How to Restart a Network Adapter in Windows 11

This article explains how to restart a network adapter in Windows 11.

A network adapter, commonly known as a network interface card (NIC), is a hardware component that allows a device to connect to a network.

Restarting a network adapter is a simple way to fix connectivity issues and clear out temporary glitches or errors that may be causing problems.

When you restart a network adapter, it will disable and then re-enable the network adapter.

Reset or restart network adapter

There are several ways to restart a network adapter in Windows. One method is to turn the adapter off and then back on to reset it.

You can also disable and re-enable a network adapter to restart it.

Here’s a post that shows you how to enable or disable a network adapter in Windows.

Restart network adapter using PowerShell

Yet another way to restart a network adapter is to use PowerShell.

First, run the command below to list all the network interfaces on a computer.

Get-NetAdapter | Format-Table -AutoSize

Then, run the command below to restart the adapter using its name.

Restart-NetAdapter -Name "Wi-Fi"

That should do it!

Conclusion:

Restarting a network adapter in Windows 11 can effectively resolve connectivity issues and refresh your network settings. Here are the key takeaways:

• Simple Fixes: Restarting can help clear temporary glitches and errors.
• Multiple Methods: You can restart a network adapter using different methods, including turning it off/on, disabling/enabling, or using PowerShell.
• PowerShell Command: The Restart-NetAdapter command is a quick way to restart specific network interfaces.
• Helpful Resources: Additional guides are available for detailed steps on disabling/enabling network adapters and managing Wi-Fi settings.

By following these methods, you can enhance your device’s network performance and ensure a more stable connection.