How to Reset Network Settings in Windows | CMD & GUI Steps

Overview | Reset Windows Network Settings

When your internet slows down or fails to connect, it’s often due to corrupted network configurations. Resetting your network settings can resolve most connectivity issues, and Windows offers two easy methods to do this, via Command Prompt (CMD) and the Graphical User Interface (GUI).

In this guide, we’ll walk you through both methods step-by-step, ensuring a smooth and safe reset without losing essential data. Fix Network Issues in Minutes - The Right Way

What Does Resetting Windows Network Settings Do? 🔧

Resetting network settings in Windows will:

• Remove all saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords

• Reinstall all network adapters

• Set everything back to default TCP/IP settings

• Clear DNS cache and custom proxy/VPN settings

This is Useful When You’re Facing:

• No internet access

• IP conflict errors

• Slow or inconsistent Wi-Fi

• Issues after installing new software or updates

Method 1: Reset Network via CMD (Command Prompt) 🖥️

Use built-in Command Prompt commands to fully reset network components when standard fixes don’t work.

Step-by-Step Guide (CMD):

1. Open CMD as Administrator

• Press Windows + S, type CMD

  
  

• Right-click Command Prompt > Choose Run as Administrator

2. Enter the following commands one by one:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

Explanation of Command Sequence 🔁

What does these commands do:

Command	What It Does
netsh winsock reset	Resets Winsock catalog (fixes socket-related errors).
netsh int ip reset	Resets TCP/IP stack to default (repairs IP configuration issues).
ipconfig /release	Releases current IP address assigned by DHCP.
ipconfig /renew	Requests a new IP address from DHCP.
ipconfig /flushdns	Clears DNS cache (fixes domain resolution issues).

Method 2: Reset via GUI (Windows Settings) 🧭

Reset all network settings using the Windows Settings app without typing any commands.

Step-by-Step Guide (GUI):

1. Go to Settings:

   
   

   • Press Windows + I to open Settings

2. Navigate to:

   
   

   • Network & Internet > Advanced Network Settings

   
   

   • Click on “Network Reset”

   
   

   • Scroll to the bottom and click on Network Reset

3. Confirm Reset

   
   

   • You’ll see a warning; click Reset now

   
   

   • Your PC will restart after 5 minutes

Bonus Tip: When Not to Reset Network Settings 📌

Avoid resetting if:

• You’re using custom VPN configurations you can’t reconfigure

• On a corporate or shared network (resetting may break access)

• You just need to flush DNS or restart the adapter (lighter fixes may work)

Best Practices After Reset ✅

Follow these tips after successful reset:

• Reconnect to your Wi-Fi manually

• Reconfigure VPNs or static IPs

• Run a speed test to verify improvements

• Check for Windows or driver updates

Wrapping Up

Resetting network settings in Windows, whether via CMD or GUI - is a powerful and safe way to troubleshoot most connectivity issues. Just remember to backup Wi-Fi credentials or VPN settings if needed.

Have you recently experienced persistent network issues? Try this reset process before calling your ISP, it often works like magic.

Author: Kalyan Bhattacharjee

Category: Windows | Tech Tutorials | Network & Internet

Expertise: Digital Creator, Windows Reviewer & Content Specialist

Source: Hands-on testing and long-term app usage experience

📚 Keep exploring - Here are more tech blogs you’ll love:

• Windows Update Stuck? Simple Fixes That Actually Work

• What Is sysdm.cpl? Use It to Tweak System Properties Like a Pro

• Windows 12 Leaks: UI Redesign, AI Features & More

• How to Disable Windows Run Dialog Box | Step-by-Step Methods

• Windows | Application Was Unable to Start Correctly (0xc000007b)

---

FAQs About Resetting Network Settings in Windows

Here are some common questions about resetting network settings in Windows, including what gets reset, when to use it, CMD commands, and how it affects Wi-Fi and network connections.

1. What happens when I reset network settings in Windows?

   
   

   Ans: A network reset removes and reinstalls network adapters and restores networking components to their default settings. Saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords, VPN configurations, and some custom network settings may need to be configured again.

2. When should I reset network settings in Windows?

   
   

   Ans: You can consider a network reset when common troubleshooting steps haven't fixed problems such as Wi-Fi connection failures, incorrect network configuration, or persistent internet connectivity issues.

3. Does resetting network settings delete my personal files?

   
   

   Ans: No, A network reset does not delete personal files, installed applications, or documents. It only affects network-related settings and adapters.

4. Can I reset Windows network settings using CMD?

   
   

   Ans: Yes, Commands such as netsh winsock reset, netsh int ip reset, and ipconfig /flushdns can reset or refresh different parts of the Windows networking stack. Some commands require restarting the computer afterward.

5. Will I need to reconnect to Wi-Fi after a network reset?

   
   

   Ans: Yes, in many cases. Because saved network configurations can be removed during a full network reset, you may need to select your Wi-Fi network and enter its password again.

---