FIX: WiFi doesn't have a valid IP configuration.
If you cannot connect to your Wi-Fi network and after running the network troubleshooter you get the error message "WiFi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration", then continue reading below to fix the problem.
This tutorial contains instructions to resolve the "Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration" error on Windows 10/8 or 7 OS.
How to FIX: Wi-Fi doesn’t have valid IP configuration on Windows 10/11.
There are couple of solutions to resolve the "Wi-Fi doesn’t have valid IP configuration" problem, so if you try one solution and it doesn’t work, don’t lose hope, just try the others.
- Reset TCP/IP parameters.
- Renew IP address.
- Refresh IP Address and Reset DNS Address settings.
- Uninstall/Reinstall the Wireless Adapter Driver.
- Update Wireless adapter drivers.
- Set DCHP & WLAN Autoconfig Services to Automatic.
- Specify a static IP Address.
- Reset Router or Replace Network Adapter.
Solution 1: Reset TCP/IP parameters.
The "Wi-Fi doesn’t have valid IP configuration" error message commonly means that your TCP/IP settings have improperly configured. So, the first way to resolve the Wi-Fi connection problem is to reset the TCP/IP using the "netsh" command.
1. Open command prompt as administrator. To do that:
1. In the Search box type: cmd or command prompt
2. Right click on the command prompt (result) and select Run as Administrator.
3. At command prompt, type the following command and press Enter.
- netsh winsock reset
4. Then type the following command and press Enter.
- netsh int ip reset
5. Close the command prompt window and restart your computer.
Solution 2: FIX "WiFi doesn't have a valid IP configuration" by Renewing IP Address.
The next method to fix the mentioned error, is to obtain a new IP Address from the network. To do that:
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. After the command prompt opens, type the following command and hit Enter. *
- ipconfig /release
* Note: you must put a space between ipconfig and /release
3. Then type: *
- Ipconfig /renew
* Note: you must put a space between ipconfig and /renew.
4. Close the command prompt window and restart your computer.
Solution 3. Refresh IP Address and Reset DNS Address settings.
The next method to fix the "WiFi doesn't have a valid IP configuration" error, is to reset the IP address settings.
1. Open an elevated command prompt.
2. In the command prompt window, type the following three (3) commands in order (press Enter after typing each of them).
-
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /flushdns
- ipconfig /renew
3. Close command prompt and restart your computer.
Solution 4. Uninstall and Reinstall the Wireless Adapter Driver.
The error “WiFi doesn't have a valid IP configuration" can be caused by faulty network driver. So, proceed to uninstall the wireless adapter driver and then let the Windows to reinstall it automatically the next time you restart your system. To uninstall your Wi-Fi network driver, follow the steps below:
1. Navigate to Device Manager. To do that:
1. Press Windows + “R” keys to load the Run dialog box.
2. Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter to open the device manager.
2. In device manager, expand the Network adapters.
3. Right click on the Wireless adapter and choose Uninstall.
4. Mark the checkbox "Delete the driver software for this device" (if it appears) and click OK on the confirmation window.
5. Restart your PC.
6. After restart let Windows to reinstall the WiFi driver and then try to connect to Internet. *
* Note: If Windows doesn't install the drivers automatically, continue to next solution.
Solution 5. Update Wireless adapter drivers from Manufacturer's site.
1. Download the latest driver for the Wi-Fi adapter from manufacturer's support site. To download the driver, use one of the following options:
a. Connect your PC to Internet via the Ethernet Adapter (LAN Cable), or…
b. Download the driver, from another working computer and use a USB drive to transfer the driver on the PC with the Wi-Fi error.
2. If the driver, comes on an ".exe" file, then run it to install the driver, otherwise use the device manager to install the driver. To do that:
1. Navigate to Device Manager.
2. Right click on the Wireless adapter and choose Update Driver Software.
3. Choose Browse my computer for driver software.
4. Click Browse and choose the location (folder) of the downloaded driver.
5. If Windows can found an updated version of the driver, click Next to install it.
6. When the driver installation is completed. restart your computer.
Solution 6. FIX "Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration" by Starting DHCP & WLAN AutoConfig Services.
1. Navigate to Services control panel. To do that:
1. Simultaneously press the Windows + R keys to open run command box.
2. In run command box, type: services.msc and press Enter.
2. At the right pane, ensure the following services are Running and the Startup Type is Automatic.
- DHCP Client
- WLAN AutoConfig
3. If one of the above services is not running or the Startup type is Manual, continue to next step, otherwise skip to next method.
4. Right-click on the service and select Properties.
5. Set the Startup Type to Automatic, click the Start button and then click Apply > OK to save the changes.
6. Finally restart your PC and then try to connect to your Network.
Solution 7. Specify a static IP Address.
1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
2. In the Run command box, type ncpa.cpl and hit Enter to open Network Connections.
3. Right click at the Wi-Fi Network Connection and choose Properties.
4. Then select the 'Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)' and click Properties again.
5a. Select the option to Use the following IP address and enter the following:
- IP address: 192.168.1.X (Replace X with any number from 10 to 254).*
- Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
- Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1.
* Note: The above IP Address settings apply in most cases. You can use any number to represent X. If you are unsure, use "192.168.1.23" or ask your ISP provider for the correct IP settings for your local network.
5b. Then select Use the following DNS server addresses and type the following Google DNS Server addresses:
- 8.8.8.8
- 8.8.4.4
5c. When done, click OK and then Close.
6. Restart your computer.
Solution 8. Reset Router or Replace Network Adapter.
If your computer still can't connect to the network after following the methods above, this may indicate a problem with your network card or a router problem. To properly address the problem, proceed as follows:
- If other devices/computers can connect without problem to the same network that you cannot connect to with your computer, then replace your Wi-Fi network card. (eg. with a USB Wi-FI card), and see if that solves the problem. If not, I suggest to backup your files and to RESET your PC or to perform a clean Windows installation.
- If the other devices/computers can't connect also to the same network that you can't connect to, then try to reset your Router* to its factory default settings and if the problem persists speak with your ISP provider and ask to replace your Router.
To Reset your Router:
* Attention: Resetting the router to its factory default settings will erase all your custom settings and configurations, including the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) & the Wi-Fi password. For this reason, after router's reset, you have to connect to Router's default SSID using the default Wi-Fi Password. (This information usually can be found on a sticker on Router's case).
1. Locate the Reset button on the router. The reset button is usually a small button located on the back of the router, labeled "Reset"
2. Press and hold the Reset button for 10-15 seconds until the router's lights start to blink or flash. In some routers you must press the reset button using a paperclip or a similar tool.
3. Release the reset button.
4. Wait for the router to reboot: The router will now reboot and reset itself to its factory default settings. (This process may take a few minutes).
That's it! Which method worked for you?
Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.
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Prakhar Pandey
July 16, 2022 @ 9:45 am
Thanks.
The 7th solution worked for me :D
Muneesh
July 11, 2021 @ 9:10 am
Thanks. I tried all the steps in the solution above but still unable to connect laptop to mobile hotspot…Wifi does not have a valid ip configuration…this laptop accepts other mobile hotspots for internet…at the same time, the mobile hotspot in question connects with other laptops…what next could i do…
lakonst
July 12, 2021 @ 9:43 am
Muneesh, try the following:
1. If you have specified a static IP Address, follow the steps in solution 7 and select "Obtain IP Address automatically" & "Obtain DNS automatically". Then, restart your laptop and try to connect to the mobile hotspot.
2. Check on laptop manufacturer support sit if there is an updated driver for the Wireless card.
3. Check if you can connect to mobile hotspot by using a USB Wireless adapter (if you own one).
Denise
October 1, 2020 @ 4:04 am
I have tried each and every one of these steps. Checking after each one. These steps and a few more, are listed every where as the solutions. \
Nothing has worked. My connection remains for anything from 1 minute up to a couple of hours – usually a few minutes though.
I can put my laptop, tablet, mobile phone, etc. on my desk where my desktop windows 10 PC is and I do not have an issue connecting and remaining connected to the internet.
What is my problem??
lakonst
October 1, 2020 @ 10:03 am
I suppose that you have a problem with your Wireless card. Can you try with another one?