While trying to troubleshoot an inactive internet connection in Windows 10, do you repeatedly receive the “Wi-Fi doesn’t have a correct IP configuration” problem message?
That’s the case if your computer is unable to acquire a valid IP (Internet Protocol) address while connected over Wi-Fi. Ethernet can also suffer from IP-related errors.
If you have already tried restarting your computer and it didn’t work, the troubleshooting advice that follows should get you back up and running. Now find out solutions to fix wifi doesnt have a valid ip configuration.
Causes of “WiFi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration” Issue
- DHCP Server Problems: This error can occur if there are issues with your router or DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server. The DHCP server assigns IP addresses to devices on your network, and a problem with it can lead to IP configuration errors.
- IP Address Conflict: If two devices on your network are assigned the same IP address, it can result in an IP configuration conflict.
- Network Adapter Issues: Problems with your computer’s network adapter or its drivers can prevent it from obtaining a valid IP configuration.
- Router or Modem Problems: Hardware issues, firmware glitches, or misconfigurations in your router or modem can lead to this error.
How to Fix Windows 10’s Wi-Fi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration Error
We will use both generic Windows 10 troubleshooting techniques and some targeted fixes in an effort to resolve this error. Our tutorials are detailed and easy to follow, so you can quickly go back online with our help.
Method 1. Check if Network Service Is Running
If you make any adjustments to your computer’s network settings, Windows will apply them automatically via a Service. The Service needs to be active so that it can detect and accommodate for any modifications.
Press the Windows key and type “services” to see if the Network Service is active. On the list of apps, “Services” will be shown. To access the program, just click on the icon. It may take a while to load, depending on your computer.
Step 1: Choose WLAN AutoConfig Service from the list of services, and then right-click to access its settings menu.
Step 2: Make certain that “Running” is selected as the Service Status and “Automatic” is selected as the Startup Type. Restart your computer and make the necessary adjustments if this is not the case. Verify that connectivity has been fully restored. If it doesn’t fix the problem, read on.
Method 2. Reset Wireless Network Adapter
When dealing with connectivity issues in Windows 10, disabling the wireless network adapter and then re-enabling it can be very effective.
Step 1: Launch the Run dialog by pressing the Windows key + R.
Step 2: Simply press OK after typing ncpa.cpl.
Step 3: To turn off your wireless connection, open the Network and Sharing Center by pressing Windows+X, then right-click the wireless network adapter.
Step 3: Hold on for up to ten seconds.
Step 4: Right-click the wireless LAN adapter once more, and this time choose Activate.
Method 3. Restart Your Computer with a Clean Boot
When you start your computer in clean boot mode, you eliminate the possibility of errors brought on by program conflicts and third-party software.
You can try to connect to the wireless network once you have disabled any non-Microsoft programs or services. To conduct a clean boot on your Windows 10 computer, follow these steps:
Step 1: To open the Run dialog box, hit the Windows key plus R. The Run command prompt will open.
Step 2: Instead of using quotation marks, type “msconfig” and hit the Enter key. The System Settings dialog box will open.
Step 3: Go to the Services subheading. Please ensure that the option labeled “Hide all Microsoft services” is selected. This will ensure that only external services are displayed.
Step 4: Following the concealment of all system services, you can temporarily disable all third-party services by clicking the Disable all button.
Step 5: Then, after clicking the Apply button, you should restart your machine. You have successfully completed a clean boot and are now using just the official Microsoft services.
Step 6: Test your connection to the wireless network and see if there are any problems. If that’s the case, you need to investigate which of your third-party services is causing network issues and then disable it.
Method 4. Run the Network Troubleshooter
There are built-in troubleshooters in Windows 10 designed to locate and repair PC malfunctions. A useful tool for fixing network issues is the Network troubleshooter.
Step 1: To access the Start menu, click the Windows logo in the bottom left of the screen. Choose Preferences, or hit the Windows key plus I.
Step 2: Choose the Internet & Networking tile. Most of your network preferences can be changed here.
Step 3: Keeping the Status tab open is a must. In order to access the Network troubleshooter, you will need to scroll down.
Step 4: Don’t do anything until the troubleshooter has finished identifying the problems on your machine. If the troubleshooter identifies any problems, follow the on-screen directions to resolve them.
It’s possible that the problem is invisible to the troubleshooter. Because most error checkers only look for a small subset of faults, it’s not surprising that you’ve encountered this behavior.
Method 5. Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus
When installed on a computer, antivirus software might impede the smooth operation of other programs and even prevent some from starting at all.
Disabling your antivirus software for a little while will let you know if it is the source of the “Wi-Fi doesn’t have a proper IP configuration” message.
Step 1: It should be noted that doing so is not advised because it is risky to operate a computer without any sort of security software. Don’t do it unless you’ve carefully considered the potential consequences and made preparations to roll back any disruptions.
Step 2: To access the Task Manager, right-click a blank area of the taskbar.
Step 3: If the Task Manager opened in a condensed state, you can see more information by selecting the “Mode details” option.
Step 4: The header menu at the top of the window can be used to navigate to the Start-up tab.
Step 5: Just one click will select your preferred antivirus software from the selection.
Step 6: The Disable button should appear in the bottom-right corner of the window; click it. By doing so, the app will no longer run automatically once the device is turned on.
Step 7: To reconnect to your Wi-Fi network, please restart your computer.
How to Reset Your IP Settings
To reset your IP settings and resolve the “WiFi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error, follow these steps:
Method 1: Release and Renew IP Address
- Press Windows + X keys and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin).”
- Type the following command and press Enter to release your current IP configuration:
ipconfig /release
- Type the following command and press Enter to renew your IP configuration:
ipconfig /renew
- Wait for the process to complete, and then restart your computer.
Method 2: Reset TCP/IP Stack
- Open Command Prompt as administrator (Windows + X, then choose “Command Prompt (Admin)”).
- Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each to reset the TCP/IP stack:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Method 3: Reset Network Settings
- Open Settings in Windows.
- Go to “Network & Internet”.
- Under “Status,” click on “Network reset.”
- Click “Reset now” to confirm and reset your network settings.
Method 4: Update Network Drivers
- Right-click on the “Start” button and select “Device Manager.”
- Expand “Network adapters” to see your network adapters.
- Right-click on your network adapter and select “Update driver.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.
Check for Hardware Issues
If none of the above methods work, consider checking for hardware issues with your router, modem, or network adapter. Ensure all cables are properly connected, and consider restarting or resetting your router and modem.
Conclusion
Are you getting the “Wi-Fi doesn’t have a correct IP configuration” problem on Windows 10? Frustratingly, this issue prohibits you from accessing the internet. In this article, we’ll discuss what causes the error “Wi-Fi does not have a valid IP setup,” as well as how to resolve the issue and reconnect.
Understanding the root cause of this problem is important before attempting to remedy it. In a nutshell, your wireless router will provide your computer with an Internet Protocol (IP) address when you join it to the network.
Your computer and router will be unable to communicate if the IP settings are incorrect. This could happen if, for example, your computer attempts to use an IP address that is not recognized by the router.
Because of this, you receive the “doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” message whenever you try to connect to the internet. Hope now you know how to fix wifi doesnt have a valid ip configuration.