How to reset network settings on Windows 10

A little-known addition on the Windows 10 Anniversary update is the network reset feature. This feature cleans out the drivers and network settings so you can start over. This is especially helpful if you encounter network problems and the solutions you take to fix the problem are not working.

If you're using the Windows 10 Anniversary edition and are trying to connect to the Internet, resetting the network may be just what you need to do to continue surfing the web.

What is network reset?

Before proceeding to learn how to reset the network, let's take a look at what to do. Network reset does not simply stop and restart your network drivers or scan all network details. In some ways, network reset can be considered a "hard reset" solution - restore factory settings to resolve network problems.

When network setting is enabled, it will clean all network drivers on your computer. When all drivers are cleaned and the computer has been restarted, all settings will be reset to default. Then Windows will try to download and reinstall the drivers for your network hardware.

This means that your current method of accessing the Internet will lose its ability to connect. Therefore, you should have the driver for the WiFi adapter before doing this method, just in case Windows doesn't download the drivers for you. Also, if you use a VPN, resetting the network will cause problems with it. As such, it's best to prepare to reinstall all the VPNs you use, so you can recover after a network reset has taken place.

When is it appropriate to use this method?

Network reset will clean all drivers and network settings. This means it is not the first method to think about when you encounter network problems. In fact, this should be the last resort.

Before you wipe out all network settings on your computer, you should try using other network troubleshooting tools and methods. After seeing no positive results, use the network reset method.

>>> See also: 7 best network troubleshooting tools

Enable reset

If you use the Windows 10 Anniversary edition, you can find the network reset feature by clicking the Start button , then the wheel icon on the left.

Here, click on Network & Internet .

Then click on Status on the left.

You will find an option on the right side labeled Network reset . Click on it.

The Network reset screen tells you: “ This will remove and then reinstall all your network adapters and put other network components into their original settings. You may need to reinstall other network software later, such as a VPN or virtual switch . "

Note: Your computer will automatically restart, so make sure you have everything saved and ready to shut down. Click on Reset now to begin the process.

Click Yes in the pop-up window.

After rebooting, your computer will have to reset its network drivers and settings. Allow Windows to reinstall drivers or install them manually if desired. After the installation is complete, try connecting to the network again and see if this method helps.

If you have a network problem with Windows 10 and nothing can fix it, then resetting the network may help. However, you should only use it as a last resort.