how do i reset my internet connection on windows

Resetting your internet connection on Windows can be a useful solution for fixing network issues that might arise due to various reasons, such as misconfigured settings, corrupted network drivers, or malware infections.

It can help reset all your network settings, including Wi-Fi and Ethernet configurations, VPN settings, and other network-related preferences, to their default values, thus fixing any connectivity issues you might be experiencing.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to reset your internet connection on Windows 10 and 11 using the built-in Network reset feature, along with other methods you can use to troubleshoot network issues.

Reset Internet Connection For Windows

Method 1: Reset Your Internet Connection Using Network Reset Feature

The Network reset feature in Windows 10 and 11 allows you to reset all your network settings to their default values. This includes resetting your network adapters, disabling and re-enabling network protocols, and restoring all the networking components to their default settings. Here’s how you can use this feature to reset your internet connection on Windows:

Step 1: Open Settings

Click on the Start button, and then click on the gear icon to open the Settings app. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + I shortcut to launch Settings.

Step 2: Go to Network & Internet Settings

In the Settings window, click on the “Network & Internet” option.

Step 3: Open Status Settings

In the Network & Internet Settings window, click on the “Status” option from the left sidebar.

Step 4: Open Network Reset

Scroll down to the bottom of the Status window, and then click on the “Network reset” option.

Step 5: Confirm Reset

In the Network reset window, click on the “Reset now” button to confirm that you want to reset your network settings. This will initiate the reset process, which may take a few minutes to complete.

Once the reset process is complete, your network settings will be restored to their default values. You will also need to reconnect to any Wi-Fi networks or VPN connections that you previously configured.

Method 2: Restart Your Modem and Router

Another method to reset your internet connection is to restart your modem and router. This method can be useful in cases where your network connection is slow or not working at all due to issues with your network hardware. Here’s how you can restart your modem and router:

Step 1: Power Off

Turn off your modem and router by unplugging them from the power source.

Step 2: Wait

Wait for at least 30 seconds to allow the network hardware to completely power down.

Step 3: Power On

Plug in the modem and wait for it to completely power on. Once it is fully operational, plug in your router and wait for it to power on as well.

Step 4: Test Connection

Once both your modem and router are operational, test your network connection to see if the issue has been resolved.

Method 3: Disable and Re-enable Network Adapter

Disabling and re-enabling your network adapter can also help reset your internet connection. This method can be useful in cases where you are experiencing slow internet speeds or limited connectivity issues. Here’s how you can disable and re-enable your network adapter on Windows:

Step 1: Open Device Manager

Click on the Start button, type “Device Manager,” and then click on the “Device Manager” app from the search results.

Step 2: Locate Network Adapter

In the Device Manager window, locate your network adapter under the “Network adapters” category.

Step 3: Disable Network Adapter

Right-click on your network adapter and select “Disable device” from the context menu.

Step 4: Enable Network Adapter

After disabling your network adapter, right-click on it again and select “Enable device” from the context menu.

Step 5: Restart Your Computer

After completing all the previous steps, it is important to restart your computer to ensure that all the changes take effect. This will help to clear out any remaining issues and ensure that the reset has been successful.

To restart your computer, click on the Start button and select the Power button. Then click on Restart.

Once your computer has restarted, you should be able to connect to the internet again. If you are still having issues, you may need to contact your internet service provider or a professional technician for further assistance.

Reset an Internet Connection on Windows (DNS):

Resetting the internet connection on Windows may involve several steps, depending on the specific issue you are facing. In some cases, simply clearing the DNS cache can resolve the problem,

while in other cases, resetting the TCP/IP configuration or reinstalling network drivers may be necessary. Below are some different ways to reset an internet connection on Windows

Clear the DNS cache:

1. The first step in resetting your internet connection on Windows is to clear the DNS cache. This can be done by following these steps:

• Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns
• Wait for the message that says “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”

Reset the TCP/IP configuration:

2. If clearing the DNS cache does not resolve the issue, resetting the TCP/IP configuration may help. This can be done by following these steps:

• Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.

Type the following commands and press Enter after each one:

netsh winsock reset

• netsh int ip reset
• Restart your computer.

Reinstall network drivers:

3. If neither of the above methods resolves the issue, reinstalling the network drivers may be necessary. This can be done by following these steps:

• Open the Device Manager.
• Expand the Network adapters category.
• Right-click on your network adapter and select Uninstall device.
• Restart your computer, and Windows will automatically reinstall the network drivers.

It is important to note that resetting your internet connection will erase any saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings, so be sure to have this information on hand before resetting.

Additionally, if the issue persists after attempting these methods, there may be a more significant problem with your network or internet service provider, and you should contact them for further assistance.