Network Errors

How To Reset Network Settings

How to Reset Network Settings on Windows and Mac

In today’s digital world, a stable internet connection is essential for work, entertainment, and communication. However, network issues such as dropped Wi-Fi, slow internet, or connection errors can disrupt your day. When all else fails, knowing how to reset network settings can save time and restore your computer’s connectivity. Whether you use Windows or macOS, this simple reset can solve a wide range of network-related problems and get you back online quickly.

Resetting your network settings is like giving your computer’s internet system a fresh start. It clears old configurations, removes corrupted network data, and restores default settings for Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to reset network settings on both Windows and Mac systems safely, step by step, without losing essential data.

Why You Might Need to Reset Network Settings

Before jumping into the steps, it’s important to understand when and why you might need to reset your network settings. This action helps when:

Your Wi-Fi frequently disconnects or fails to connect.
Bluetooth devices won’t pair or stay connected.
Your internet speed drops despite a strong connection.
You can’t access certain websites or online services.
Network adapters or VPN settings cause conflicts.

Essentially, resetting network settings wipes out old, conflicting configurations that could be causing these issues. Once reset, your system rebuilds a fresh network profile — helping it communicate properly with your router or modem again.

If you use professional internet solutions such as Dhanote Internet Services, ensuring your network settings are clean and correctly configured can maximize connection stability and speed.

How to Reset Network Settings on Windows

Windows operating systems — from Windows 10 to Windows 11 — include a built-in tool to reset network settings. Here’s how you can do it efficiently.

Open Windows Settings

Click on the Start menu and select Settings (you can also press Windows + I on your keyboard).

Go to Network & Internet

Inside the Settings window, click Network & Internet. This section manages Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and other connectivity features.

Choose “Advanced Network Settings”

Scroll down and click Advanced network settings (in Windows 11) or Status > Network reset (in Windows 10).

Select “Network Reset”

Click Network reset to access the reset feature. Windows will inform you that this process removes and reinstalls all your network adapters, resets your VPN and proxy settings, and reverts the network configuration to default.

Confirm the Reset

Select Reset now, then confirm your choice. Your computer will automatically restart within a few minutes.

Once restarted, your system will rebuild all network adapters, giving you a clean network environment. You’ll need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi manually and re-enter passwords.

What Happens When You Reset Network Settings on Windows

When you reset network settings, Windows performs several background actions to ensure your connection starts fresh. These include:

Removing all saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords.
Resetting Ethernet adapters and virtual network connections.
Reinstalling network drivers automatically.
Clearing DNS and IP address configurations.
Disabling VPN and proxy settings.

This process is safe and doesn’t affect your personal files or software. However, you’ll need to reconnect to any networks manually afterward.

If you continue to face network interruptions even after resetting, you may need to check your router configuration or contact a reliable provider like Dhanote Internet Services for expert assistance and stable internet solutions.

How to Reset Network Settings on Mac

Apple makes it easy to reset network settings on macOS, though the process differs slightly from Windows. While macOS doesn’t have a single “network reset” button, you can manually remove and rebuild the network configuration.

Open System Settings

Click the Apple menu on the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).

Navigate to Network

In the sidebar, click Network. You’ll see all active and inactive connections such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth.

Remove Existing Network Connections

Select your Wi-Fi network and click the minus (-) button to remove it. Repeat this for other network types you want to reset.

Delete Network Configuration Files

To fully reset the network, you’ll need to delete old configuration files:

Open Finder and navigate to:
/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/

Locate the following files and move them to Trash:

- com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
- networkinterfaces.plist
- preferences.plist
- com.apple.wifi.message-tracer.plist
- Restart your Mac after deleting these files.

Your Mac will automatically generate new network configuration files on reboot, restoring default settings.

Reconnect to Wi-Fi

After restarting, open System Settings > Network and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network. You’ll need to re-enter your password.

What Happens When You Reset Network Settings on Mac

Resetting network settings on a Mac clears old configuration data and helps eliminate system-level network bugs. After the reset:

All Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairings are removed.
DNS and IP settings revert to default.
Any VPN configurations are erased.
Cached network data is cleared.

This fresh start often resolves stubborn issues such as slow Wi-Fi, frequent disconnections, or the “No Internet” message despite being connected.

Troubleshooting After Resetting Network Settings

Sometimes, even after resetting, you may encounter lingering issues. Here are a few things to check:

Update Drivers: Ensure your network drivers (on Windows) or macOS updates are current.
Restart Modem/Router: Unplug your router for 30 seconds and plug it back in.
Flush DNS Cache: On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /flushdns. On Mac, use sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.
Disable VPN Temporarily: Some VPNs interfere with network resets.
Contact Your Internet Provider: If none of these steps work, your issue might be external.

Reliable internet providers like Dhanote Internet Services can assist you in diagnosing whether the issue is with your device or the network itself.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Resetting Network Settings

Not Backing Up Passwords: You’ll lose all saved Wi-Fi passwords. Make sure you have them saved.
Ignoring VPN Configurations: If you use VPN for work, you’ll need to reconfigure it.
Skipping System Updates: Resetting alone won’t help if your OS or drivers are outdated.
Not Restarting the Router: Network resets work best when paired with a router reboot.

Benefits of Resetting Network Settings

Resetting network settings can feel like a hassle, but the results are worth it. Here’s what you gain:

A cleaner, faster connection.
Fixed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth errors.
Removal of conflicting network profiles.
Improved compatibility with routers and hotspots.
A smoother browsing and streaming experience.

It’s one of the simplest yet most effective troubleshooting methods for persistent network problems.

FAQs

Will I lose my files if I reset network settings?

No, resetting network settings only affects connectivity configurations. Your documents and apps remain safe.

Do I need to reset my router as well?

Not always. However, if the issue persists after a device reset, restarting or resetting your router may help.

How long does a network reset take?

The process typically takes 5–10 minutes, including automatic restarts.

Can resetting network settings fix slow internet?

Yes, if software conflicts or old configurations are causing the slowdown, a reset can improve performance.

Will my VPN stop working after a reset?

Yes, you’ll need to reconfigure your VPN connection manually after resetting network settings.

How often should I reset my network settings?

There’s no fixed schedule, but doing it once every few months can help maintain a clean network environment.

Knowing how to reset network settings on Windows and Mac is a simple yet powerful skill for solving most connectivity issues. Whether you’re dealing with unstable Wi-Fi, lost Bluetooth connections, or network configuration errors, resetting gives your system a clean slate to start fresh.

If you’ve followed the steps above and your issues persist, the problem might lie with your internet provider rather than your device. That’s when you should turn to a trusted service like Dhanote Internet Services, known for offering reliable, high-speed internet and expert technical support to keep you connected seamlessly.