What Happens When You Reset Network Settings on Windows 10
I'm pretty sure you need to ask yourself several questions, such as: what does the network reset? What happens to files? Will you be able to connect to the Internet? Whether it is safe to reset or not and similar issues. Rarely, no one will tell you the detailed result of doing it.
So, in this article, in addition to telling you how to reset the network, we will delve deeply into the consequences of resetting it. Let's start.
What is network reset?
In simple terms, resetting the network or resetting network settings restores all network related functions and settings to their original factory settings. These include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, VPN, network adapters and Ethernet.
Everything in Settings> Network and Internet will return to its default values. The original or default values refer to the values present in a new PC or after a factory reset where the parameters are not changed. If you have customized a network setting on your PC, all these custom settings will be reset. For example, if you had enabled Airplane mode, it will be disabled by default.
Let us understand its impact on each parameter in detail.
Wi-Fi networks
The most obvious consequence of resetting network settings is that you will not be able to use the Internet immediately. This is because all your registered Wi-Fi networks would have been deleted. You will need to re-enter the password for your current network to use. So, before you reboot the network, make sure you have your Wi-Fi information.
In addition to passwords, Wi-Fi networks will also lose any custom changes you made to them. These include measured connection, DNS change, and so on.
In addition, you will need to redefine the type of discovery for your networks. By default, they will remain public (file sharing not available). Settings related to file and printer sharing will also be reset.
To set the discoverable mode of the network to Private, go to Windows Settings (Windows key + I). Then go to Network & Internet> Wi-Fi. On the Wi-Fi page, click Manage Known Network Settings. Then click on your network and click on the Properties dialog. Choose Private under Network Profile.
Ethernet networks
Resetting network settings also hinders your Ethernet and remote access connections. Similar to Wi-Fi, you will need to configure them again. Be sure to write down its settings in case you do not know it.
Bluetooth connections
Another type of connection that is affected by the network reset includes Bluetooth connections. As with Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections, all history of paired Bluetooth devices will be erased. You will have to pair all your devices again.
VPN connections
Resetting network settings also affects the VPN settings. If you had created a VPN connection, your PC would have forgotten all its details. In addition, if you have used third-party VPN clients or similar network software, you will need to configure them again.
Network Adapters
Resetting the network erases all network cards installed on your PC. However, this does not mean that you will need to reinstall them manually. The adapters will be automatically reinstalled by your PC after rebooting. In addition, all adapter settings will be reset to their default or original configuration. So, if you have changed, you will have to adjust them again.
What happens to personal data and files?
You do not have to worry about your personal data as they are not affected by the network reset. That is, nothing happens to your downloaded files or existing data present on your PC.
How to reset the network
Here are the steps to reset the network on Windows 10.
Step 1: Open the settings on your PC by clicking on the Start menu and then on the Parameter icon. You can also use the Windows key + I to open the settings.
2nd step: Go on the network and the Internet.
Step 3: Choose Status in the left sidebar. Then scroll down and click Reset Network.
Step 4: You will be prompted to confirm your decision to reset the network settings. Click Reset Now to start the process.
Step 5: Once this has started, the command prompt will automatically open and your PC will make the necessary changes. A message appears asking you to restart your PC to complete the process.
Once you have restarted, the changes mentioned above will come into effect.
If you reset the network settings
Because resetting the network deletes all the connection parameters you set, you should always use it as the last method of troubleshooting. This will help to avoid unnecessary trouble to reinstall everything. That said, resetting the network is in no way harmful for your PC. As mentioned before, your files remain intact.
Best way to troubleshoot
Network reset can be used as an optimal troubleshooting mode for Internet-related problems. It is used when the Internet does not connect after the Windows update. Now that you know its outcome, you can be comfortable when you run it.
Then: The display of Internet speed in the taskbar helps to monitor speed constantly. Know how to do it on Windows 10.