A network adapter is the hardware or software component that allows your Windows PC to connect to the internet and other devices through Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or other network connections. When that connection starts acting up, you may experience problems such as slow internet, frequent disconnections, Wi-Fi not appearing, or Windows showing that it is connected but unable to access the internet.
One practical way to troubleshoot these problems is to reset the network adapter. Resetting an adapter can clear temporary configuration problems and restore the adapter to a clean working state without requiring you to reinstall Windows.
In this guide, we’ll start with the easiest method and then move toward more advanced options if the basic reset does not solve the problem.
Resetting Network Adapters in Windows 11/10 [Complete Guide]
To reset network adapters in Windows 11, go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset, select Reset now, and restart your PC. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset > Reset now. You can also reset an individual adapter through Device Manager or use Command Prompt to reset network components.
Let’s learn in detail!
1: Check Which Network Adapter Is Having Problems
Before resetting your network configuration, identify whether you’re having trouble with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or both. This helps you choose the right troubleshooting method and prevents unnecessary changes.
Go to Settings > Network & internet in Windows 11. You can check whether Wi-Fi or Ethernet is connected and look for any warning messages. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
If Wi-Fi is the only connection affected while Ethernet works normally, the problem may be related specifically to your wireless adapter. If neither connection works, a broader network configuration reset may be more appropriate.
2: Reset the Network Adapter From Windows 11 Settings
Windows 11 provides a built-in Network reset feature that can automatically remove and reinstall network adapters. This is usually the easiest option for beginners.
Go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. You’ll see information explaining what the reset will do. Review this information carefully, then select Reset now.
Windows will ask you to confirm the action. Select Yes or confirm the reset when prompted. Your computer may restart automatically, or Windows may notify you that it needs to restart.
After the restart, Windows should reinstall the network adapters automatically. Try connecting to your Wi-Fi network or plugging in your Ethernet cable and check whether your internet connection is working again.
3: Reset the Network Adapter in Windows 10
Windows 10 uses a slightly different Settings layout, but the process is still straightforward.
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset. Select Network reset, and Windows will display information about the reset process.
Select Reset now, then confirm the action. Windows will remove the installed network adapters and reinstall them after restarting the computer.
Once Windows starts again, reconnect to your network. If you’re using Wi-Fi, select your wireless network and enter the Wi-Fi password if Windows asks for it.
4: Disable and Re-enable an Individual Network Adapter
If you don’t want to perform a complete network reset, you can try restarting a specific adapter. This is especially useful when Wi-Fi or Ethernet suddenly stops working.
Go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings in Windows 11. Under Network adapters, locate the adapter you’re troubleshooting. Select Disable, wait several seconds, and then select Enable.
In Windows 10, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Change adapter options. Right-click the affected network connection and select Disable. Wait a few seconds, then right-click it again and choose Enable.
This method doesn’t perform the same comprehensive reset as Windows’ Network reset feature. Instead, it simply turns the adapter off and back on, which can clear temporary adapter problems.
5: Reset the Adapter Through Device Manager
Device Manager gives you more direct control over the network hardware installed on your computer. This method is useful if Windows isn’t recognizing the adapter correctly or the adapter appears to have a driver-related problem.
Go to Start > Device Manager > Network adapters. Expand Network adapters to see the available Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and other network devices.
Right-click the adapter you’re troubleshooting and select Disable device. Confirm the action if Windows asks you to do so. Wait a few seconds, right-click the adapter again, and select Enable device.
If the adapter still doesn’t work, right-click it again and select Properties. Open the Driver tab to check information about the installed driver.
Be careful when changing driver settings. If your adapter is functioning normally, you generally don’t need to modify the driver.
6. Reset Network Components Using Command Prompt
For more persistent networking problems, you can reset several Windows network components through Command Prompt. This method is particularly useful when the graphical reset doesn’t resolve the problem.
Go to Start > Command Prompt > Run as administrator. If Windows shows a User Account Control prompt, select Yes.
Enter the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each command:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
These commands reset Winsock, reset TCP/IP configuration, release and renew the current IP address, and clear the DNS cache.
After running the commands, restart your computer. Then try connecting to the internet again.
Restart Your PC and Reconnect to the Network
A restart is an important part of the network reset process because Windows may need to reload networking services, drivers, and configuration settings.
Go to Start > Power > Restart and allow Windows to boot normally.
After signing back in, go to Settings > Network & internet and check your connection status. If you’re using Wi-Fi, select your network and reconnect. If you’re using Ethernet, make sure the cable is securely connected.
If the connection works normally afterward, the network adapter reset likely resolved the problem.
Check for Network Adapter Driver Updates
If resetting the adapter doesn’t fix the issue, the problem could be related to an outdated or corrupted network driver.
Go to Start > Device Manager > Network adapters. Right-click your network adapter and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for drivers and allow Windows to check for an available driver.
If Windows cannot find a newer driver, you can check your computer manufacturer’s support website using another device. Look for the correct Wi-Fi or Ethernet driver for your exact Windows version and computer model.
Avoid installing random drivers from unknown websites because an incorrect driver can cause additional networking problems.
Faqs
Does resetting a network adapter delete Wi-Fi passwords?
A complete Network reset can remove saved network configurations, so you may need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network and enter its password again.
Will resetting the network adapter delete my personal files?
No. A network reset does not delete personal files, photos, documents, or installed applications. It changes Windows networking configuration and reinstalls network adapters.
Should I reset my network adapter if Wi-Fi is slow?
You can try it, particularly if the slowdown started after a configuration change or Windows update. However, slow Wi-Fi can also be caused by router problems, signal interference, ISP issues, or outdated drivers.
Why is my network adapter missing from Device Manager?
If the adapter doesn’t appear under Network adapters, Windows may have a driver problem, the device could be disabled, or there could be a hardware issue. Check Device Manager > View > Show hidden devices and look for networking devices or unknown hardware.
Do I need to restart Windows after resetting the adapter?
For a complete Network reset, Windows normally requires or performs a restart because the operating system needs to reinstall the network adapters and apply the new configuration.
Summary
Resetting a network adapter is one of the most useful ways to troubleshoot Wi-Fi and Ethernet problems in Windows 11 and Windows 10. For most beginners, the built-in Network reset option is the simplest approach.
If you only need to restart one adapter, you can disable and re-enable it through Settings or Device Manager. For more persistent problems, Command Prompt network reset commands can clear Winsock, TCP/IP, IP address, and DNS-related configuration issues.
Start with the least disruptive method and move toward the more advanced options only when necessary.
After resetting the adapter, reconnect to your network, restart Windows if required, and check for updated network drivers if the problem continues.