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Resetting Network Adapter (Winsock Reset)

This article will teach you how to reset your network adapter’s software to default. This process may also be known as a "winsock reset", or "comms reinstall".

This can solve some browsing issues, particularly if your default gateway address is shown as beginning with “169.254”.

Select one of the links below to jump to a query:

  1. Click the Search icon (magnifying glass) in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen and type "cmd" into the search bar.
     
    Windows 10 Command Prompt screenshot
     
  2. You'll see the Command Prompt app as the best match at the top of the list. Right-click on it and select Run as administrator. Depending on your computer settings, you may be asked to provide an administrator password before you can continue.

    Windows 10 Command Prompt screenshot
     

  3. A black box with a flashing cursor will open; this is the Command Prompt. Type “netsh winsock reset” and then hit the Enter key on your keyboard.
     
    Windows 10 Command Prompt screenshot
     
  4. Wait for the Command Prompt to run through the reset. Once it’s complete, you’ll see the message “Winsock reset completed successfully”.
     
  5. Restart your computer to finish.

 

  1. Move the mouse to the upper right-hand corner of the screen to make the vertical menu bar appear. Click Search.
     
  2. Type “cmd” in the search bar and hit the Enter key on your keyboard.
     
    Windows 8 Command Prompt screenshot
     
  3. Right-click on cmd in the search results for Programs, and select Run as administrator. Depending on your computer settings, you may be asked to provide an administrator password before you can continue.
     
  4. A black box with a flashing cursor will open; this is the Command Prompt. Type “netsh winsock reset” and then hit the Enter key on your keyboard.

    Windows 8 Command Prompt screenshot
     

  5. Wait for the Command Prompt to run through the reset. Once it’s complete, you’ll see the message “Winsock reset completed successfully”.
     
  6. Restart your computer to finish.
     
  1. Open the Start menu by clicking the orb in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen.
     
  2. Type “cmd” in the search bar at the bottom of the menu.
     
  3. Right-click on cmd in the search results for Programs, and select Run as administrator. Depending on your computer settings, you may be asked to provide an administrator password before you can continue.
     
    Windows 7 Command Prompt screenshot
     
  4. A black box with a flashing cursor will open; this is the Command Prompt. Type “netsh winsock reset” and then hit the Enter key on your keyboard.

    Windows 7 Command Prompt screenshot
     

  5. Wait for the Command Prompt to run through the reset. Once it’s complete, you’ll see the message “Winsock reset completed successfully”.
     
  6. Restart your computer to finish.

 

Please note: Mac OSX and macOS don't have Winsock, so you won't be able to perform a Winsock reset. However, you may find the following steps useful:

  1. Click the Network icon in the top right-hand corner of your desktop.
     
  2. Select Turn Wi-Fi/Airport Off from the drop-down menu.
     
    Mac OSX Airport settings screenshot
     
  3. Wait 1-2 minutes.
     
  4. Click the Network icon again and select Turn Wi-Fi/AirPort On.
     
    Mac OSX Airport settings screenshot
     
  5. Wait for the Wi-Fi/Airport to restart and then reconnect to your default network before trying to view another website.