How to reset Ethernet network adapter on Windows 11

• Windows 11’s Network Reset feature can fix common Ethernet problems such as connection drops, limited access, and slow transfers.
• The reset removes and reinstalls network adapters and restores networking components such as Winsock to their default configuration.
• Network Reset affects all network adapters, including Wi-Fi, so you’ll need your Wi-Fi password to reconnect afterward.
• If the problem continues, check the router, switch, Ethernet cable, adapter hardware, or recent driver and system updates.

On Windows 11, you may occasionally lose internet or local network access and see errors like “Limited access” or “Unidentified Network.” One quick way to fix common wired connection issues is to reset the Ethernet adapter. In this guide, I’ll outline the steps to reset it and restore connectivity.

Regardless of the reason, Windows 11 includes a built-in reset option that can resolve driver issues and many Ethernet-related problems, including connection drops and slow data transfers.

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However, network issues aren’t always caused by the operating system or driver. The problem might come from your router, switch, cable, or even a hardware fault in the adapter. For example, if your connection speed suddenly drops from 1Gbps to 100Mbps, try reseating the Ethernet cable, testing a different port on the router or switch, or swapping the cable before assuming the adapter is at fault.

In this guide, I’ll teach you how to reset the network adapters when a wired connection isn’t working on Windows 11.

Reset Ethernet network adapter on Windows 11

To fix Ethernet network adapter problems on Windows 11 with the reset option, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

2. Click on Network & internet.

3. Click the Advanced network settings page.

   

4. Click the Network Reset setting under the “More settings” section.

   

5. Click the Reset now button to fix the Ethernet (wired) problems on Windows 11.

   

6. Click Yes to confirm.

7. Click the Close button.

8. Restart your computer.

Once you complete the steps, you should be able to access the network and the internet as normal.

If you’re still having issues, search to confirm whether the problem is related to a recent system or driver update. You may also have to troubleshoot your network by checking your router, switch, and cables. 

When using the reset option for an Ethernet adapter, Windows 11 will reset the settings to the factory default configuration, including the Windows Sockets (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.

Pureinfotech’s Take

I don’t jump straight to Network Reset when Ethernet stops working. In my experience, it’s too easy to blame Windows 11 for a problem that actually starts with a bad cable, router port, switch, or adapter.

That said, Network Reset is one feature I keep in mind when the hardware checks out. It gives me a relatively straightforward way to clean up the network configuration without manually working through a series of commands and settings.

I’d treat it as a troubleshooting step rather than a magic fix. If Ethernet suddenly drops from 1Gbps to 100Mbps, I’d check the cable and network hardware first. However, if everything looks fine and Windows is still struggling with the connection, I’d try a reset.

Have you used Network Reset to fix an Ethernet problem on Windows 11? Let me know in the comments.