hyper-V, or other virtual-network settings that the reset removed.
What a Windows 11 Network Reset Changes
- Windows removes installed network adapters and reinstalls them during the restart.
- Networking components return to their default configuration.
- Saved Wi-Fi and custom adapter settings may need to be entered again.
- VPN client software or virtual network switches may need to be reinstalled or reconfigured.
- A known network profile may return as Public, so check the profile before using network sharing.
The reset does not delete documents, pictures, or other personal files. It also does not reset your router or change the password stored in the router itself.
Try These Fixes Before a Full Network Reset
- Turn Wi-Fi off and back on, or unplug and reconnect the Ethernet cable.
- Restart the PC, modem, and router.
- Forget the affected Wi-Fi network and reconnect with its password.
- Disable and re-enable the network adapter under Advanced network settings.
- Install current Windows updates and an appropriate adapter driver from the PC or adapter manufacturer.
- Test another device on the same network to determine whether the problem is the PC or the internet connection.
Troubleshooting After the Reset
If Windows still shows no Wi-Fi networks, open Device Manager and check whether the wireless adapter appears under Network adapters. A missing adapter can indicate a disabled device, an unsuitable driver, or a hardware problem. If other devices also cannot connect, troubleshoot the modem, router, or internet service instead of repeatedly resetting Windows.
On a work or school PC, organization policies can restore network settings automatically or prevent changes. Contact the administrator before removing managed VPN or security configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a network reset delete my files?
No. It changes network adapters and networking configuration, not personal files. Saving your work is still important because the PC restarts.
Will I need my Wi-Fi password again?
You may need to reconnect to the wireless network, so have the password available before starting.
Can a network reset fix slow internet?
It can help when the slowdown comes from a damaged adapter or Windows configuration. It will not fix a slow internet plan, weak signal, congested Wi-Fi channel, failing router, or provider outage.
Can I undo a network reset?
There is no one-click undo. Windows reinstalls the adapters with default settings, and you must recreate any custom configuration afterward.
Should I reset the PC or the router?
Restart the router first when several devices have the same connection problem. Use Windows Network reset when the problem is isolated to the PC and ordinary Windows troubleshooting has failed.
Summary
In Windows 11, the correct route is Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. Confirm the reset, allow the restart, reconnect to your network, and restore any custom settings. Because the action removes adapter configuration, keep it as a later troubleshooting step rather than the first fix you try.