CBC Computer Services

PowerShell Script to Reset Winsock

To reset Winsock using PowerShell, you can use the netsh command, which is designed for network configuration and troubleshooting. Winsock (Windows Sockets API) controls how Windows programs access network services, so resetting it can resolve network connectivity issues, such as slow speeds or a malfunctioning internet connection. This can be particularly useful if you’re experiencing issues after a power outage, an update, or network configuration changes.

PowerShell Script to Reset Winsock

# Reset Winsock
Write-Host "Resetting Winsock..."
netsh winsock reset

# Prompt for restarting the computer
Write-Host "Winsock reset completed. You should restart your computer for changes to take effect."

Steps to Run the Script:

  1. Open PowerShell as Administrator:
  • Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  1. Run the Script:
  • You can either paste the script directly into the PowerShell window or save it as a .ps1 file (e.g., ResetWinsock.ps1) and execute it.
  1. Restart Your PC:
  • After running the reset, restart your computer to apply the changes.

When to Use a Winsock Reset:

In areas like rural Upstate New York, where you may rely on satellite or rural broadband providers, network interruptions or misconfigurations can be common due to weather or infrastructure issues. Resetting Winsock can help restore network settings that might have been corrupted, offering a quick solution before having to call in tech support.