How to Reset a Network Adapter in Windows 10

When Wi-Fi or Ethernet stops working in Windows 10, resetting the network adapter often fixes it. You can start small by disabling and re-enabling a single adapter, reset the TCP/IP and Winsock settings with a few commands, or use Network reset to reinstall every network adapter and restore default settings. This guide goes from the quickest fix to the most thorough.

Quick Answer

For a full reset, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status, scroll down and click Network reset, then Reset now. Your PC restarts with network adapters reinstalled and settings returned to defaults. You’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi.

Method 1: Disable and Re-enable the Adapter

1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
2. Right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and choose Disable.
3. Wait a few seconds, right-click it again and choose Enable.

Method 2: Reset TCP/IP, Winsock and DNS

1. Right-click Start and open Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Run these commands one at a time:

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

3. Restart the PC.

This clears corrupted network settings without reinstalling adapters.

Method 3: Network Reset (Full Reset)

1. Press Windows + I and click Network & Internet.
2. On the Status page, scroll down and click Network reset.
3. Click Reset now, then Yes.
4. Windows restarts after about five minutes (save your work first).
5. Reconnect to Wi-Fi and enter the password.

After a Network reset, you may need to reinstall VPN software and virtual network adapters (for example, those used by virtual machine apps).

Method 4: Reinstall the Adapter Driver

1. Right-click Start and choose Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters, right-click your adapter and choose Uninstall device. Don’t check “Delete the driver software” unless you have a replacement driver ready.
3. Restart the PC; Windows reinstalls the adapter automatically.

If Wi-Fi still fails, download the latest driver from your PC or adapter manufacturer on another device and install it.

Run the Network Troubleshooter

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Internet Connections (or Network Adapter) and click Run the troubleshooter.

Still No Connection?

• Restart your router and modem, and test with another device.
• Make sure Airplane mode is off and Wi-Fi is turned on (some laptops have a function key for Wi-Fi).
• Check that the adapter isn’t disabled in the BIOS.
• Try a USB Wi-Fi adapter or Ethernet cable to rule out hardware failure.

If a static IP is causing the problem, turn DHCP back on in Windows 10.

Apps not syncing on your network? Check whether it’s set as metered.

If Wi-Fi is simply switched off, see how to turn on Wi-Fi on an ASUS laptop before resetting anything.

Related: change network adapter settings in Windows 11.

Related: Disable Ethernet in Windows 10.

If only one network gives you trouble, a lighter fix is to forget that one Wi-Fi network before you reset anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Network reset delete my files?

No. It only affects network adapters and settings, including saved Wi-Fi networks.

Do I need the Wi-Fi password again?

Yes, saved Wi-Fi networks are removed. Have the password ready.

Is it the same on Windows 11?

Similar: go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025.

Summary

1. Disable and re-enable the adapter in ncpa.cpl.
2. Reset Winsock and TCP/IP with netsh commands.
3. Use Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset.
4. Reinstall the driver if problems continue.