Reset Network Settings Windows 10: What Happens

Resetting network settings in Windows 10 clears all network adapters, Wi-Fi profiles, VPN connections, and custom firewall rules, returning them to their default state. This is a powerful troubleshooting step that often fixes persistent internet connection problems, but it also means you will need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password and reconfigure any custom network configurations. Here is exactly what happens, why you might do it, and what to expect before you click that button.

What Does the Reset Actually Do?

When you use the “Network reset” feature, Windows 10 removes and reinstalls every network adapter on your system. This includes Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and virtual adapters. It also resets all network-related components to their factory defaults:

Deletes all saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords – you will need to reconnect to each network and enter the password again.
Removes VPN connections – any manual VPN profiles you created are gone.
Resets the Windows Firewall – custom inbound and outbound rules are cleared, which can affect apps that rely on them.
Resets IP settings and DNS – your PC will use automatic (DHCP) settings again, discarding any static IP or custom DNS servers.
Clears the network cache – including the ARP cache and DNS resolver cache.

After the reset, Windows restarts your computer. On the next boot, it re-detects your hardware and installs the default drivers. Your network adapter names may change slightly (e.g., “Ethernet” becomes “Ethernet 2”) because the old configurations are gone.

Why Would You Use Network Reset?

This feature is a last-resort troubleshooting step. It is most useful when you have tried other fixes and still cannot connect to the internet. Common situations where a reset helps:

You see “No internet access” but other devices work fine.
Wi-Fi connects but the internet is extremely slow or drops repeatedly.
You get IP address conflicts or a “Valid IP configuration” error.
After a major Windows update, networking stops working.
Antivirus or firewall software corrupted network settings.

It is a broad hammer, not a scalpel. It will fix many software-level network problems, but it will not fix hardware failures (like a dead Wi-Fi card) or issues with your router or ISP.

How to Perform a Network Reset

The steps are straightforward, but you should back up any network credentials first.

Open the Start menu and click Settings (the gear icon).
Go to Network & Internet.
Scroll down and click Network reset in the left sidebar.
Click Reset now.
Click Yes to confirm. Your PC will restart immediately.

If you have a static IP or custom DNS (like Google’s 8.8.8.8), write them down before resetting. Also note any VPN server addresses or proxy settings. After the restart, you will need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password. If you use a wired connection, it should work automatically once the adapter reinitializes.

What Does NOT Get Reset?

It is just as important to know what stays untouched. The network reset does not affect:

Your files, documents, photos, or installed programs – it only touches network settings.
Your Microsoft account or local user account – you will not be signed out.
Other hardware settings – display, sound, and input devices are unaffected.
Your router or modem settings – this only resets your PC’s network stack.
Network drive mappings – mapped drives in File Explorer remain, but they may need you to re-enter credentials if the connection was saved with a specific network profile.

However, note that if you had set up network sharing for specific folders, those sharing permissions remain, but the firewall rules that allowed access may be removed, so you might need to re-enable file sharing.

Common Problems After a Reset

Most people only encounter one issue: they forget their Wi-Fi password. But there are a few other things that can go wrong.

Wi-Fi adapter is disabled – After reset, Windows may disable your Wi-Fi adapter if it detects a problem. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi and click Change adapter options to re-enable it.
VPN software stops working – If you use a third-party VPN client, it may need to be reinstalled or reconfigured because its virtual adapter was removed.
Static IP is lost – If you rely on a static IP for work or port forwarding, you must re-enter it manually.
Firewall rules for apps are gone – Some applications (like games or remote desktop tools) may show a firewall prompt on first launch. Allow them through to restore functionality.

If you still have no internet after the reset, the problem is likely outside your PC. Check your router, modem, or ISP status.

Alternatives to a Full Reset

Because the network reset is disruptive, try these lighter fixes first:

Restart your router and PC – This solves a surprising number of issues.
Run the built-in network troubleshooter – Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status and click Network troubleshooter.
Flush DNS and renew IP – Open Command Prompt as administrator and run ipconfig /flushdns, ipconfig /release, then ipconfig /renew.
Disable and re-enable the adapter – In Network Connections, right-click your adapter and choose Disable, then Enable.
Update network drivers – Go to Device Manager, find your network adapter, right-click and select Update driver.

These are less invasive and often enough to fix temporary glitches. Only use the full reset when these fail or when you suspect corrupted system network files.

How Long Does It Take?

The reset itself takes about 30 seconds, but your PC will restart. After booting, Windows will automatically reinstall drivers for your network adapters. This usually takes another minute or two. In rare cases, you may need to install a driver from your manufacturer’s website if Windows does not find one automatically. Total downtime is typically 5–10 minutes, not counting the time to reconnect to Wi-Fi and reconfigure any special settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will network reset delete my files?

No. It only resets network settings. Your personal files, photos, documents, and installed programs remain completely untouched.

Do I need to reinstall my VPN after network reset?

Most third-party VPNs will need to be reinstalled or at least reconfigured, because the virtual network adapter they created is removed. The VPN software itself is still installed, but it may not work until you run its repair or setup again.

Why is my Wi-Fi not showing up after reset?

This can happen if the Wi-Fi adapter driver was not reinstalled correctly. Go to Device Manager, look under Network adapters, and see if your Wi-Fi adapter is listed with a yellow warning icon. If so, right-click and select Update driver or Uninstall device then restart.

Does network reset fix slow internet?

It can, if the slowness is caused by corrupted network settings, wrong DNS, or a misconfigured IP. But if the slowness is due to your ISP, router, or physical distance from the router, a reset will not help.

Will I lose my static IP address?

Yes. The reset sets your network adapter to obtain IP and DNS automatically. If you need a static IP, you will have to re-enter it manually after the reset.

Is network reset the same as resetting the router?

No. Network reset only affects your Windows PC. It does not change any settings on your router, modem, or other devices on your network.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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