How To Solve The ‘Windows Has Detected an IP Address Conflict’ Error

When a device is linked to a network, it is given a unique identifier known as an IP address. IP addresses are used by computers to identify and communicate with one another and with other devices on the network.

When two or more devices have IP addresses that are too similar, the network is unable to tell them apart. This results in the “Windows has discovered an IP address conflict” message appearing whenever internet access is attempted.

Causes of “Windows Has Detected an IP Address Conflict” Issue

1. Static IP Assignment: When two devices on the same network are manually assigned the same static IP address, a conflict occurs.
2. Dynamic IP Address Assignment: If the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server assigns the same IP address to multiple devices, it can lead to conflicts.
3. Router or DHCP Server Malfunction: A malfunctioning router or DHCP server can sometimes distribute IP addresses incorrectly, causing conflicts.
4. Network Configuration Changes: Changes made to your network configuration, such as adding a new router or access point, can sometimes trigger IP address conflicts.

Read Also:

1. GeForce Experience Error Code 0x0003
2. WiFi Doesnt Have a Valid IP Configuration
3. How To Find the Path of a Network Drive Windows 10

Quick Fixes for the “Windows Has Detected an IP address Conflict” Error Message

To guarantee that each of your gadgets has a distinct IP address, follow these procedures. If the problem persists after trying the quickest and easiest solution, try the next one on the list.

Solution 1. Try Restarting Your Router

When a device connects to the internet through your router, it receives a new IP address. A “Windows has identified an IP address conflict” or “Windows has failed to retrieve an IP address” warning may appear if it is unable to do so. It could help to restart it.

Step 1: To disable the router, locate its power switch. (This will also cut your connection to the web).

Step 2: Do not assume that your router and network have completely powered down without waiting 5 minutes.

Step 3: Reboot your modem/router. After then, it’s possible that you’ll need to reconnect your gadgets to the web.

Solution 2. Change DNS Servers

In order to access various websites, web browsers make use of the DNS (Domain Name System) server, which acts as a sort of internet directory. If you’re interested in knowing more, we’ve covered every aspect of DNS.

An IP conflict error may appear if your DNS server settings are incorrect or if your present server is malfunctioning. At goodness this is an easy problem to fix by switching DNS servers. Below are the actions you need to take in order to alter Windows’s preconfigured DNS server:

Step 1: You may launch Settings by hitting the Win + I shortcut.

Step 2: Additional network adaptor options can be found by going to Network and Internet > Advanced Network Settings.

Step 3: If you want to change the settings for your Internet connection, right-click it and select Properties.

Step 4: Double-click the entry for Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).

Step 5: A DNS server address can be used by selecting the “Use the following DNS server address” option.

Step 6: When prompted, enter 8.8.8.8 for the Preferred DNS server and 8.8.4.4 for the Alternative DNS server.

Step 7: Lastly, select OK to apply your modifications.

Step 8: For the sake of this lesson, we’ve been using Google’s Public DNS. Using a trusted DNS server is another simple way to boost your online safety.

Solution 3. Modify IPv6 Connectivity

Changing the IPv6 connectivity settings may resolve issues with using internet-dependent services. If you aren’t sure if your ISP supports IPV6 before continuing, you should do it now.

Just enter your IP address into Test IPv6 for an instant verification. Confirmation complete, follow these instructions to disable IPv6 on your network:

Step 1: Launch Network Connections by right-clicking the Start button.

Step 2: Choose Additional network adapter options after clicking Advanced network settings.

Step 3: Choose the “Properties” option that appears when you right-click on your network connection.

Step 4: Then, remove the tick from TCP/IPv6 to disable it.

Step 5: At last, select OK to commit your new settings.

Solution 4: Remove Static IP

A computer with a static IP address has had its address typed in and configured by hand. This could potentially disrupt your network. Having your network automatically issue an IP address to your gadget is a convenient and common practice.

In the event that you see the “Windows has discovered an IP address conflict” notification, switching to an automated IP address may help.

Step 1: Hold down the Windows key and press the letter R on your keyboard. The program’s “Run” button will appear.

Step 2: Enter ncpa.cpl and confirm with OK. Invoking the Network Connections pane will do just that.

Step 3: Choose the adapter’s properties by right-clicking on it.

Step 4: Connect to the Internet using TCP/IPv4, and then double-click on it.

Step 5: Choose Automatically obtain an IP address and Automatically obtain DNS server address from the General tab.

Step 6: Once you’ve done so, close both windows by clicking their respective OK buttons and restarting the computer.

How to Reset Your Windows IP Address

To reset your Windows IP address, follow these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt:
   • Press the Windows key.
   • Type “cmd.”
   • Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”
2. Release Your IP Address:
   • In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
     ipconfig /release

3. Renew Your IP Address:
   • After releasing the IP address, type the following command and press Enter:
     ipconfig /renew

4. Flush DNS Cache:
   • To flush the DNS cache, type the following command and press Enter:
     ipconfig /flushdns

5. Restart Your Computer:
   • Restart your computer to apply the new IP address settings.

How to Identify IP Address Conflicts

To identify IP address conflicts, follow these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt:
   • Press the Windows key.
   • Type “cmd.”
   • Open “Command Prompt.”
2. Check IP Configuration:
   • In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
     ipconfig /all

3. Look for Duplicate IP Addresses:
   • Scroll through the results and look for devices that share the same “IPv4 Address.”

Resolving IP Address Conflicts Using Command Prompt (CMD)

If you’ve identified an IP address conflict using the steps above, you can resolve it using Command Prompt:

1. Change the IP Address Manually:
   • In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter to set a new IP address manually (replace “X” with a unique number between 1 and 254):
     netsh interface ipv4 set address "Ethernet" static IP_ADDRESS SUBNET_MASK GATEWAY_METRIC

   • For example:
     netsh interface ipv4 set address "Ethernet" static 192.168.1.X 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.1 1

2. Restart Your Computer:
   • After setting the new IP address, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Read Also:

1. Clock Watchdog Timeout Error
2. ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED
3. This App Can’t Run On Your PC

Conclusion

As soon as two IP addresses are incompatible, Windows will display the “Windows has detected an IP address conflict” error message. If your computer’s IP address is the same as one of the IP addresses on your device, then the two devices are using the same network.

In the error message, Windows reports finding an IP address that is the same as that of another device. When the user tries to establish a connection to the network, the error occurs.

Some of our customers have reported that the error occurs when using both an ethernet and a wireless network adapter. So if you’re making the switch from WiFi to wired LAN, ensure sure the WiFi adapter is turned off or removed.