How to Reset TCP/IP in Windows 11
Resetting TCP/IP in Windows 11 can help troubleshoot network problems caused by corrupted or incorrect TCP/IP configuration. If your computer is connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet but websites do not load, applications cannot connect to the internet, or Windows reports network connectivity problems, resetting the TCP/IP stack can be a useful troubleshooting step.
Windows 11 provides the netsh int ip reset command for resetting TCP/IP configuration. The command is normally executed from an elevated Command Prompt, and you should restart the computer after the reset.
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| Step-by-step guide to resetting TCP/IP configuration in Windows 11 using Command Prompt. |
In this guide, you will learn how to reset TCP/IP in Windows 11, what the reset does, when you should use it, how to verify the result, and how it differs from resetting Winsock, flushing the DNS cache, and using Windows Network Reset.
If you are troubleshooting DNS problems specifically, you may also want to read How to Flush DNS Cache in Windows 11 and How to Change DNS Server in Windows 11.
What Is TCP/IP?
TCP/IP is the collection of networking protocols Windows uses to communicate across IP networks, including local networks and the internet.
TCP and IP perform different but related roles. IP handles addressing and routing, while TCP provides reliable communication between applications when TCP is used by the application protocol.
Windows maintains configuration information and components that allow network adapters to communicate using TCP/IP. If parts of this configuration become damaged or incorrect, network connectivity can sometimes fail even when the physical Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection appears to be working.
What Does Resetting TCP/IP Do?
When you run the TCP/IP reset command, Windows resets TCP/IP-related configuration to its default state. Microsoft describes the operation as having an effect similar to removing and reinstalling TCP/IP.
The command can also create a log file containing information about the reset operation when a log-file name is specified.
The standard command is:
netsh int ip resetYou can also specify a reset log file:
netsh int ip reset resetlog.txtThe reset affects TCP/IP configuration. It is not the same as deleting your personal files, reinstalling Windows, or completely resetting every network setting.
When Should You Reset TCP/IP in Windows 11?
Resetting TCP/IP can be useful when you have persistent network problems that are not explained by a simple Wi-Fi, Ethernet, DNS, or router issue.
Consider a TCP/IP reset when:
- Windows is connected to Wi-Fi but internet access does not work correctly.
- Ethernet connectivity is behaving unexpectedly.
- Network applications cannot communicate properly.
- You suspect the TCP/IP configuration has become corrupted.
- You recently changed network configuration and connectivity became unstable.
- Basic network troubleshooting has not solved the problem.
- You receive network errors related to IP connectivity or protocol configuration.
It is better to troubleshoot progressively rather than immediately performing a full Network Reset. A TCP/IP reset is more targeted than Windows Network Reset.
Before Resetting TCP/IP
Before changing network configuration, check whether the problem is actually related to TCP/IP.
Check Your IP Configuration
Open Command Prompt and run:
ipconfigThis displays basic information about your network adapters, including IP addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways.
For more detailed information, run:
ipconfig /allYou can also read our guide:
How to Check IP Address in Windows 11
Test Your Connection
You can test connectivity to an IP address with:
ping 1.1.1.1You can also test a domain name:
ping example.comIf you need more information about ping testing, see:
How to Ping an IP Address in Windows 11
How to Reset TCP/IP in Windows 11
The following method uses Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Press the Windows key and type:
Command PromptRight-click Command Prompt in the search results and select:
Run as administrator
If Windows displays a User Account Control prompt, select Yes.
You need administrator privileges to perform the TCP/IP reset successfully.
Step 2: Run the TCP/IP Reset Command
In the Administrator Command Prompt, enter:
netsh int ip resetPress Enter.
Windows will process the reset and display the results in the Command Prompt window.
Step 3: Use a Reset Log If Needed
If you want to save the reset results to a log file, use:
netsh int ip reset resetlog.txtThis creates a log file that can be useful when troubleshooting or documenting the operation.
You can specify a full path if you want the log saved in a particular location:
netsh int ip reset C:\resetlog.txtIf Windows reports that the reset completed successfully, continue to the next step.
Step 4: Restart Windows 11
After resetting TCP/IP, restart your computer.
You can restart Windows from:
Start > Power > Restart
Restarting allows Windows to fully apply the network configuration changes.
Step 5: Reconnect to Your Network
After Windows starts again, connect to your Wi-Fi network or reconnect your Ethernet cable.
Then check whether the original network problem has been resolved.
How to Verify TCP/IP After the Reset
After restarting Windows, verify your network configuration.
Check the IP Address
Open Command Prompt and run:
ipconfigLook for the active network adapter.
For Wi-Fi, look for the wireless network adapter. For a wired connection, look for the Ethernet adapter.
The adapter should have a valid IP address and, in a typical home network, a default gateway.
Check Detailed Configuration
Run:
ipconfig /allCheck information such as:
- IPv4 Address
- Subnet Mask
- Default Gateway
- DHCP Server
- DNS Servers
If you recently changed DNS configuration, compare the displayed DNS servers with the configuration you expect.
Test the Default Gateway
First find the Default Gateway from ipconfig.
Then ping that address.
For example:
ping 192.168.1.1The address above is only an example. Your router may use a different gateway address.
If the gateway responds, your PC may be communicating with the local router correctly.
Test an External IP Address
Run:
ping 1.1.1.1This helps test IP-level connectivity without relying on DNS name resolution.
Test DNS Resolution
Next, test a domain:
nslookup example.comIf the DNS lookup works, your computer can resolve the domain through its configured DNS service.
For more information, see:
How to Check DNS Settings in Windows 11
TCP/IP Reset vs Winsock Reset
TCP/IP reset and Winsock reset are related but they address different parts of Windows networking.
| Command | Purpose |
|---|---|
netsh int ip reset |
Resets TCP/IP configuration. |
netsh winsock reset |
Resets the Winsock catalog. |
ipconfig /flushdns |
Clears the DNS resolver cache. |
ipconfig /release |
Releases the current DHCP-assigned IP address. |
ipconfig /renew |
Requests a new DHCP-assigned IP address. |
Microsoft's current network troubleshooting guidance recommends running several of these commands in sequence when diagnosing certain connection problems.
Should You Reset Winsock Too?
If resetting TCP/IP alone does not resolve the problem, resetting Winsock can be another troubleshooting step.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
netsh winsock resetThen restart Windows and test the connection again.
Winsock is involved in how Windows applications communicate through network protocols. A damaged Winsock catalog can therefore cause application-level networking problems.
Should You Flush DNS After Resetting TCP/IP?
Flushing DNS is not the same as resetting TCP/IP. However, if your troubleshooting involves both IP configuration and DNS resolution, flushing the DNS cache can be useful.
Run:
ipconfig /flushdnsWindows should report that the DNS Resolver Cache was successfully flushed.
For the complete procedure, see:
How to Flush DNS Cache in Windows 11
Recommended Network Troubleshooting Command Sequence
Microsoft currently recommends a sequence of network commands that can reset several components involved in connectivity troubleshooting.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run the commands one at a time:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdnsAfter running the commands, restart Windows and test the connection again.
This sequence is more comprehensive than running only the TCP/IP reset because it also resets Winsock, releases and renews the DHCP IP configuration, and clears the DNS resolver cache.
What If netsh int ip reset Does Not Work?
If the command fails or does not solve the problem, do not immediately assume that TCP/IP is the only cause.
Check Command Prompt Permissions
Make sure Command Prompt was opened using:
Run as administrator
Without elevated privileges, some network reset operations may not complete correctly.
Check the Network Adapter
A damaged, disabled, or incorrectly configured network adapter can cause connectivity problems even when TCP/IP configuration is correct.
See:
How to Check Network Adapter in Windows
Check for Packet Loss
If your connection is unstable, investigate packet loss before assuming that TCP/IP configuration is the problem.
See:
How to Check Packet Loss in Windows 11
Check Your DNS Configuration
If IP connectivity works but websites cannot be resolved, the problem may involve DNS rather than TCP/IP itself.
Use:
nslookup example.comYou can also review your DNS server configuration using:
ipconfig /allTCP/IP Reset vs Network Reset
A TCP/IP reset is more targeted than the Windows Network Reset feature.
| Method | Scope | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Flush DNS | DNS resolver cache | DNS-related problems |
| Winsock Reset | Winsock catalog | Application/network communication problems |
| TCP/IP Reset | TCP/IP configuration | Persistent IP/network configuration problems |
| Network Reset | Broader network configuration | More serious Windows networking problems |
Because Network Reset has a broader impact, it is generally better to try targeted troubleshooting methods first.
For a detailed guide, see:
How to Reset Network Settings in Windows 11
Does Resetting TCP/IP Delete Files?
No. Resetting TCP/IP does not delete personal files, applications, photos, documents, or other user data.
The operation targets Windows networking configuration rather than personal files.
Does TCP/IP Reset Change My Wi-Fi Password?
A TCP/IP reset is not the same as forgetting a Wi-Fi network. It does not function as a command for deleting your saved Wi-Fi password.
However, network behavior can change after troubleshooting, so verify your Wi-Fi connection after restarting Windows.
Does TCP/IP Reset Improve Internet Speed?
Not normally. Resetting TCP/IP is a troubleshooting procedure, not an internet-speed optimization tool.
If your internet connection is genuinely slow, first check your actual connection speed and investigate Wi-Fi signal quality, packet loss, router performance, and your internet service.
You can use our guide:
How to Check Internet Speed in Windows
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Running the Command Without Administrator Access
Always open Command Prompt as Administrator before performing the reset.
Not Restarting the Computer
Restart Windows after the reset before deciding whether the procedure solved the problem.
Resetting Everything Immediately
Do not jump directly to Network Reset if a targeted TCP/IP reset or DNS troubleshooting step may be enough.
Changing DNS and TCP/IP Settings at the Same Time
When troubleshooting, changing too many settings simultaneously makes it harder to identify which change solved or caused the problem.
Ignoring Hardware and Router Problems
A TCP/IP reset cannot repair a damaged Ethernet cable, failing router, weak Wi-Fi signal, faulty network adapter, or an internet service outage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What command resets TCP/IP in Windows 11?
The main command is:
netsh int ip resetDo I need to restart Windows after resetting TCP/IP?
Yes. Restart Windows after running the TCP/IP reset before testing the connection again.
Is resetting TCP/IP safe?
TCP/IP reset is a standard Windows troubleshooting operation. However, it changes network configuration, so you should use it when troubleshooting a real connectivity problem and verify your configuration afterward.
Does TCP/IP reset delete my files?
No. It resets networking configuration and does not delete your personal files.
Should I run Winsock reset before TCP/IP reset?
Microsoft's current Ethernet troubleshooting instructions list netsh winsock reset followed by netsh int ip reset as part of its network troubleshooting sequence. If you are following that complete sequence, run them in that order.
Should I flush DNS after resetting TCP/IP?
If DNS problems are also present, running ipconfig /flushdns can be useful as part of a broader troubleshooting sequence.
Will TCP/IP reset fix Wi-Fi?
It can help when the problem is related to TCP/IP configuration, but it cannot fix every Wi-Fi problem. Driver issues, weak signal, router problems, authentication errors, and hardware failures require different troubleshooting methods.
What should I do if TCP/IP reset does not fix my connection?
Continue troubleshooting the network adapter, DNS resolution, packet loss, router connection, and other network components. If targeted troubleshooting fails, consider Windows Network Reset as a broader option.
Final Thoughts
Resetting TCP/IP in Windows 11 is a useful troubleshooting technique for persistent network connectivity problems that may be related to TCP/IP configuration.
The main command is:
netsh int ip resetRun it from Command Prompt as Administrator, then restart Windows and test your connection.
If the problem continues, use a structured troubleshooting process. Check your IP configuration, test the default gateway, test an external IP address, verify DNS resolution, inspect the network adapter, and check for packet loss.
Remember that TCP/IP reset is different from flushing DNS, resetting Winsock, changing DNS servers, and performing a complete Windows Network Reset. Choosing the least disruptive troubleshooting method first can make it easier to identify the actual cause of the problem.
For more Windows 11 networking tutorials, continue with our guides on flushing DNS cache, changing DNS servers, checking IP addresses, using Ping, and resetting network settings.