Reset Internet Connection

Choose your computers operating system to see detailed instructions

Windows

Windows PowerShell (Command Prompt)

Windows 10, 8 and 8.1

1. Right-click the Start button (the Windows logo in the lower-left).
2. Click Windows PowerShell (Admin)
   1. This was formerly called: Command Prompt (Admin).
      
      
      
      
3. When asked whether to allow Command Prompt to make changes to your computer,
4. Click the Yes button
   
   
   
   
5. If you don't see this message, please look for a flashing icon on your Taskbar (bottom of the computer screen)
   
   
   
   
   Note: If you are asked for an administrative login, you will need to contact your system administrator.  This usually requires them to login to approve the changes.
6. A new window will appear for Windows PowerShell
   
   
   
   
7. Type the following:
   1. ipconfig /flushdns
8. Press ENTER
   
   
   
   
   1. You should see the following message.
      
      
      
      
9. Type the following:
   1. ipconfig /registerdns
10. Press ENTER
    
    
    
    
    
    
11. Type the following:
    1. ipconfig /release 
12. Press ENTER
    
    
    
    
    
13. Type the following:
    1. ipconfig /renew 
14. Press ENTER
    
    
    
    
    
15. Type the following:
    1. netsh winsock reset 
16. Press ENTER
    
    
    
    
    
17. Right-click the Start button (the Windows logo in the lower-left).
18. Click Shut down or sign out
    
    
    
    
19. Click Restart
    
    

Windows 7

1. Click Start > All Programs > Accessories.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
3. When asked whether to allow Command Prompt to make changes to your computer, select Yes.
   
   
   Note: If you are asked for an administrative login, you will need to contact your system administrator.
4. Type "ipconfig /flushdns" and press Enter.
5. Type "ipconfig /registerdns" and press Enter.
6. Type "ipconfig /release" and press Enter.
7. Type "ipconfig /renew" and press Enter.
8. Type "netsh winsock reset" and press Enter.
9. Restart the computer.

XP and Vista

1. Close all browser windows.
2. Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt.
3. Type the following at the command prompt: ipconfig /flushdns
4. If the command was successful, you will see the message, "DNS Resolver Cache Successfully Flushed."
   If you receive the message, "Action Requires Elevation" please contact the administrator of your computer to complete these steps.

Mac/Apple Computers

Mac OS X

1. Close all browser windows.
2. Click Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
3. In the Terminal window, type in the corresponding command for your Mac OS X version:
   • OS X 11.5 (Catalina, Big Sur): sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
   • OS X 10.10 (Yosemite): sudo discoveryutil mdnsflushcache
   • OS X 10.7 - 10.9 (Mavericks, Mountain Lion, and Lion): sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
   • OS X 10.6 and older: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
4. Press Enter again and the DNS cache should be flushed.
5. You may only see a message if there is an error.  
   1. If there aren't any messages, then it's very likely it was successful.
6. Restart your computer

Reset your Modem & Router

If the steps above do not resolve the issue, and you are on a home network, you may need to reset your Modem and/or Router (run a power cycle).

Overview of Modems and Routers

Modems

This is usually the device that is from your Internet Service Provider (ISP).  It's usually connected to a Coaxial Cable.

Examples: Comcast/Xfinity, Cox Communications, Century Link, ...

Router

These are similar to a modem but may also have antennas on the device.  This is what allows your area to have Wifi.

Modem and Router

Sometimes your Modem and Router might be combined.  

Restart the device

1. Save and close any work on your Computer.
   1. This ensures your work doesn't get lost when the internet connection goes down
2. Turn off your modem and router (if you have one), then wait for about 15 seconds.
   1. If you aren't able to find the Power Button, you can also just unplug your device.
3. Plug in your modem, then wait about 2 minutes for it to boot up and connect.
   1. It may take a few minutes for everything to load and your internet connection to come back on.
4. Plug in your router (if you have one), then wait for 1-2 minutes.
   1. It may take a couple minutes for the Wifi to turn on.
5. Turn on your computer.

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