How to Fix “WiFi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration” Error

You’re not alone if you’ve ever encountered the “WiFi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration” error. This frustrating issue can prevent you from accessing the Internet, leaving you disconnected and unable to perform even the most basic online tasks. The error generally means that your device cannot obtain a valid IP address from the router, essential for connecting to the Internet.

This Fortect guide will explain the common causes of this error and provide step-by-step instructions for fixing it on your Windows PC.

Causes of the “WiFi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration” Error

• You might encounter this error on your Windows PC for several reasons. Understanding these causes can help you determine the most appropriate solution:
• Router or Network Issues: Sometimes, the problem stems from the router itself. It might be misconfigured or experiencing temporary glitches preventing it from correctly assigning an IP address.
• Incorrect Network Settings: Your device’s network settings might have been changed or corrupted, preventing it from obtaining a valid IP address. This could be due to a manual configuration error or third-party software interference.
• Driver Problems: Outdated or corrupted network drivers can also cause issues with IP configuration. If the drivers managing your network adapter are not functioning correctly, your device might struggle to connect to your router properly.

8 Ways to Fix WiFi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration Error

Restart Your Router

Restarting your router is often the first step in troubleshooting network issues. It can resolve temporary glitches that prevent your device from obtaining a valid IP address.

• Step 1: Turn off your router and unplug it from the power source.
• Step 2: Wait for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. This allows the router to reset completely.
• Step 3: Plug the router back in and turn it on. Please wait for it to restart and try fully reconnecting to the WiFi network.

Restart Your Device

A simple restart of your device can refresh the network settings and resolve minor configuration issues.

• Step 1: Save any open work and close all applications.
• Step 2: Click on the Start menu and select “Restart.”
• Step 3: Once your device has restarted, attempt to reconnect to the WiFi network.

Reset Network Adapter IP Configuration and TCP/IP Settings

Resetting your network adapter can resolve configuration issues that might be causing the error.

• Step 1: Press Windows + X and select “Network Connections.”
• Step 2: Right-click on your WiFi connection and select “Properties.”
• Step 3: Click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and then click “Properties.”
• Step 4: Choose “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically.”
• Step 5: Click “OK” and restart your computer.

Release and Renew Your IP Address

Releasing and renewing your IP address can refresh your connection to the network.

• Step 1: Type CMD on start button > run as administrator
• Step 2: Type ipconfig /release and press Enter to release your IP address.
• Step 3: Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter to request a new IP address.
• Step 4: Close the terminal and try reconnecting to the WiFi network.

Set Your IP Address Manually

Sometimes, manually setting your IP address can help resolve configuration errors.

• Step 1: Go to “Network and Sharing Center” from the Control Panel.
• Step 2: Click on your WiFi connection and then “Properties.”
• Step 3: Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties.”
• Step 4: Select “Use the following IP address” and enter your desired IP address, Subnet mask, and Default gateway.
• Step 5: Click “OK” and restart your computer.

Change the Number of DHCP Users

Adjusting the DHCP settings on your router can sometimes resolve IP configuration issues.

• Step 1: Access your router’s settings via a web browser.
• Step 2: Locate the DHCP settings under “Network” or “LAN settings.”
• Step 3: Increase the number of DHCP users and save the settings.
• Step 4: Restart your router and try reconnecting to the WiFi network.

Check if the Network Service Is Running

Ensuring that essential network services are running can resolve IP configuration issues.

• Step 1: Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and Enter.
• Step 2: Scroll down and find “DHCP Client” and “DNS Client.”
• Step 3: Ensure both services are running. If not, right-click and select “Start.”
• Step 4: Close the services window and try reconnecting to the WiFi network.

Update Your Device Drivers

Updating your network drivers can resolve compatibility issues and bugs that might be causing the error.

• Step 1: Press Windows + X and select “Device Manager.”
• Step 2: Expand the “Network adapters” section, right-click your WiFi adapter, and select “Update driver.”
• Step 3: Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the prompts.
• Step 4: Restart your computer after the update and try reconnecting to the WiFi network.

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Fortect premium with driver updater automatically scans your system for all installed drivers, identifies outdated ones, and automatically updates them.  

You can try the trial version if you’re not ready to commit to the premium version. However, it only allows you to manually update drivers individually for the ones you choose.

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Conclusion

Fixing the “WiFi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration” error can be straightforward if you understand the potential causes and follow the appropriate troubleshooting steps. Restarting your router, updating drivers, or manually configuring your IP settings can help restore your internet connection.

Regularly updating your device drivers and maintaining your network equipment can also prevent this issue from recurring, ensuring a smooth and reliable internet experience.