How to Reset Network Settings on PC or Mac

Last Updated: September 6, 2019 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to reset your network settings in Windows or macOS. Resetting your network settings can resolve issues with your internet connection, such as issues accessing the web.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Windows

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This opens the search bar.
A list of matching results will appear.

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A menu will expand.
4
Click Run as administrator . This opens an administrator-level terminal window containing a command prompt.
- Depending on your settings, you may have to enter your administrator password before the command prompt appears.
Now that you've issued all of these commands, your network settings are completely reset. ^{[1]
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To do this, click the

menu, click

, then select Restart . Your computer will shut down and restart. Since your network settings will have been cleared, you'll have to re-enable Wi-Fi and connect to your network again as though you're doing so for the first time.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

macOS

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Resetting your network settings in macOS requires deleting certain system configuration files. ^{[2]
X
Research source} For tips on backing up your Mac, see Back Up a Mac .
For example, you'll want to close your web browser, messaging, and social media apps.
To do this, click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and select Turn Wi-Fi Off .
It's the two-toned smiling Mac logo in the Dock, which is usually at the bottom of the screen.
This opens the Go To Folder window.
This opens a list of System Configuration files.
8
Select all of the network-related files in the folder. Here's how:
- Press and hold the ⌘ Command key.
- Click all of the following files (while continuing to hold ⌘ Command ):
  - 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 now be highlighted in blue.
You can drag them to your desktop or any other folder on your computer. It's just important that they are no longer in the SystemConfiguration folder.
To do this, click the

menu and click Restart . Your computer will shut down and restart. Since your network settings will have been cleared, you'll have to re-enable Wi-Fi and connect to your network again as though you're doing so for the first time.