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

Reset Network Settings

Overview

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) 🖥️

Step-by-Step Guide (CMD):

1. Open CMD as Administrator

• Press Windows + S, type CMD

  
  

• Right-click Command Prompt > Choose Run as Administrator

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) 🧭

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 ✅

• Reconnect to your Wi-Fi manually

• Reconfigure VPNs or static IPs

• Run a speed test to verify improvements

• Check for Windows or driver updates

Windows Network Settings

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.

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