Windows · Troubleshooting
Reset Network Configuration
Network Reset restores all networking components to their factory default settings. This includes removing all saved WiFi networks, resetting TCP/IP stack, and clearing DNS cache. Use this as a troubleshooting step when other network fixes have not resolved your issue.
How to open Network Reset
- Open Settings → Network & Internet.
- Select Advanced network settings.
- Click 'Network reset'.
- Confirm by selecting 'Reset now' and restart your PC.
What you should know
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset.
- Click 'Reset now' and confirm the action. Your PC will restart automatically.
- After the reset, you will need to re-enter WiFi passwords and reconfigure VPN connections.
- This process removes all network adapters and resets networking components to default.
A network reset will remove all saved WiFi passwords and VPN configurations. Make sure you have this information available before proceeding.
Why it matters
Network Reset exists specifically for the frustrating cases where regular troubleshooting — restarting the router, forgetting a network, updating drivers — simply doesn't fix a broken connection. By reinstalling every network adapter and wiping the TCP/IP stack, it clears out corrupted configurations that build up over time from VPNs, malware, or conflicting network software. It's a nuclear option, but often the fastest way to recover a PC that's stopped connecting to any network at all.
Best practices
- Try smaller fixes first, like restarting the router or running the Network Troubleshooter, before resorting to a full reset.
- Write down or export your VPN configuration and WiFi passwords before resetting, since all of them will be removed.
- Only perform a reset when normal connectivity troubleshooting has genuinely failed.
- Reinstall or reconfigure any third-party VPN or firewall software after the reset, since their virtual adapters get removed too.
Common problems and fixes
- VPN client stops working correctly after a network reset.
- Reinstall the VPN client software so it can recreate its virtual network adapter, which the reset removes along with everything else.
- Ethernet or WiFi adapter disappears from Device Manager after resetting.
- Restart the PC again and, if the adapter still doesn't reappear, reinstall the adapter driver manually from the manufacturer's website.
- Network reset doesn't fix the original connectivity problem.
- The issue may be hardware-related (router, cable, or physical adapter failure) rather than software, so test with a different device on the same network to isolate the cause.
Tips and tricks
- Run 'ipconfig /flushdns' and 'netsh winsock reset' individually first — they fix many of the same issues with far less disruption than a full network reset.
- Note your router's WiFi password on your phone beforehand so you're not locked out of reconnecting after the reset and restart.
- Check Device Manager immediately after the restart to confirm all expected network adapters reappeared correctly.
Frequently asked questions
Will a network reset delete my files or installed apps?
No, it only affects network adapters and configuration — saved WiFi passwords, VPN profiles, and network settings are removed, but your files and applications are untouched.
How is Network Reset different from Windows Reset?
Network Reset only reinstalls networking components and clears network configuration, while Windows Reset reinstalls the entire operating system and affects all installed apps.
Do I need to reinstall my network adapter driver after resetting?
Usually not — Windows automatically reinstalls the built-in driver for detected adapters, but manufacturer-specific drivers with extra features may need manual reinstallation.
Related settings
- WiFi ConnectionWiFi Connection settings allow you to view, connect to, and manage wireless networks. You can configure automatic connections, set network priorities, and troubleshoot connectivity issues from this panel.
- Bluetooth SettingsBluetooth settings allow you to connect wireless devices such as headphones, keyboards, mice, and smartphones to your PC. You can pair, remove, and manage connected devices easily.
- Windows SecurityWindows Security is the built-in protection center for virus & threat protection, firewall & network protection, and device health. It runs Microsoft Defender Antivirus and lets you review recent scans and threats.
More Troubleshooting guides for Windows
- Windows ResetWindows Reset allows you to reinstall the operating system while choosing whether to keep your personal files or remove everything. This option is useful when your PC is experiencing serious performance issues, system corruption, or persistent software problems.
- System RestartSystem Restart allows you to safely reboot your PC, clearing temporary files and refreshing all running processes. This can resolve many common issues such as slow performance, unresponsive applications, and minor software glitches.
- RecoveryRecovery brings together the tools for fixing a Windows PC that won't start correctly or is having serious problems, including Advanced startup (for Safe Mode, Startup Repair, and command-line recovery tools), System Restore, and Fix problems using Windows Update. It's a broader troubleshooting toolkit than Reset This PC alone, covering scenarios where a full reset is more than you need.
- TroubleshootTroubleshoot gathers Windows' built-in automated diagnostic tools in one place, covering internet connections, audio playback and recording, printers, Bluetooth, Windows Update, and more. Each troubleshooter runs a scripted sequence of checks against the specific feature it targets and applies a fix automatically wherever it safely can, instead of requiring you to already know the underlying cause.
- Get Help AppOpens the Get Help app, Microsoft's built-in support tool that provides guided troubleshooting for common Windows problems and can connect you to a live support agent when self-service steps don't resolve an issue.
- Feedback HubOpens the Feedback Hub app, which lets you report bugs, log performance problems with diagnostic traces, and upvote or suggest new features that Microsoft's Windows engineering teams review.