On Windows 10, network connectivity is among the most common problems on laptops and desktop computers. You will always find comments and forum posts complaining about slow Wi-Fi speeds, error messages like “Limited access,” “Unidentified Network,” and no internet access.
Although Microsoft proactively releases updates to improve the overall experience, it’s like a story never ends. And this isn’t just a problem for Microsoft. Companies like Intel and others also have to deal with similar networking issues.
The good news is that if you’re having any wireless networking issues, Windows 10 includes a feature that allows you to reset any network adapter to fix the most common connectivity problems — even slow Wi-Fi speeds on Surface and other devices. (You only need to know where to find it.)
In this guide, you will learn the steps to reset the wireless network adapters on Windows 10.
Fix Wi-Fi problems on Windows 10
To reset the Wi-Fi adapter settings to fix any connection problems, close all your running applications, and use these steps:
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Open Settings on Windows 10.
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Click on Network & internet.
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Click on Status.
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Under the “Change your network settings” section, click the Network Reset link.
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Click the Reset now button.
Note: You can’t pick a specific Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter to reset. This feature will automatically remove and reinstall all your network adapters. After you complete the process, you may need to reinstall or reconfigure other networking software, such as a VPN client software. -
Click the Yes button.
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Click the Close button.
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Restart your computer.
After you complete the steps, if you use a Wi-Fi adapter, make sure to reconnect to your wireless network, and then you should once again be able to access the internet. (Assuming there’s no problem with your internet provider, router, or cabling.)
Remember that there could be many other reasons you’re experiencing networking problems. For example, it could be that the current driver got corrupted, settings are not configured correctly, issues with your wireless router, or signal congestion, to name a few.
You will also find many ways to troubleshoot and fix specific network problems, such as reinstalling the network adapters or using the Winsock Reset feature in the netsh command-line utility. However, these solutions require technical skills that most regular users may find very complicated, and the Network Reset feature in Windows 10 aims to simplify the process.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He's also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ & Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn.