Windows 11/10 includes a new feature that lets you reset your network and fix connectivity issues with the click of a button. You can use the Network Reset button in Windows 11/10 to reinstall Network adapters & set networking components to default settings if you face connectivity problems.
Reset networking components & reinstall Network adapters
Windows 11/10 already offers the Network Troubleshooter that can help you, if you cannot connect to the Internet. But if this tool is unable to fix your connectivity problems, you need to reset all networking components & settings to their default value and reinstall your Network adapters – and you can do all this by simply using the Network Reset feature.
A Network Adapter controls the interface of an operating system and connects the system to the wireless network. But sometimes the seamless performance of OS with WiFi may get hindered sometimes. This may cause slow connection, dropped connection, lost or no connection of wireless network in the computer system. If your operating system is facing issues with WiFi or Bluetooth, then resetting the network adapter is the best option to troubleshoot the problem.
This post will guide you on how to reset the Network adapter & Networking Components to default. The network issues may be caused due to the following reasons:
- Change in route settings or router damage.
- Cable damage or disconnection.
- Overloaded server.
- Congestion in the network.
- Incompatible internet protocol configuration.
- Use of multiple wireless networks or frequent changes in the wireless networks: The WiFi feature works best when carried out with one or two fixed wireless networks and frequency. Sometimes frequent changes in the network, create conflict with the network adapter.
- Corrupted or broken drivers: Error in the configuration of drivers or in case of an old set of drivers the network adaptor ends up giving an error message. The latest drivers contain updated troubleshooting features, to run parallel to the network adaptor for making the wireless connection possible.
Reinstall Network adapters, Reset Networking Components to default using Reset Network in Windows 11
The Network Adaptor is responsible for controlling the user interface and connecting the device with the wireless network of the user’s choice. Before you reset the Wi-Fi network adapter, you can try the inbuilt troubleshooter tool to troubleshoot the problem. If it does not work then simply you can continue with the network reset method. However, some points are here you should know before you proceed towards resetting the network adapter on Windows 11.
- Resetting will lose all Ethernet information and you will have to re-enter all the passwords.
- The VPN or other connections have to be attached again to the network.
- All the changes in networking components will get discarded.
Network Reset in Windows 11
If you need to use this Network Reset feature in Windows 11, take the following steps:
- Open Windows 11 Settings
- Click open Network and internet settings
- On the right, scroll down till you see Advanced network settings and then click on it
- Again scroll down on the next screen till you see More settings
- Here click on Network reset
- On the next screen, click on the Reset now button and wait for the process to complete.
- Restart your computer.
Let’s now see in detail:
To reset the Wi-Fi network adapter on your computer, open the Settings app first. For this, click on the Start menu and select Settings.
On the next page, select the Network & internet tab from the left pane. Then scroll down to the Advanced network settings option and open it.
Now go to the More settings section and select the Network reset sub-menu. Next to the Network reset option, click on the Reset now button to reset all networks adapter to factory settings.
Once you do the above changes, restart your computer. This will remove your network adapters and then reinstall them, and set other networking components back to their original settings. After that, you will have to reinstall other networking software, such as VPN client software or virtual switches.
Related: How to Rename Wi-Fi network adapter on Windows 11.
Network Reset in Windows 10
In Windows 10, open the Start Menu and click on the Settings icon. Next, click on Network & Internet. Next, click on the Status link on the left side. Here you will be able to see the status of your Network. You will also see a link her that lets you open the Network Troubleshooter.
Scroll down till you see the Network reset link.
Clicking on it will open the following window.
The Network Reset feature will first remove and then reinstall all your network adapters and set other networking components back to their original settings and default values.
Once you are sure and ready, click on the Reset now button, You may be asked to confirm. Click on Yes to proceed, and wait for the task to complete, after which your Windows 10 computer will be restarted.
After your run this tool, you may have to reinstall your networking software like VPN or Virtual switches, if you are using them.
This post will show you how to reset Internet Options to default in Windows 11.
Is it OK to reset network adapter?
Resetting the network adapter is completely safe. Your data (the downloaded files and the files present on your computer) aren’t affected by network reset. This action restores all your internet connection settings to the default. Network reset can help resolve network connectivity issues.
How long does network reset take on Windows 11?
Network Reset does not take more time. This process uninstalls and reinstalls the network drivers and the time allotted for this process is 5 minutes. Hence, when you perform a network reset, you have to wait for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, Windows will restart automatically. Windows also displays a message regarding this, so that you can save your work before your computer restarts.
Let us know if this feature helped you.
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