How to Resetting Network Adapter in Windows 10 (without restarting)?

Question

So there is a problem with my Windows laptop. It doesn't connect to my 5G (145) network sometimes (or 2.4G). I have to restart the computer to get it to work.

netsh winsock reset does reset the network adapter but it will require a restart. Is there other way to reload the network adapter without restarting the computer?

Answer 1

I just found that on Windows 7, it can be done with another netsh command. Maybe this also works on Win 10?

First, find out the complete name of your network device you want to cycle:

netsh interface show interface

This will give you a list of available interfaces in your system like so (excuse the german :D):

Verw.-status   Status         Typ              Schnittstellenname
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aktiviert      Verbunden      Dediziert        LAN-Verbindung 3

Note down the name of the device you want to cycle as you will need it in a second.

Then, enter:

netsh interface set interface name="<YOUR-IF-NAME>" admin=DISABLED

This will disable the selected network device. After a few seconds, you should see the device status toggle (in the tray or network device list or wherever..).

Then, enter:

netsh interface set interface name="<YOUR-IF-NAME>" admin=ENABLED

This will start the interface up again and hopefully, your connection can then be established.

Answer 2

I have a similar issue, and use Disable and then Enable of the network adapter. That takes only 10 seconds total, and solves the issue consistently:

Right-click the icon, chose Open Network and Sharing Center, there chose Change Adapter Settings, right click, Disable, and then right-click Enable.