DeviceHowTo
Windows 11⏱ 5 min

How to Reset Network Settings on Windows 11

Clear all saved Wi-Fi, VPN, and Bluetooth settings when connectivity repeatedly fails.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

Windows Network Reset goes further than most per-connection fixes — it uninstalls and reinstalls all network adapters, resets Winsock and TCP/IP settings, removes all VPN software connections, and clears the IP configuration back to defaults. This is the right tool when multiple networking issues have appeared simultaneously after a software installation, update, or suspected malware, rather than when only a single connection type is misbehaving. After the reset and restart, Windows Update will automatically reinstall network drivers, so a brief internet connectivity gap immediately after restart is normal.

Before you continue

Network reset removes all saved Wi-Fi passwords, VPN profiles, and paired Bluetooth devices. Record them before proceeding.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network Reset. Click Reset now and allow the device to restart.
  2. 2After the restart, reconnect to your Wi-Fi network by entering the password.
  3. 3Re-configure any custom DNS, VPN profiles, or Bluetooth accessories.

Still Not Working?

Try these if the steps above didn't help.

Verify the Fix

Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does resetting network settings on Windows 11 delete?
Resetting network settings removes all saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, Bluetooth pairings, VPN profiles, custom DNS settings, and cellular APN configs. It does not delete your apps, photos, messages, or personal files.
Will resetting network settings fix my Wi-Fi on Windows 11?
It often does when all other steps fail. It resolves issues caused by corrupted network profiles, misconfigured DNS, dead VPN residue, and conflicting network adapter settings. After the reset, reconnect to Wi-Fi from scratch — treat it as connecting for the first time.
Do I need to reset network settings to fix a slow connection on Windows 11?
No — network reset is a last resort. For slow connections, first restart the router, check for background downloads, test with a VPN disabled, and change DNS to 8.8.8.8. Only escalate to a full network reset if the targeted fixes don't work.
How long does resetting network settings take on Windows 11?
The reset itself takes under 30 seconds. The required restart adds 1–2 minutes. Reconnecting to Wi-Fi and re-entering passwords takes a few additional minutes. Total time from start to fully connected is typically 5–10 minutes.

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