How to Reset Network Settings in Windows 10

In case you are having a logjam

It isn’t usually advisable to reset your network settings in Windows 10, because doing so can wipe any changes you’ve made to your settings. If you’re struggling with network connectivity issues, however, then the only way totroubleshoot your connectionmay be to reset your network devices back to the default settings.

You can do this using Windows’ built-in network resetting tool, found in the Windows Settings menu. This will reset your network devices, as well as other important components required for network connectivity, such as your TCP/IP stack. You can also change or reset network settings using the Windows PowerShell.

Troubleshooting Windows 10 Networking Issues

Before you reset network settings for yourWiFi or wired ethernet devices, you may find that using the built-inWindows Troubleshootercan resolve common networking issues instead.

This can often be a less drastic method for solving issues with your current network settings. A common issue, for instance, is anunavailable DNS serverpreventing websites from loading. The troubleshooting tool will check for problems like this and, if possible, resolve them automatically or help you resolve them yourself.

While the Windows Troubleshooter can fix common issues with your network devices, it isn’t a miracle cure for potential settings conflicts or broken connections. If you’re still having issues, you’ll need to learn how to reset network settings in Windows 10 by following the steps below.

Using Windows Settings to Reset Network Settings in Windows 10

Like the Windows Troubleshooter, Microsoft includes a do-it-yourself tool for resetting your network settings in theWindows Settingsmenu. This will reset your network adapters and other network settings and protocols like your TCP/IP stack, which is essential for allowing your PC to make connections with other devices.

If you’ve made any changes to your network configuration, you’ll need to restore these after you reset your devices. Before you do this, however, you should make sure that the changes you’ve made aren’t the cause of any network issues or conflicts to begin with, such as an IP address conflict on your network.

Windows will begin resetting your network devices and configuration at this point. Once this is complete, your PC will restart to ensure that your adapters are fully reset and ready to use again afterwards.

Using Windows PowerShell to Run Advanced Network Settings Tools

A full network reset using the Windows Settings tool will wipe the slate clean and should reset your adapters and connections to a default configuration. You can tweak your settings further, or reset other parts of your configuration should you need to, byusing the Windows PowerShell.

There are several network commands that can be launched in a PowerShell window to fix or reset your network devices and settings. These include:

To run any of these commands, type them into the PowerShell window and hit enter. This will ensure that the information or action you’ve requested (such as disabling a network adapter or resetting your DNS cache) is performed.

While onlynetcfg -dwill typically require a restart, restarting your PC after running several commands sequentially can help to ensure that any changes made are successful.

Managing a Windows 10 Network

Most users will resolve common networking issues by using the network resetting tool in the Windows Settings menu. If you’re still having trouble with connectivity, you may find that the Windows Troubleshooter can help in the first instance, however. If the device is new, you may need to update the drivers to get it working first.

You may find thatusing a VPNcan cause networking conflicts on Windows PCs. If this is the case, removing and reinstalling the VPN service can solve the issue, but if all else fails, reset your network devices to clear any configuration or device conflicts in your network settings.

Ben Stockton is a freelance technology writer based in the United Kingdom. In a past life, Ben was a college lecturer in the UK, training teens and adults. Since leaving the classroom, Ben has taken his teaching experience and applied it to writing tech how-to guides and tutorials, specialising in Linux, Windows, and Android. He has a degree in History and a postgraduate qualification in Computing.Read Ben’s Full Bio

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How to Reset Network Settings in Windows 10#

Troubleshooting Windows 10 Networking Issues#

Using Windows Settings to Reset Network Settings in Windows 10#

Using Windows PowerShell to Run Advanced Network Settings Tools#

Managing a Windows 10 Network#