connecting to home network

William Peakes 0 Reputation points
2026-05-12T22:00:27.99+00:00

I have been using this same computer for years and today I did a backup to an earlier date

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Internet and connectivity

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  1. AI answer

    2026-05-12T22:00:38.55+00:00

    To reconnect this Windows home PC to the home network after restoring to an earlier date, try the following steps on the PC:

    1. Verify physical/network connections
      • If using Ethernet, make sure the cable is firmly plugged into both the PC and the router.
      • If using Wi‑Fi, confirm the router is on and other devices can connect.
    2. Run a network reset (last-resort step if basic checks fail)
      • Open Settings from Start.
      • Go to Network & internet.
      • On Windows 11: select Advanced network settings > Network reset.
      • On Windows 10: select Status > Network reset.
      • Select Reset now > Yes.
      • The PC will restart; after restart, reconnect to the home Wi‑Fi or Ethernet and test access to the home network and internet.
      • Note: After network reset, VPN clients or virtual switches (Hyper‑V, etc.) might need to be reinstalled/reconfigured, and network profiles may revert to Public.
    3. If Ethernet still does not work, reinstall the Ethernet adapter driver
      • Open Device Manager (search for “Device Manager” from Start).
      • Expand Network adapters and locate the Ethernet adapter.
      • Right‑click it and select Uninstall device.
      • Check Attempt to remove the driver for this device and select Uninstall.
      • Restart the PC (Start > Power > Restart).
      • Windows will reinstall the adapter automatically; then test the home network connection again.

    If Wi‑Fi is the issue instead of Ethernet, use the same uninstall‑and‑restart approach on the Wi‑Fi adapter from Device Manager.

    References:

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  2. Emma1-N 12,625 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-05-13T04:08:27.3266667+00:00

    Welcome William Peakes,

    I understand how frustrating it can be when you restored your Windows PC to an earlier date and now cannot reconnect to your home network. 

    Before we continue, I would like to clarify a couple of points: 

    • Are you unable to see your Wi‑Fi network at all, or can you see it but cannot connect? 
    • Are other devices able to connect to the same home network without issues? 
    • What version of Windows are you using?

    In addition to Q&A Assist's suggested steps, please try these extra checks to move forward:   

    Option 1: Restart your network equipment  

    • Power off your modem and router 
    • Wait about 10 seconds, then turn them back on and let them fully start  

    Option 2: Run the built‑in network troubleshooter  

    • Go to Settings 
    • Open Network & internet 
    • Run the Network troubleshooter to automatically detect and fix issues  

    Option 3: Forget and reconnect to your Wi‑Fi network (for Wi‑Fi)  

    • Go to Network & internet settings 
    • Select Wi‑Fi and manage known networks 
    • Remove your home network and reconnect with the password 

    I hope this information helps resolve your issue. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me again in this thread. 

    P.S: If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".      

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