The Network Reset Utility is designed with security as a primary concern. This document outlines the security measures implemented and provides guidelines for safe usage.
- Auto-elevation: Automatically requests Administrator privileges through Windows UAC
- Privilege verification: Validates administrator access before executing critical operations
- Secure execution: Uses PowerShell's
Start-Process -Verb RunAsfor safe privilege escalation
- User input sanitization: All user inputs are properly sanitized and validated
- Input length limiting: User responses are limited to single character inputs
- Case-insensitive processing: Prevents bypass attempts through case manipulation
- Graceful failure handling: Script continues operation even if individual components fail
- Safe fallback mechanisms: Alternative methods attempted when primary operations fail
- Process isolation: Each network operation is isolated to prevent cascading failures
- Resets Windows network stack components
- Modifies system-level network configurations
- Requires and uses Administrator privileges
- Temporarily disrupts network connectivity
- Accesses Windows system directories and services
- Temporary network disruption: May temporarily disconnect internet access
- Firewall reset: Restores Windows Firewall to default settings
- Network service restart: Stops and starts critical network services
- System file access: Writes to system temporary directories for verification
- Close sensitive applications that require network access
- Save all work as network connectivity will be temporarily interrupted
- Ensure alternative internet access (mobile hotspot) is available if needed
- Run from a trusted location - avoid running from temporary or downloaded folders
- Do not interrupt the script while it's running
- Allow UAC prompts when requested
- Monitor the output for any unexpected errors
- Wait for completion before using network applications
- Restart your computer as recommended
- Verify network connectivity before resuming sensitive operations
- Check firewall settings if you had custom configurations
- Test all network-dependent applications
- You are currently in a remote session (RDP, TeamViewer, etc.)
- You are performing critical network-dependent tasks
- You don't have physical access to the computer
- You are unsure about the source or integrity of the script
- Your system is part of a managed domain without IT approval
- You have custom firewall rules that need to be preserved
- You are using VPN connections that may be disrupted
- You have specialized network configurations
- You are on a business or enterprise network
- Open source: All code is visible and auditable
- No external downloads: Script doesn't download or install anything
- Uses built-in Windows tools: Only uses native Windows commands
- No data collection: Doesn't send any information externally
- No persistence: Doesn't create permanent system changes beyond network reset
The script only uses these trusted Windows commands:
netsh- Network shell utilityipconfig- IP configuration utilitynet- Network service managementtimeout- Delay utility- Standard batch file commands
If you discover a security vulnerability or have concerns:
- Do not open a public issue for security vulnerabilities
- Contact the maintainer directly with details
- Provide steps to reproduce if applicable
- Include your Windows version and relevant system information
This script will be updated if:
- Security vulnerabilities are discovered
- New Windows security features need to be accommodated
- Additional safety measures are identified
- User feedback indicates security concerns
Before using this script, ensure:
- You have Administrator privileges
- You understand what the script does
- You have saved all important work
- You have alternative internet access if needed
- You are not in a remote session
- You have physical access to the computer
- You trust the source of this script
Remember: This script is a powerful network administration tool. Use it responsibly and only when necessary.