3 Simple Steps to Reset Network Adapters in Windows 11
Network adapters are the built-in hardware parts that connect your Windows 11 PC to the internet or a router. Resetting them clears and reinstalls your network drivers to fix stubborn Wi-Fi drops and slow speeds in just 3 steps.
Running this quick fix puts all your network settings back to their original factory defaults. You do not need any advanced tech skills to finish the process.
Open Windows 11 Settings, go to Network & internet, then Advanced network settings, and select Network reset. Click “Reset now” and confirm; your PC will restart to apply the changes, effectively reinstalling network adapters and settings.
Option 1The Easy Way to Reset Your Network Adapters
Windows 11 network adapters can get a fresh start. This method uses the built-in Settings app , which is typically the quickest way to reset network adapters.
Step 1Open Your Settings
Press Win+I to open Settings .

Step 2Go to Network Settings
Once Settings is open, look at the list of options on the left side. Click on Network & internet. On the right side of the window, you’ll see more options. Scroll down a bit until you find and click on Advanced network settings.
Step 3Find the Network Reset Option
You are now in the advanced network area. Look through the options on this page. You should see a section called Network reset. Click on it.

Step 4Start the Reset
On the Network reset screen, click Reset now to begin the process.

Step 5Confirm Your Choice
Windows asks you to confirm that you want to reset your network adapters. A small box appears asking, "Are you sure you want to reset all network adapters?" Click Yes to continue.
Step 6Wait for the Restart
Windows restarts your computer automatically five minutes after you reset network adapters Windows 11 to apply all changes properly. Save your open files during this countdown so you do not lose any work before the system reboots.
shutdown /aOption 2Using the Command Prompt for a Network Reset
Alternatively, for those more comfortable with commands, or if the Settings app is not cooperating, Option Two offers a way to reset network adapters using Windows Terminal.
Step 1Open Windows Terminal as an Administrator
Windows Terminal runs with elevated permissions when you need to reset network adapters Windows 11 using command line tools. Open the Start menu, type the app name, and pick the admin option so you can run the commands successfully.
That works for this command. If you prefer to use Command Prompt, click the small down arrow next to the plus (+) sign at the top of the Terminal window and select Command Prompt.
Step 2Enter the Reset Command
The administrator command window allows you to reset your network adapters. Type or copy and paste the command `netsh winsock reset` into the Terminal window to reset network adapters to their default settings.
netcfg -dAfter you type or paste the command, press the Enter key on your keyboard.
Step 3Restart Your Computer
Restarting your computer is required to finish the process when you reset network adapters Windows 11 via the command line. The system applies the new network settings during the reboot to fix lingering connection faults.
Summary
Reset network adapters Windows 11 procedures involve either using the Settings app or running commands in the terminal, followed by a system restart. Both methods clear out broken network configurations and restore your internet connection to its default state.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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