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”.
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Winsock Reset in Windows
- Click the Search icon (magnifying glass) in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen and type "cmd" into the search bar.
- 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.
- 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.
- Wait for the Command Prompt to run through the reset. Once it’s complete, you’ll see the message “Winsock reset completed successfully”.
- Restart your computer to finish.
Airport reset in Mac OSX or macOS
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:
- Click the Network icon in the top right-hand corner of your desktop.
- Select Turn Wi-Fi/Airport Off from the drop-down menu.
- Wait 1-2 minutes.
- Click the Network icon again and select Turn Wi-Fi/AirPort On.
- Wait for the Wi-Fi/Airport to restart and then reconnect to your default network before trying to view another website.