Windows 10: Use Network Reset (2024)

FAQs

What happens when reset network settings doesn't work? ›

If resetting your network settings doesn't work, and you feel like you've tried every other possible solution, you may need to perform a factory reset. It will delete pretty much everything from your device and is considered by most to be the last resort. How do I check my router settings?

Use network reset

This can help solve connection problems you might have after upgrading from a previous version of Windows to Windows 10. It can also help to fix the problem where you can connect to the internet, but can't connect to shared network drives.

On most devices, resetting the network settings deletes all the internet, local network and paired device settings it has saved. This isn't a factory reset and none of your files will get deleted. Just the configuration settings for any kind of wired or wireless network.

Network Reset can solve connection problems that might occur after upgrading versions or fix problems connecting to shared network drives. Reset removes all network adapters and adapter settings from your PC. After you restart your computer, any network adapters are reinstalled, and the settings re-enabled.

When you reset network settings, previously used networks and VPN settings that weren't installed by a configuration profile or mobile device management (MDM) are removed. Wi-Fi is turned off and then back on, disconnecting you from any network you're on.

Yes, you can reinstall Windows 10 within the OS. Go to settings > update and security > recovery. Under "reset this pc," click "get started." Choose "remove everything" to reinstall Windows while removing your files or "keep my files" to reinstall without losing personal data.

A network reset will delete any installed network adapters and their Settings. After you restart your computer, all network adapters should be reinstalled and the network adapter Settings will be restored to their default values.

Resetting your PC lets you perform a clean reinstallation and update of Windows while keeping your personal data and most Windows settings intact. In some cases, a clean installation may improve your device's performance, security, browsing experience, and battery life.

So, how often should you restart your router? It's good practice to restart your modem or router whenever you have any connectivity issues, transfer internet to another address, or update your internet plan.

What are the benefits of network reset? ›

Resetting the network settings restores default connection data for Wi-Fi®, mobile data, and Bluetooth® and may resolve intermittent issues related to these settings.

Resetting network settings on a mobile device will make you forget all saved WiFi networks and passwords. This means the device will no longer automatically connect to any WiFi networks, whether at home or other frequented places.

If you select the “Cloud download” option, the latest version of Windows will be downloaded from Microsoft's servers in the cloud, but it requires an active internet connection. The “Local reinstall” option will reuse the Windows installation files already on your PC and will not require internet connection.

If you use your router for Wi-Fi, your Wi-Fi connection can become slower over time if other devices use the same channels. Many modern routers are supposed to detect channels with extra bandwidth or space, but they don't automatically switch to those channels unless they are rebooted.

Windows provides a power management option that controls whether the computer turns off certain devices when idle to save power. If this feature is enabled, it may cause a constant need to reset the network adapter.

This is because network reset will erase all your network-related information and preferences, such as saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords, VPN profiles, and custom firewall rules. Additionally, you should make sure to have the latest drivers for your network devices ready to install after the reset.

If your device is not connecting to the Internet even after attempting reboots and resets, chances are that your Internet service provider is having issues with the Internet. It's not a router problem; give your ISP time to resolve the issue and see if your router reconnects.

Resetting your network settings will remove all Bluetooth pairings and stored Wi-Fi networks. Open Settings and then tap General management. Tap Reset, and then tap Reset network settings.