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Are you getting the “WiFi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error message on your Windows computer, preventing you from accessing the internet? Let’s start by understanding what this error message means.
When you connect to a WiFi network, your device needs an IP address to communicate with other devices and access the internet. If Windows fails to obtain a valid IP address from the router or encounters a configuration conflict, it displays the “WiFi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error.
There are various reasons for this error, with the primary cause being a failure in communication between your device and the router, often due to issues with network settings or hardware.
Common causes for that issue include outdated network adapter drivers, incorrect network settings, IP address conflicts, and temporary glitches in the router or modem.
Above mentioned causes can also result in other network errors when Wifi keeps disconnecting frequently.
Or the common error users experience on Google Chrome saying “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET”. As well as other errors like “Security or Firewall Settings Might Be Blocking the Connection”.
In this guide, we’ll discuss several solutions to address most of the reasons for this error for both Windows 10 and 11.
TRY IT NOW: Quick fixes for the ‘Wrong IP Configuration’ Error:
Need a quick solution? Here’s a quick brief of the easy solutions:
- Restart your computer with a clean boot to resolve software conflicts.
- Turn off and on your router to refresh its settings and fix connectivity issues.
- Let Windows’ built-in tool automatically find and fix problems with your network adapter.
- Change your router’s network name and password to solve potential configuration conflicts.
- Check if necessary network services are active to ensure proper connectivity.
- Fix issues related to your wireless adapter by updating its software or reinstalling it.
- Set your computer to get an IP address automatically and adjust the router channel width setting to auto.
In the next sections, Let’s discuss these and some more advanced solutions in detail.
7 Easy Solutions to Resolve Invalid IP Configuration Error
Let’s begin with the detailed simple methods to address the issue. These solutions are user-friendly and accessible to those without in-depth technical expertise.
Solution 1: Restart Your PC with Clean Boot
A clean boot can help identify and resolve conflicts caused by third-party software. Here’s how to do it:
- Press ‘Windows + R’, type “msconfig”, and hit ‘Enter’.
- In the “System Configuration” window, go to the “Services” tab.
- Check the box for “Hide all Microsoft services” and then click “Disable all”.
- Click “Apply” and restart your computer to enter a clean boot state with only Microsoft services running.
- Check if you can connect to the Wi-Fi without issues. If you can, a third-party service is causing the interference — identify and disable it.
Solution 2: Restart Your Router and Modem
Sometimes, a simple router restart can resolve IP configuration errors. This can help in refreshing the network and resolving minor issues.
- Turn off your router and unplug it from the power source.
- Wait for about 30 seconds.
- Plug it back in and turn it on.
- Wait until the router fully restarts and try reconnecting your computer to the WiFi.
Solution 3: Use the Network Adapter Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix the problem. Here are the steps:
- Go to “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Troubleshoot”.
- Click on “Additional troubleshooters”.
- Select “Network Adapter” and click “Run the troubleshooter”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Solution 4: Modify the Router’s SSID and Password
Changing the SSID (network name) and password can resolve conflicts and ensure a fresh connection.
- Access your router’s settings through a web browser by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
- Log in with the router’s username and password.
- Navigate to the “Wireless” settings.
- Change the “SSID” and set a new password.
- Save the changes and reconnect your devices using the new details.
Solution 5: Verify the Network Service Status
The network service must be running for proper IP configuration. To check if your Network Service is running follow the below steps:
- Press the ‘Windows Key’ and type “services” in the search box.
- Click on the “Services” application in the list to open it. This may take some time to load.
- In the list, scroll down and right-click on “WLAN AutoConfig Service”, and select “Properties”.
- Ensure the service status is “Running” and the startup type is set to “Automatic”. If not, make the changes and restart your PC.
Solution 6: Update and Reinstall the Wi-Fi Network Adapter
Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers can lead to connectivity issues, including the “WiFi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error. Follow the below:
- Press ‘Win + X ‘and select “Device Manager”.
- Expand the “Network adapters” category.
- Right-click your “network adapter” and then press “Update driver”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.
Solution 7: Obtain the IP Address Automatically and Set Channel Width to Auto
Ensure your network adapter is set to obtain an IP address automatically.
- Go to “Control Panel” > “Network and Sharing Center”.
- Select “Change adapter settings”.
- Right-click on your wireless adapter and press “Properties”.
- Choose “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”and press “Properties”.
- Make sure that the options “Obtain an IP address automatically”, “Obtain DNS server address automatically” are selected.
- Go back to the other window and select “Configure” button as shown below.
- Click “Advanced” tab. Select “802.11n Channel Width” for band 2.4 and set to “Auto”.
6 Advanced Ways to Fix “WiFi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration Error” on Windows
For those who have tried basic troubleshooting and still face the issue, this section delves into more complex and technical methods to resolve the issue.
Advanced Solution 1: Temporarily Turn Off Your Antivirus Software
This allows your network adapter to receive the correct IP configuration from the router.
Antivirus software can sometimes interfere with network settings. Turning it off temporarily helps identify if the antivirus is causing the problem.
- Open your antivirus software.
- Find the option to disable it temporarily (usually under settings or protection).
- Disable it and check your network connection.
If the issue is resolved, consider configuring your antivirus to avoid network interference.
Advanced Solution 2: Reset IP Settings and TCP/IP Stack on the Network Adapter (Reset Wireless Network Adapter)
Manually releasing and renewing your IP configuration can help resolve IP address conflicts. This would reset network settings to their default state. To do this:
- Press ‘Win + R ‘ to open the “Run” dialog.
- Type “cmd” and press ‘Enter’ to open the “Command Prompt”.
- Type the following commands one by one and press ‘Enter’ after each:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
- Restart your computer.
Advanced Solution 3: Restore the Firewall to Default Settings
A misconfigured firewall can block network connections. Resetting the firewall rules can resolve connectivity issues. To do so follow the below steps:
- Go to “Control Panel” > “Windows Defender Firewall”.
- Click on “Restore defaults” on the left pane.
- Confirm the action.
Advanced Solution 4: Manually Configure Your IP Address
Setting a static IP can resolve conflicts with automatic IP assignment.
- Go to “Control Panel” > “Network and Sharing Center”.
- Select “Change adapter settings”.
- Right-click on your wireless adapter and press on “Properties”.
- Click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and press “Properties”.
- Select “Use the following IP address” and enter the following details:
IP address: 192.168.1.x (replace x with a number between 2 and 254)
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Default gateway: 192.168.1.1 - Now select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the preferred DNS server (e.g., 8.8.8.8 for Google DNS).
- Check “Validate settings upon exit”.
- Click “OK” to save settings.
This assigns a fixed IP address to your device, avoiding conflicts.
Advanced Solution 5: Ensure DHCP & WLAN AutoConfig Services Are Running
These services are crucial for network connectivity. These services help manage IP configuration and wireless connections. Here are the steps:
- Press ‘Windows + R’, type “services.msc”, and hit ‘Enter’.
- Find “DHCP Client” and “WLAN AutoConfig”.
- Ensure both are running and set to “Automatic”.
- If not, right-click, select “Automatic”, and press “Start”.
Advanced Solution 6: Reset Network Settings
A network reset can resolve persistent network issues. It will restore all network settings to default, resolving misconfigurations.
- Go to “Settings” > “Network & Internet”.
- Scroll down, select “Advanced Network Settings”, and click on “Network Reset”.
- Click “Reset now” and confirm.
Conclusion
By following the solutions mentioned above, you can effectively diagnose and fix the “WiFi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error on your Windows computer and get back online.
Just start with the easy solutions and gradually move to the advanced ones. If the issue persists consider contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP) because that might indicate a very bad connection problem.
We hope that this guide was helpful for you. If you have any other issues associated with this error, feel free to post in comments below and discuss!
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