If you use Windows 11, your computer will sometimes lose internet and local network connectivity. You may also experience error messages like “Limited access” and “Unidentified Network.” On Windows 11, you can quickly fix the most common problems with a wired network connection by resetting the Ethernet adapter, and in this guide, you will learn how.
Whatever the networking problem might be, Windows 11 has a reset option for Ethernet adapters to resolve driver and many connectivity problems, including slow data transfers.
Although the Ethernet reset option can resolve many issues, it’s important to note that many factors can play a role in networking. For example, the problem could lie in the router, switch, cable, or physical problem with the adapter.
If you experience slow speeds or the cable connection has suddenly dropped from 1Gbps to 100Mbps, disconnecting and reconnecting the cable from the computer and switch or router, changing the cable or port may fix the problem.
This guide will teach you how to reset the network adapters when a wired connection isn’t working on Windows 11.
Fix Ethernet adapter problems on Windows 11
To fix Ethernet network adapter problems on Windows 11 with the reset option, use these steps:
-
Open Settings on Windows 11.
-
Click on Network & internet.
-
Click the Advanced network settings tab.
-
Under the “More settings” section, click the Network Reset setting.
-
Click the Reset now button to fix the Ethernet (wired) problems on Windows 11.
-
Click Yes to confirm.
-
Click the Close button.
-
Restart your computer.
After you complete the steps, you should once again be able to access the network and internet.
When using the reset option for an Ethernet adapter, Windows 11 will reset the settings to the factory default configuration, including the Windows Sucket (winsock), which means you don’t have to run the netsh winsock reset command, and the network adapter driver will be reinstalled.
You may also need to reinstall or reconfigure other networking software (such as a VPN client software) if applicable.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].