Windows 11 Network Reset: What It Changes and How to Reconnect

Windows 11 network reset removes installed network adapters and their settings, then reinstalls the adapters with default settings after a restart. It can repair stubborn connection problems, but you may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi and rebuild VPN or virtual-network configuration afterward.

Microsoft recommends using it as a last troubleshooting step. Before selecting Reset now, save your work and make sure you can recover your connection without relying on the affected PC being online.

What does network reset change?

Microsoft's Windows Wi-Fi troubleshooting documentation describes the adapter reset and warns about networking software and network profiles.

Your personal documents remain on the PC. Save open files because the process restarts Windows. Also keep your Wi-Fi password available: being able to select and authenticate to your network is part of recovery, even if Windows reconnects automatically.

Try these lower-impact checks first

Open the Get Help app and run its Network and Internet troubleshooter. Check that Wi-Fi is on and Airplane mode is off, or reseat the Ethernet cable. Restart the PC and compare the same network on another device. Microsoft's Ethernet troubleshooting guide explains these checks.

If several devices lose internet access together, investigate the router or service outage before resetting this PC. If only one website or application fails, compare another site or app first. These checks help establish whether a system-wide networking repair matches the problem.

1. Prepare an offline recovery plan

Keep this guide accessible on a phone or save a copy locally. Have the exact Wi-Fi network name and password ready; a Windows sign-in password may be different. Microsoft's Wi-Fi connection instructions also explain viewing a saved network's password in current Windows settings.

• Record any approved manual IP address, subnet information, gateway and DNS servers, plus the adapter they belong to.
• Keep the PC manufacturer's Windows 11 network driver available offline, along with any required VPN installer and setup instructions.
• For a managed work or school PC, obtain IT's recovery instructions for VPN access, certificates and virtual networking before proceeding.

Save work and arrange local access to the PC. Resetting network adapters interrupts remote access, so a remote session alone is not a recovery plan.

Expected result: you can identify the correct network and restore required settings even if the PC initially has no connection.

2. Run Network reset and allow Windows to restart

In Windows 11, open Start > Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. Read the warning, then select Reset now and Yes to confirm. Allow the restart to complete.

Windows 10 difference: its path is Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset. The Windows 11 procedure uses Advanced network settings instead of the older Status page.

Expected result: Windows restarts and reinstalls the adapters with default settings. Rejoining a network and restoring specialized software may still be necessary. The illustrations show documented controls in simplified form; spacing may differ on your build.

3. Reconnect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet

For Wi-Fi

Select the taskbar's Network, Sound or Battery area to open Quick settings. Beside the Wi-Fi control, select Manage Wi-Fi connections. Choose your network, select Connect, enter its password when requested, and select Next.

If your expected network is missing, refresh the network list and confirm that Wi-Fi is enabled. Use your known network name to avoid joining a similarly named hotspot. A workplace network may require organization-specific authentication.

For Ethernet

Check that the cable is secure at the PC and a suitable LAN port on the router or network equipment. Open Settings > Network & internet and review the connection status. On a network using automatic addressing, allow Windows to obtain its configuration.

Expected result: the PC rejoins the local network. Test a familiar website as well; a Wi-Fi connection by itself does not establish internet access.

4. Restore required settings and verify everyday access

Check IP assignment and DNS

On a typical network that supplies addresses automatically, use Automatic (DHCP). If your network requires manual addressing, restore the approved values you recorded. Under Network & internet, choose Wi-Fi > Manage known networks and the network, or choose Ethernet. Next to IP assignment, select Edit to review the mode.

Microsoft's essential network settings guide explains automatic and manual configuration. Avoid guessing a static address or replacing organization-provided DNS servers.

Reconnect VPNs and check virtual networks

For a Windows VPN profile, open Settings > Network & internet > VPN, select Connect beside the intended connection, and complete authentication. Microsoft's VPN connection guide describes the process. If a third-party VPN or virtual switch is missing or broken, use the provider's or IT team's repair instructions.

Review the Public or Private profile

In Network & internet, select the connected Wi-Fi network or Ethernet, then check Network profile type. Public keeps your PC less discoverable. Choose Private only for a network whose people and devices you trust when discovery or sharing is needed.

Test a website, your required work application or VPN resource, and any shared printer or folder you normally use. Restore settings one change at a time so you can identify what resolves the remaining symptom.

What if you still cannot reconnect?

After one reset and a careful reconnection check, collect the exact error, adapter name and affected connection type before escalating. Repeating the reset without identifying the remaining failure can mean rebuilding the same settings again.