If you use a static IP address or custom DNS settings, write them down first; the reset returns them to automatic. Work VPN software may need to be reinstalled afterwards. If Windows cannot start, see the startup guide.
Work through these checks
0 of 7 complete01Confirm the symptoms
Damaged Winsock settings affect all programs at once, while the adapter itself still connects.
- Check that Wi-Fi or Ethernet shows as connected, but no browser or app can reach the internet.
- Test another device on the same network to make sure the internet itself works.
The network works on other devices but not on this PC.
If it does not helpIf other devices fail too, restart the router first. If only some websites fail, see the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN guide on this site.
02Remove leftover network software
Programs that add their own network components are the usual cause of damaged Winsock settings.
- In Settings > Apps > Installed apps, uninstall VPN clients, proxy tools, "internet accelerators" and old security suites you no longer use.
- If the maker offers a removal tool for its security suite, use it to remove leftovers.
- Restart the PC.
Keep Microsoft Defender on while you remove another security suite.
The connection works after the restart.
If it does not helpIf it does not, reset Winsock in step 3.
03Reset Winsock
netsh winsock reset restores the Winsock catalog to its default state.
- Search for cmd, right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
- Run netsh winsock reset.
- Restart the PC when asked.
Browsers and apps connect again.
If it does not helpIf the problem continues, reset TCP/IP in step 4.
04Reset TCP/IP and renew the address
Microsoft's Wi-Fi troubleshooting runs these commands together to reset the IP stack, renew the address and clear the DNS cache.
- In Command Prompt (Admin), run netsh int ip reset.
- Then run ipconfig /release, ipconfig /renew and ipconfig /flushdns.
- Restart the PC.
The PC gets a valid IP address and connects.
If it does not helpIf you used a static IP address or custom DNS servers, set them again in Settings > Network & internet.
05Scan for malware
Some malware changes network settings to redirect or block traffic.
- Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options.
- Choose Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now.
No threats are found, or they are removed.
If it does not helpAfter removing malware, repeat steps 3 and 4.
06Reinstall the network adapter
If the adapter's driver is damaged, resetting settings is not enough.
- Open Device Manager > Network adapters, right-click your adapter > Uninstall device, tick Attempt to remove the driver for this device and click Uninstall.
- Restart; Windows reinstalls the adapter. If it does not, install the driver from your PC maker.
Download the adapter driver before uninstalling, in case Windows cannot find it.
The adapter works with a fresh driver.
If it does not helpRun Windows Update afterwards.
07Use network reset
Network reset removes and reinstalls all network adapters and returns networking components to their defaults.
- On Windows 11, open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset > Reset now.
- After the restart, reconnect to your network.
Network reset removes saved Wi-Fi networks, and you may need to reinstall VPN software and Hyper-V virtual switches.
Networking works normally.
If it does not helpIf nothing helps, an in-place repair of Windows (setup.exe from the Windows ISO, keeping files and apps) restores all system components.
Possible causes
- A VPN, proxy or security program that left network components behind after removal
- Malware that changed network settings
- Damaged TCP/IP or Winsock settings after a failed update
- Manual network tweaks or optimization tools
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