ByIf you are a Windows user and you see an error like “Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration”, it means that your computer is unable to obtain an IP address. This problem can disrupt your network connection and completely prevent internet access. In this article, we will explain all the effective ways to fix this error in detail.
Why does this problem occur?
This error can occur due to the following reasons:
Network adapter error
IP settings error
Router or modem problem
TCP/IP stack corruption
Manual IP assignment
1. Restart the computer and router
The first and easiest solution is to restart the system and network devices.
Steps:
Turn off your computer.
Turn off the router or modem for at least 60 seconds.
Turn both back on and see if the problem is resolved.
2. Run the Network Troubleshooter
The Windows built-in troubleshooter can fix many network problems automatically.
Steps:
Open the Start Menu > Settings > Network & Internet
Go to the Status tab > Click on Network Troubleshooter
Windows will automatically scan and fix the problems
3. Set the IP address and DNS automatically
If you have set a manual IP, make it automatic.
Steps:
1. Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center
2. Click on Active Ethernet Connection > Properties
3. Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
4. Select “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically”
5. Click OK and restart the system
4. Reset network settings
Resetting network settings in Windows can fix many IP-related problems.
Use Command Prompt:
Open CMD as Administrator
Run the following commands one by one:
“`bash
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
“`
Then restart the system.
5. Update or reinstall the network driver
This problem can also occur if the network adapter driver is outdated or corrupt.
Steps:
Open Start > Device Manager
Expand Network adapters
Right-click on your Ethernet device > Update driver
If the update does not work, then go to > Uninstall device and then restart the computer
Windows will automatically install the new driver.
6. Set manual IP and DNS (Static IP Configuration)
If DHCP is not working, you can assign IP manually.
Steps:
Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Adapter settings
Right click on Ethernet > Properties > TCP/IPv4
Select Use the following IP address:
“`
IP address: 192.168.1.100
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Default gateway: 192.168.1.1
Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
“`
Note: This setting may change according to your network.
7. Check the DHCP Client Service
If the DHCP Client Service of Windows is turned off, IP is not auto-assigned.
Steps:
Press Windows + R, type services.msc
Find and double-click the DHCP Client
Set Startup type: Automatic and Service Status: Running
8. Update BIOS/UEFI (sometimes required)
Some users have reported that the BIOS update fixed the network issue. But this is a technical process; do it carefully.
Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website
Download the latest BIOS
Follow the instructions
9. Change power management settings
Windows may disable the network in power-saving mode.
Steps:
Go to Device Manager > Network Adapter > Properties
Power Management tab
Uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”
10. Temporarily disable the firewall or antivirus
Sometimes, third-party antivirus or firewall software may interfere with network settings.
Steps:
Open your antivirus program
Temporarily disable Real Time Protection or Network Shield
Check your internet connection now
If the problem is fixed, consider changing the antivirus software.
11. Factory Reset the Router
If all attempts fail, factory resetting the router may be the last option.
Note: This will erase all the settings on the router.
Press and hold the wrist button on the back of the router for 10-15 seconds
The router will restart and return to default mode
Restart the setup and check the Ethernet connection
Conclusion
“Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” is a common but annoying error. All the methods mentioned above can help you solve this problem step by step. Start with a restart, and gradually move to network settings, drivers, IP settings, and hardware resets.
If you still have problems after trying these methods, the network card or Ethernet cable may be faulty at the hardware level.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ Error
Q1: What does the “Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error mean?
Answer:
This error means that your computer is unable to get the correct IP address from the router or modem, which interrupts the internet connection.
Q2: Does this problem occur on Wi-Fi as well?
Answer:
No, this error occurs only when you are connected to the internet via an Ethernet cable. Wi-Fi connections have different types of IP-related errors.
Q3: Can just restarting solve this problem?
Answer:
Sometimes just restarting the computer and router solves this problem, but if it doesn’t, other technical measures have to be taken.
Q4: Is it necessary to update the driver?
Answer:
Yes, if the network driver is outdated or corrupted, updating or reinstalling it may resolve the issue.
Question 5: Can I use manual IP settings?
Answer:
Yes, you can manually assign a Static IP and DNS by going to TCP/IPv4, especially when automatic IP assignment (DHCP) is not working.
Question 6: Can this occur in both Windows 11/10?
Answer:
Yes, this issue can be seen in Windows 11, Windows 10, and earlier versions as well, especially when there is an error in the network configuration.
Question 7: Is it safe to reset the router?
Answer:
If all else fails, a factory reset of the router is the last resort. However, this will erase all your custom settings, so do it carefully.
Question 8: What to do if this issue is recurring?
Answer:
If the problem is recurring, then there may be some permanent fault in your network hardware. In such a case, it would be advisable to contact a network technician.
