This article explains how to reset network settings on a computer running Windows or macOS. Resetting the network settings can solve various problems with your internet connection, such as difficulties accessing the web.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows
Step 1. Press ⊞ Win + S
The search bar will open.
Step 2. Type cmd in the bar
A list of relevant results will appear.
Step 3. Click on Command Prompt with the right mouse button
A menu will open.
Step 4. Click Run as administrator
An administrative type terminal window will open containing a command prompt.
Depending on your settings, you may be required to enter a password before the command prompt appears
Step 5. Type netsh advfirewall reset in the prompt and press Enter
Step 6. Type netsh int ip reset and press Enter
Step 7. Type netsh int ipv6 reset and press Enter
Step 8. Type netsh winsock reset and press Enter
Now that you have entered all these commands, the network settings will be reset completely.
Step 9. Restart your PC
To do this, click on the menu
then on
and on "Reboot system". The computer will be shut down and restarted. Since the network settings have been reset, you need to turn Wi-Fi back on and connect to the network again, as if you were doing it for the first time.
Method 2 of 2: macOS
Step 1. Reset the Mac
Resetting the network settings on macOS requires deleting certain files belonging to the system configuration. To learn how to back up a Mac, read this article.
Step 2. Close all programs that use the network
For example, you need to close browsers, messaging applications and social networks.
Step 3. Turn off Wi-Fi
To do this, click on the wireless connection icon in the menu bar and select "Disable Wi-Fi".
Step 4. Click the Finder icon
It features a two-tone smiley face and is located in the Dock, usually located at the bottom of the screen.
Step 5. Press ⌘ Command + ⇧ Shift + G
This will open the "Go to folder" window.
Step 6. Type or paste / Library / Preferences / SystemConfiguration / in the blank space
Step 7. Click Go
The list of system configuration files will open.
Step 8. Select all network related files inside the folder
Here's how to do it:
- Hold down the ⌘ Command key.
-
Click on the following files while continuing to hold down the ⌘ Command key:
- com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
- com.apple.network.eapolclient.configuration.plist
- com.apple.wifi.message-tracer.plist
- NetworkInterfaces.plist
- preferences.plist
- All selected files should be highlighted in blue.
Step 9. Drag the selected files to another location
You can drag them to your desktop or any other folder on your computer. It is important to remove them from the system configuration folder.
Step 10. Restart your Mac
To do this, click on the menu
and click "Restart". The computer will be shut down and then restarted. Since the network settings have been reset, you will need to turn Wi-Fi back on and connect to the network again, as if you were doing this for the first time.
