How to fix Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration error
The Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration problem occurs on Windows computers. It means the system could not receive a proper IP address from the DHCP server.
Thus, your device cannot go online via your Wi-Fi network. Let’s see how to fix this error message and connect to the internet successfully.
Why the Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration problem happens
The Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration problem means that the router IP address does not match the IP reported by the Wi-Fi network adapter.
Your router assigns an IP address to your device, and it uses the IP to communicate with the router. However, the router does not recognize the IP if an invalid IP configuration issue happens. Hence, users cannot connect to the internet.
This issue might occur for multiple reasons, each giving you hints of possible solutions:
- Problems with network drivers on your computer could trigger issues when connecting to your network.
- Static IP configuration might also cause problems since it should obtain an IP address automatically.
- Firewalls or security software could also interfere with your ability to establish an internet connection.
- Even a recent Windows update could halt your attempts to connect your computer to the internet.
How to solve the Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration problem
These guides show the quickest ways to fix the invalid IP configuration error. We explain the most common ways to solve this issue.
Solution 1: restart your PC or laptop
The quickest fix is to restart your computer. It helps your device to launch and communicate with your router. Then, your computer might receive the proper IP address for going online.
Solution 2: restart your router
If the issue remains after restarting your computer, you can try restarting your router.
- Find the power button on your router and press it to turn it off.
- Wait several minutes before turning your router back on again.
- Turn on your router and see whether your Windows computer manages to establish a connection.
Solution 3: use Windows network troubleshooter
Your Windows device might resolve the Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error automatically. The built-in network troubleshooter can help you achieve this:
- Click on your Start button and open Settings.
- Find Network & Internet and open it.
- Look for the Status tab and click on Network troubleshooter.
- Follow the steps and see if the Windows device manages to go online.
Solution 4: fix static IP configuration
Navigate to your network adapter settings to see if you have not set it to use a static IP address. The settings should let it obtain an IP address automatically.
Solution 5: check TCP/IP settings
Issues with the TCP/IP stack could trigger the Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error. So, you can attempt to reset TCP/IP stack as a possible fix (run as administrator):
- Open the Run utility by pressing Windows + R on your keyboard.
- Type cmd and press the Enter button.
- Run the following commands separately, one after the other:
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /all
ipconfig /renew
- After that, run the following commands in the same manner:
netsh int ip set dns
netsh winsock reset
- Exit the Command Prompt and see if the invalid IP error persists.
Solution 6: Update network adapter drivers
Corrupted or outdated drivers can interfere with many proper functions of your computer. In this case, you want to update the network adapter drivers:
- Press the Windows + X keys and open Device Manager.
- Click on Network adapters to expand the section.
- Double-click on the adapter you use.
- In the window, open the Driver tab.
- Click the Update Driver button.
- Here, you have two options: one to let your computer locate drivers automatically, or you can indicate them yourself.
- Wait for the driver installation to end, restart your PC, and see if you can connect to the internet.
Solution 7: reset the firewall
Current firewall rules could prevent your computer from connecting to the internet. You can reset your firewall to default settings:
- Press the Windows + S keys to open the search bar and type firewall.
- Click on Check firewall status.
- Select Restore defaults, but remember that you will also lose all settings configured for your firewall.
Solution 8: pick IP address manually
You can also try to fix/reset the Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error by setting the IP manually.
- Press the Windows + X keys and click on Network Connections.
- Click on Change adapter option. It should be under the Advanced network settings.
- In the pop-up window, right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and pick Properties.
- If needed, click Yes to permit the window to open with admin permissions.
- Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Change to the Use the following IP address option and enter the following information:
IP Address: 192.168.1.0 (change 0 to any number)
Subnet Mask: 255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1
- Pick Use the following DNS server addresses option and fill in this information:
Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
- Check the Validate settings upon exit before clicking the OK button.
Solution 9: reset network settings
You can reset the PC’s network settings to delete all existing profiles of networks you have connected to beforehand.
- Click on the Windows icon and press the Windows + I keys.
- Open Network & Internet.
- Navigate to the Status tab and find the Network reset option.
- Carefully read the warning before completing the reset.
- Click Reset now if you are fine with making such changes.
- After a successful reset process, try connecting to the internet again.
What if none of these solutions work?
If the Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error persists, you might get help from your ISP. There might be an issue with your Internet Service Provider that only they can solve.
However, you may also try connecting other devices to the network. If others connect successfully, the problem likely is with your device.
