How to Reset the Wi-Fi Adapter in Windows 10

Explore the easiest methods to get this done

by Srishti Sisodia
Srishti Sisodia
Srishti Sisodia
Srishti Sisodia is an electronics engineer and writer with a passion for technology. She has extensive experience exploring the latest technological advancements and sharing her insights through informative... read more
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Reviewed by Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Windows Server & Networking Expert
After moving away from the corporate work-style, Alex has found rewards in a lifestyle of constant analysis, team coordination and pestering his colleagues. Holding an MCSA Windows Server... read more
Affiliate Disclosure
  • To Reset the Wi-Fi Adapter in Windows 10, use Settings, network troubleshooter, or Command Prompt.
  • You can disable and enable the Wi-Fi Adapter, or restart the Wi-Fi Adapter via Device Manager.
Reset the Wi-Fi Adapter in Windows 10 (1)
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If you encounter network connectivity issues, you might want to reset the Wi-Fi adapter on Windows 10. It refreshes network settings and can resolve common issues such as limited connectivity, slow connection speeds, or drops.

Here are the step-by-step instructions to help you get your Wi-Fi connection back on track.

How can I reset the Wi-Fi adapter in Windows 10?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following checks:

  • Try power cycling the router. Sometimes, that is enough to restore the Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Make sure you installed all the Windows updates because they might have an update for the Wi-Fi adapter.

If these minor tweaks don’t help you, move to the detailed methods mentioned below.

1. Use the Network troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Go to Update & Security.Update and Security reset wifi adapter windows 10
  3. Click Troubleshoot, then select Additional troubleshooters.Additonal troublshooters
  4. Locate Network Adapter and click Run the troubleshooter.Run the troubleshooter
  5. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

2. Disable/Enable the Wi-Fi Adapter

  1. Press the Windows key, type control panel, and click Open.Control Panel reset wifi adapter windows 10
  2. Select View by as Category and click Network and Internet.
  3. Click View network status and tasks.View the status
  4. Select Change adapter settings.Change settings
  5. Locate and right-click the Wi-Fi connection and select Disable from the context menu.Disable device
  6. Restart your computer

3. Restart the Wi-Fi Adapter in Device Manager

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.Device Manager run command reset wifi adapter windows 10
  2. Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to open Device Manager.
  3. Locate and expand the Network adapters.
  4. Right-click the Wi-Fi adapter and choose Disable device.Disable device
  5. Click Yes to confirm.Network & Internet YES
  6. Now, right-click it again and select Enable device from the context menu.

4. Resetting TCP/IP Configuration

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.Command Prompt reset wifi adapter windows 10
  2. Copy & paste the following commands one by one and press Enter after every command:
    • netsh winsock reset
      netsh int ip reset
      ipconfig /release
      ipconfig /renew      netsh reset reset wifi adapter windows 10
  3. Once the commands are executed, restart your computer.

5. Use the Settings app

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Go to Network & Internet.Network & Internet reset wifi adapter windows 10
  3. Click Advanced network settings and click Network reset.Network reset
  4. Locate the Network reset and click the Reset now button.Reset now
  5. Reboot your PC to confirm the changes.

6. Reinstall the Wi-Fi adapter

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.Device Manager Run command reset wifi adapter windows 10
  2. Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to open Device Manager.
  3. Locate and expand the Network adapters.
  4. Right-click the Wi-Fi adapter and select Uninstall device.Uninstall device
  5. Click Uninstall and follow the onscreen prompts, if any.Uninstall
  6. Now click Action, then select Scan for hardware changes.Scan for hardware changes

Now your Windows will scan and reinstall the driver. Once done, reboot your computer to save the changes.

In case nothing worked, you may also restore your computer to a point when the Wi-Fi adapter was functioning correctly.

If you are facing other issues with the Wi-Fi adapter, we suggest you read this guide to find the solutions.

So, these are methods that you can follow to reset the Wi-Fi network adapter on Windows 10. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to mention them in the comments section below.

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