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How to Reset Network Settings in Windows Without Losing Personal Files

Network reset restores Windows network adapters to default settings after a restart. Here are the Windows 11 and Windows 10 steps, plus what to check afterward.
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Windows’ Network reset removes installed network adapters and their settings, then reinstalls the adapters with default settings after your PC restarts. Microsoft’s instructions describe it as a networking troubleshooting step—not as a Windows reinstall or a way to delete personal files. Use the Network reset screen, not Reset this PC, and try simpler connection fixes first.

Before you reset: Network reset is not Reset this PC

These similarly named options do different jobs. Network reset changes network adapters and their configuration. Reset this PC reinstalls Windows and offers choices that affect apps, settings, and personal files. Microsoft’s recovery options guidance says “Keep my files” preserves personal files but removes apps and settings; other choices can remove personal files too.

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If your goal is to fix a connection, make sure the page you open is labeled Network reset. Microsoft’s networking guidance concerns adapters and their configuration; it does not describe Network reset as reinstalling Windows or removing personal files. That is not a guarantee against unrelated risks or every third-party configuration change.

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Try simpler connection fixes first

Microsoft Support says, “Using network reset should be the last step you try.” For Windows 11 Wi-Fi problems, Microsoft recommends starting with the Network and Internet troubleshooter in the Get Help app. Its guidance also covers network commands and adapter-driver troubleshooting before Network reset. If the connection works after one of those steps, there is no need to reset the network.

Reset network settings in Windows 11 or Windows 10

  1. Open Network reset. In Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. In Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Network & internet > Status > Network reset.
  2. Start the reset. On the Network reset screen, select Reset now and confirm when prompted.
  3. Let Windows restart, then test the connection. Windows removes the installed network adapters and their settings, reinstalls the adapters with default settings, and restarts the PC. Try connecting again afterward.

Microsoft provides these steps for Windows 10 and Windows 11 in its guidance for Wi-Fi connection issues and Ethernet connection problems.

What to check after the restart

Reconnect or restore network configuration

Because adapter settings return to defaults, you may need to reconnect to networks or restore configuration that depended on those settings. Microsoft specifically warns that VPN client software and Hyper-V virtual switches—or other network virtualization software—may need to be reinstalled or set up again.

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Check the network profile if you use local sharing

Microsoft warns that known connections might change to a Public profile. A PC on a Public profile is not discoverable to other devices on that network. A Private profile allows discoverability and file and printer sharing. If you rely on local sharing, check the active profile and select the one appropriate for that network; Microsoft explains the profiles in Essential Network Settings and Tasks in Windows.

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If you need to reinstall a network adapter driver

Driver troubleshooting is separate from Network reset, and a driver download is not required just to use Network reset. If you later uninstall an adapter driver, Microsoft recommends having a driver available first. If the PC cannot get online, use another computer to download the driver from the PC manufacturer’s website, save it to a USB flash drive, and transfer it to the affected PC for installation.

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