If you’re experiencing connectivity issues, one quick fix is to reset network settings in Windows 11. This process reinstalls your network adapters and resets all networking components to their default state. Whether your Wi-Fi keeps dropping or your Ethernet isn’t working properly, this method can save you hours of troubleshooting.
When Should You Reset Network Settings?
Resetting your network is a powerful step. While it’s not the first thing to try, it’s incredibly useful when:
- Your device won’t connect to any Wi-Fi network
- The Ethernet connection constantly fails
- You’ve tried troubleshooting and nothing else works
Instead of reinstalling Windows or diving into complicated settings, a network reset is a cleaner, faster solution.
What Happens When You Reset Network Settings?
It’s important to understand what a network reset does before proceeding. Here’s a quick overview:
| Action | Result |
|---|---|
| Network adapters | Reinstalled automatically |
| Saved Wi-Fi networks | Deleted |
| VPN & Proxy settings | Removed |
| Ethernet settings | Reset to default |
| Airplane mode | Turned off |
This operation affects both Wi-Fi and Ethernet configurations, so be ready to reconnect manually after the process.
Steps to Reset Network Settings in Windows 11
Follow these clear steps to reset your network settings:
1. Open Windows Settings
- Click Start and select Settings
- Alternatively, press
Windows + Ion your keyboard
2. Navigate to Network & Internet
- In the left-hand sidebar, select Network & Internet
- Scroll down and click Advanced network settings
3. Click on Network Reset
- Under More settings, choose Network reset
- Windows will show a confirmation screen describing what will be removed
4. Confirm the Reset
- Click the Reset now button
- A warning will appear — click Yes to proceed
5. Restart Your PC
- After the reset is complete, your computer will automatically restart
- Reconnect to your preferred Wi-Fi network or Ethernet cable
This straightforward method often resolves lingering connectivity issues, especially after a major Windows update or system change.
Things to Do After the Reset
Once your system reboots, follow these steps to restore connectivity quickly:
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Reconnect to Wi-Fi | Enter your Wi-Fi password again |
| Reconfigure VPN | If you use a VPN, re-enter your settings |
| Set up proxies | If needed, add proxy details under Settings |
| Check network drivers | Make sure drivers were reinstalled correctly |
If you’re concerned about privacy after reconnecting, it’s also wise to disable telemetry in Windows 11 to limit background data collection.
Extra Tip: Know When Hardware May Be the Problem
Sometimes, resetting the software isn’t enough. If you continue to have issues, the problem might be with your router, Ethernet cable, or even your device’s network card. In such cases, testing on a different network or device can help isolate the issue.
Additionally, if you’re a tech enthusiast interested in the latest hardware, check out our Razr Plus review to explore how foldables are performing in 2025.
Why This Works
Resetting network settings is like giving your connectivity setup a fresh start. It clears out potential misconfigurations, corrupted profiles, or driver conflicts — all of which can cause unstable or non-functional internet connections. Unlike more invasive fixes, it’s a balanced option that doesn’t affect your files or other settings.
Final Thoughts
When you’re stuck with frustrating network issues, knowing how to reset network settings in Windows 11 can save the day. It’s a quick, effective solution for many common problems. And since the process is built into Windows, you don’t need extra tools or software to get back online.
For more context on how network layers work, you might want to learn about the OSI model and network interface controllers, both of which play key roles in how your computer connects to the internet.
Stay tuned to Tech and Gadgets for more useful Windows 11 tips and tech reviews!
