How to Reset Network Adapters in Windows 11

Are you having trouble connecting to the internet? Does your connection feel slow or unstable? You may need to reset your network adapter. This guide will show you how to fix these common issues in Windows 11.

Why reset your network adapter?

Sometimes your computer’s network settings get cluttered or corrupted. This can happen over time as you connect to different Wi-Fi networks. Resetting the adapter clears out these old settings. It acts like a fresh start for your internet connection.

What happens when you finish?

Once the process is complete, Windows will restart your computer. All your network adapters will return to their original factory settings. You will need to sign back into your Wi-Fi networks using your passwords, just like when you first set up your PC.

Steps to reset your network

You can perform this task using your standard user account. You do not need special admin privileges for these settings, though you may be asked to confirm the restart.

1. Open the Settings app. You can do this by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard %%LNK0%%.

2. Click on Network & internet in the menu on the left.
3. Select the Advanced network settings tile on the right side of the screen.

3. Look for the Network reset option under the “More settings” section.

4. Click the Reset now button.
5. Confirm your choice, and wait for your computer to restart.

If you prefer to use the command line, you can run these commands in a terminal window (Note: Some advanced network commands require admin privileges):

netsh int ip reset C:\resetlog.txt
ipconfig /flushdns

Summary

Resetting your network adapter is a great way to fix connection errors or slow speeds. By following these simple steps, you can wipe away bad settings and return your internet to its default state. Remember that you will need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi networks once the process is finished. If your internet still does not work after this, there may be a deeper issue with your hardware or your internet service provider.