HankiHow to Completely Reset Network Settings in Windows 11
Network problems can persist even after restarting your router and PC.
Windows maintains several networking components that can become misconfigured, including DNS caches, TCP/IP settings, Winsock, and network adapters.
Before changing the network: save any manual IP/DNS settings and work locally, since resets can disconnect remote sessions. Use an administrator terminal. Release/renew applies to adapters using DHCP, not static addresses; without an adapter name it affects all eligible adapters. On a managed PC, check with your administrator before resetting the network.
Start With DNS
Open Terminal as Administrator and run:
ipconfig /flushdns
This clears cached DNS records.
Reset Winsock
Run:
netsh winsock reset
Winsock provides an interface between applications and Windows networking.
A broken Winsock configuration can cause strange connection problems.
Reset TCP/IP
Run:
netsh int ip reset resetlog.txt
This resets important TCP/IP configuration.
Renew Your Address
You can also use:
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
Be aware that your network connection will temporarily disappear between the commands.
Restart the Computer
Many network resets do not fully take effect until Windows restarts.
When a Network Reset Can Help
These steps can help with:
- connected but no internet
- websites failing while other services work
- DNS errors
- applications unable to access the internet
- network configuration problems after VPN software
- damaged TCP/IP settings
When It Probably Won't Help
A Windows network reset cannot repair:
- a broken router
- ISP outages
- weak Wi-Fi coverage
- failing Wi-Fi hardware
- incorrect router configuration
Use Windows Network Reset Only as a Last Step
If targeted checks have failed, open Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset. Review the prompt before selecting Reset now. Windows removes and reinstalls network adapters and resets their settings after restarting. You may need to reconfigure VPN software, virtual switches and saved network settings. Keep the correct network driver available offline before doing this.
References
Questions about How to Completely Reset Network Settings in Windows 11
Is a network reset the first fix for connectivity problems?
No. Compare another device, check link and DNS first, then choose the narrowest reset appropriate to the evidence.
What can a broader network reset change?
Winsock, TCP/IP and Windows Network Reset affect different parts of networking; broader resets can require reconfiguration of adapters, VPNs or custom settings. Record those settings first.