How to Reset Network Settings on Windows

What Causes This?

Windows network settings can become corrupted or misconfigured after driver updates, VPN or proxy changes, malware cleanup, router changes, or interrupted Windows updates. Cached DNS data, broken Winsock entries, and invalid TCP/IP settings can all interfere with how your PC connects to the internet. In some cases, third-party network tools or security software also leave behind settings that cause unstable or failed connections.

Common Symptoms

• Wi-Fi or Ethernet says connected, but websites will not load
• Frequent disconnects or unstable internet on one PC only
• DNS errors such as “Server not found” or “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED”
• VPN, proxy, or adapter settings seem stuck after uninstalling software
• Network troubleshooting reports problems but does not fully fix them

How to Fix It Manually

1. Try Windows Network Reset

   • Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   • On Windows 11, go to Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
   • On Windows 10, go to Network & Internet > Status > Network reset.
   • Click Reset now, then confirm.
   • Restart your PC when prompted.
     This removes and reinstalls your network adapters and resets networking components to default.

2. Flush the DNS cache

   • Click Start, type cmd.
   • Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
   • Type this command and press Enter:

     ipconfig /flushdns

   • You should see a message confirming the DNS Resolver Cache was flushed.

3. Reset Winsock and TCP/IP

   • In the same Administrator Command Prompt, run these commands one at a time:

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

   • Restart your PC after running them.
     These commands rebuild key network components and request a fresh IP address from your router.

4. Disable any VPN or proxy settings

   • Open Settings > Network & internet > Proxy.
   • Make sure Use a proxy server is turned Off unless you intentionally use one.
   • If you use a VPN app, fully disconnect it and exit the app.
   • If the problem started after uninstalling a VPN, restart the PC after the network reset to clear leftover adapter changes.

5. Reinstall or update the network adapter

   • Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
   • Expand Network adapters.
   • Right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and choose Uninstall device.
   • If you see Attempt to remove the driver, leave it unchecked unless you have a replacement driver ready.
   • Restart your PC. Windows will usually reinstall the adapter automatically.
   • If needed, return to Device Manager, right-click the adapter, and choose Update driver.

6. Restart your router and test another network

   • Turn off your router for 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
   • Reconnect your PC and test the connection.
   • If possible, connect to a different Wi-Fi network or use Ethernet to check whether the issue is with Windows or your router.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

If you do not want to work through command-line resets and adapter cleanup manually, Kudu can help automate the process. It can detect common network misconfigurations, clear network-related caches, and support a clean reset so you can get back online faster.

Download Kudu Free →