This article explains the how and why of doing it.

Why Does a Wi-Fi Adapter Need to Be Reset?

However, some issues can cause conflicts or errors with your Wi-Fi adapter.

Windows Settings with Network & Internet highlighted

Resetting the adapter can clear up these issues.

These include:

Resetting the Wi-Fi adapter clears remembered networks and reinitiates the adapter by reloading the driver.

configs are also set to default.

Network Settings adapter status with “Status” and “Change adapter options” highlighted

Any of these things can resolve one or more of the issues listed above.

Doing this clears cached data from your connections with other Wi-Fi networks.

Once you re-enable, it will establish a new connection with your Wi-Fi connection andresolve connection issues.

Wi-Fi adapter options with Disable highlighted

Select theStartmenu, jot down “options,” and select theSettingsapp.

In the controls window, selectNetwork & Internet.

EnsureStatusis selected from the left navigation menu.

Wi-Fi adapter options with Enable highlighted

On the right pane, selectChange adapter options.

Right-hit the adapter you want to reset.

SelectDisablefrom the dropdown menu.

Network settings with “connect automatically” and “Connect” highlighted

You’ll see the green internet status turn gray.

Count to 60, so the adapter has enough time to disable all connections altogether.

When you’re ready, right-tap the Wi-Fi adapter again and selectEnable.

Network Settings adapter status with “Status” and “Network Reset” highlighted

It may take a few seconds for the adapter to restart.

When it restarts, you’ll see the web connection icon turn green again.

The Wi-Fi adapter doesn’t always reconnect to your home wireless web link after you’ve re-enabled it.

Network reset explanation page with “Reset Now” highlighted

To check this, grab the web link icon at the lower right of the taskbar.

On the next window, make sureStatusis selected from the left navigation menu.

Scroll to the bottom of the page and select theNetwork resetlink.

Network reset confirmation box with Yes highlighted

Read the notice on the next window about what it means to perform a Wi-Fi reset.

If you’re OK with this, selectReset now.

You will see a pop-up confirmation window asking if you’re sure you want to perform the reset.

Available network with Connect highlighted

You’ll see a countdown as the computer resets all internet adapters.

Once the countdown is complete, your box will automatically restart.

Once the computer reboots, all your web connection adapters will reload their driver software.

FAQ

You may need toupdate the driversfor your Wi-Fi adapter.

Repeat these steps and selectDisableto turn off your Wi-Fi adapter.

You could be too far away from the router, or there could be interference with the signal.

Move your unit closer, then try rebooting the router and modem.

If youcan’t connect to Wi-Fi, confirm Wi-Fi is enabled and double-check the web link password.

You may also need to modernize your operating system and devices drivers.Run Windows Troubleshooterif you’re still having trouble.