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How to Reset the Network Stack in Windows 11

Use Microsoft’s elevated Command Prompt sequence for a targeted network repair, or choose Network reset in Windows 11 Settings for the broader adapter reset.

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To repair Windows 11 networking, first run Microsoft’s five-command sequence in an elevated Command Prompt. If that does not help, use the broader Network reset option in Settings; it removes installed network adapters and their settings, then reinstalls the adapters with defaults after a restart. Microsoft recommends this Settings reset as a last troubleshooting step.

Choose the right kind of reset

Windows 11 provides two distinct repair options. The command-line sequence resets Winsock and TCP/IP settings, refreshes the IP address, and clears the DNS resolver cache. Network reset in Settings is broader: it removes installed network adapters and their settings, then Windows reinstalls the adapters with default settings after the PC restarts. Neither procedure is guaranteed to fix every connection problem.

Option What it does Follow-up
Command-line repair Runs commands for Winsock, TCP/IP, the IP address, and the DNS resolver cache, in Microsoft’s recommended order. Check whether the connection works. The documented sequence does not describe removing and reinstalling network adapters.
Network reset in Settings Removes installed network adapters and their settings; Windows reinstalls the adapters with defaults after restart. You may need to reconnect or set up networking software again and check the network profile.

Microsoft says, “Using network reset should be the last step you try.” Start with earlier troubleshooting, including the Network and Internet troubleshooter in the Get Help app, before using it. See Microsoft’s Wi-Fi troubleshooting guidance.

Run the network repair commands

Microsoft lists the following commands for Windows connectivity troubleshooting. Run them one at a time in the order shown; the procedure requires an administrator Command Prompt.

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  1. Open Start and search for Command Prompt.
  2. Select Run as administrator and approve the prompt.
  3. Enter each command separately, pressing Enter after each one:
    netsh winsock reset
    netsh int ip reset
    ipconfig /release
    ipconfig /renew
    ipconfig /flushdns
  4. Check whether your connection works.

The first two commands reset Winsock and TCP/IP. The next two release and renew the IP address, and the last flushes the DNS resolver cache. These commands are not the same as the Settings Network reset.

Use Network reset in Settings

If earlier troubleshooting and the command-line repair have not resolved the problem, use the broader reset. Save your work first: Microsoft’s instructions require the PC to restart, but do not specify a fixed completion time.

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  1. Open Start > Settings > Network & internet.
  2. Select Advanced network settings > Network reset.
  3. Select Reset now, confirm, and let the PC restart.
  4. Reconnect as needed and check your network-related settings.

After the restart, Windows reinstalls the network adapters and restores their default settings. For Microsoft’s instructions and documented effects, see Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows.

Check settings and software after the reset

  • VPN: A VPN client may need to be reinstalled or set up again.
  • Hyper-V: You may need to set up a Hyper-V virtual switch again.
  • Network profile: Known connections may change to a public network profile. If you rely on discoverability or file sharing, check the profile after the reset.
  • Connection: Reconnect to your network if needed, then test access.
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If the connection still does not work

Network reset is not a guarantee of a fix; the underlying issue may require another troubleshooting step. Microsoft suggests considering a network-adapter driver uninstall followed by a restart if the commands fail. Have a backup driver available first, and use one appropriate for your specific adapter rather than a generic driver download. Microsoft’s Ethernet connection troubleshooting guidance also covers related connectivity steps.

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